the charles macpherson...

The Charles MaCPherson aCadeMy for Butlers and HouseHold Managers

The only Butler and Household Management School of its kind in North America

CriTiCal skills TaughT in a ClassrooM and laboraTory seTTing

At the academy, individuals who seek to enter the world of service either in a private household or as a hotel Butler are taught the critical skills they will require for their vocation. This includes such subjects as household management, etiquette and protocol, clothing and valet care, Butler skills, table setting and service, event planning, housekeeping, security, wine and mixology, first aid, household mechanicals, human resources and so much more.

The Charles MaCPherson aCadeMy for buTlers and household Managers is located in Toronto, Canada and is associated with Charles MacPherson Associates Inc. (CMA), a firm that has been providing discerning solutions to the luxury residential and hospitality markets since 1996.

The school is a registered private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005 and is the only Butler and Household Management School of its kind in North America.

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The curricular mandate of the school is to graduate skilled professionals who meet the service demands of the 21st century in luxury residential and hospitality markets.

The only buTler and household ManageMenT sChool wiTh a ProPrieTary TexTbook

We are the only Butler and Household Management School to use a proprietary Student and Teacher textbook that ensures consistency of educational standards as well as teaching methodologies from class to class. The student textbook contains over 600 pages and 1100 illustrative drawings. The material has been prepared so as to equip students with the information they need to succeed in the program and optimize their potential for success upon graduation.

ABOUT THE AcAdEmy

diverse sTudenT baCkgrounds

Students attending the Academy are comprised of those who are new to service, those seeking to upgrade their skills, as well as the employees of families or hotels who seek to enroll their staff for targeted skills development. We are proud that students who enroll at our Butler school come from diverse backgrounds representing different age groups, professional backgrounds, and various language groups from a multitude of countries. In the past, our international students have come to us from distant locations such as New Zealand, the Untited States, Singapore and China. a PlaCeMenT division working wiTh sTudenTs

The Charles MacPherson Academy works with Charles MacPherson Associates’ Placement division that specializes in the placement of Butlers, Household Managers, Chefs, Chauffeurs, Executive Housekeepers and Nannies in first-class positions around the world. During the program, the Director of Placement will meet individually with students to ascertain their career goals, and work with them to fine tune their interview techniques and resume presentation.

deMand for buTlers and household Managers

The Butler and Household Manager professions are currently undergoing a renaissance as the number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) continues to grow worldwide. The demand for trained service professionals has never been higher and remuneration for these professions has reached new levels. In North America for example, a trained Butler can expect a salary range, based on experience, of approximately $50,000 to $100,000. An experienced Household Manager could earn in a range of $80,000 to $150,000.

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household ManageMenT 3 daysAfter surveying a brief history of Household Management, this class delves into the business aspects of Household Management beginning with abbreviations of the industry, employee vs. employer communications, managing household inventories, procedures, manuals, petty cash and general best practices for a successful over-all household management structure. Students are introduced to the concept of the Family Office and how to liaise with one. Students will also receive an introduction to creating staff plans, drafting job descriptions, recruiting for household positions, employment and termination procedures, and live-in vs. live-out protocols.

seCuriTyhalf dayThe class will cover responding to different types of household emergencies, understanding the components and workings of household security systems, how to correctly communicate with a security company and assess if they are doing a good job for the household. Students will also be introduced to the management of common household security issues like employee theft, burglary, trespassing, fire, gas leaks, etc.

In Segment 1 of the 4-week program, students learn about:

firsT aid1 dayThis class teaches students the elements of First Aid, Heart Saver, and AED. Students will learn how to perform treatments for minor burns and cuts as well as how to respond to instances of potential heart attack or stroke. Students will also know how to administer CPR by the end of this one-day class.

household MeChaniCals half dayStudents will learn the terminology and typical components of a luxury residence’s mechanical systems, including smart home technology. The intent is to provide students with the terminology that will assist them as they communicate with mechanical system vendors like plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC companies, etc.

The 4-week household ManageMenT PrograM has been designed to effectively teach the maximum amount of practical skills over an intense time frame. Students have the option of attending the program as follows:

• 4-week entirety• 1-week individual segment• Individual class

The curriculum is thorough and has been designed to provide students with all of the skills required to succeed as a Butler or Household Manager in the 21st century. In addition, as a registered private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005, the Household Management Program has been vetted by the Ministry and complies with government guidelines for vocational schools.

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4.• HouseHold ManageMent• security • HouseHold MecHanicals• First aid

household ManageMenT

For current tuition and individual class rates, please visit www.charlesmacpherson.comunder Academy – Schedule and Fees.

The 4-week Household Management Program is broken into 4 major segments:

household ManageMenT

buTling and Table serviCe

housekeePing andlaundry skills

advanCed household ManageMenT

4-WEEk HOUsEHOld mAnAgEmEnT PrOgrAmABOUT THE AcAdEmy


housekeePing2 and a half daysThis class explores the theory and best practices of Housekeeping in a luxury home. This is an intense hands-on class where students have ample opportunity to practice the skills they are being taught. Students learn about the potentially damaging effects of light, temperature and dust and are introduced to cleaning products (commercial, home-made and green) as well as cleaning tools. Students learn the steps for cleaning a room, as well as how to sanitize rooms like the kitchen and bathroom. They also are

buTler skills2 daysA professional Butler teaches Butler traits, code of ethics and traditional tasks such as ironing a newspaper and setting/serving tea. Students will be taught the importance of anticipatory service and correct body language for entering and leaving a room. Students will learn how to welcome and announce guests, answer the front door as well as the telephone.

eTiqueTTe and ProToCol1 dayIn this intensive class, students receive an introduction to the history of and differences between Etiquette and Protocol, the Order of Precedence and its applications and how to make introductions (including cross-cultural). Students also practice various forms of correspondence and learn about the essential components of an invitation and how they should be interpreted. Finally, students learn the application of Etiquette and Protocol in situations such as births, weddings and funerals.

Table seTTing and serviCe 1 dayThis hands-on class introduces students to different types of utensils, serving pieces, cutlery, china and glassware. Students then proceed to table setting, table space calculation using a Butler stick and the various international styles of table setting. Students are taught napkin folding as well as learning about the Order of Service chart. Finally, students learn service styles including British, French, Russian, Asian and family style.



instructed on how to zone a home as well as clean and maintain surfaces like marble, granite, slate, laminate, wood and man-made surfaces like Corian®.

laundry2 daysThis class combines theoretical elements with hands-on practice. Students learn about best practices for household laundry, using the laundry symbol chart and are introduced to laundry products (commercial, home-made and green), tools and machines. Students learn how to prepare clothes for laundry, to pre-treat various fabrics for different stains and to systemize the tracking of dry cleaning. Students learn how to hand wash, steam a suit or dress, use a rotary iron for napkins and bed linen, and use a hand iron on a variety of fabrics. The objective is to provide the House Manager with sufficient skills to manage the laundry department, hire and train a Laundress and fill in if required.

valeT skillshalf dayStudents will learn about the role and function, both current and historical, of the Valet. The difference between a Butler and Valet is explained. Valet skills are taught to students such as shoe polishing, packing and unpacking of suitcases, tying different knot styles and jewelry cleaning. Students will learn the checklist that they should follow when returning garments to the wardrobe.

evenT Planninghalf dayStudents learn the elements of executing an event from beginning to end. This includes the management of RSVP lists and the ability to order rentals, wait staff, flowers and food in sufficient quantities according to industry standard metrics. Students also learn how to plan a menu with a Principal, Caterer or Private Chef.

4-WEEk HOUsEHOld mAnAgEmEnT PrOgrAm

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• Housekeeping• laundry• Wardrobe ManageMenT

• butler skills• etiquette and ProToCol• table setting and serviCe• Valet skills• eVent planning

buTling and Table serviCe

3. housekeePing and laundry skills


Cigars and Coffee1 dayThe morning segment of the class focuses on cigars, how they are stored, how humidors work and should be cleaned. Students also learn how to recognize common pests like cigar beetles and what to do in the event of an infestation. In the afternoon, students receive a brief history of coffee and learn about different varietals. Students learn varied techniques for roasting, grinding and brewing and are taught how to prepare a range of coffee styles like cappuccino, caffé latte, espresso, brewed and pressed coffee.

floral designhalf dayA prominent Toronto florist teaches students what to look for when purchasing flowers at the market as well as how to prepare flowers and then arrange them according to simple, easy-to-grasp rules and techniques. Students will also learn how to check if a plant needs to be watered and how to detect early warning signs of a sick indoor plant.

Cooking1 dayA Private Chef, with experience working in some of the world’s best restaurants and private households, teaches students basic cooking skills that can be used on the “Chef’s Day Off.” Grilling techniques, attractive plating styles, preparation of marinades and vinaigrettes are taught so students will have recipes to delight their employers. Students also learn how to choose the best meats, fish and produce at the market.


wine, ChaMPagne and Mixology2 daysA Certified Sommelier introduces students to the world of wine and champagne. Students receive a brief history of both and are introduced to common varietals. Students are instructed on the five basic steps of tasting wine: colour, swirl, smell, taste and savour. Students will also know how to serve, pour and decant wine after taking this fun, hands-on class. The class ends with students learning the principles of mixology including how to mix basic cocktails and how to set up a standard bar.

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• cigars and coFFee• Floral design• cooking• Wine, cHaMpagne and Mixology

advanCed household ManageMenT

wardrobe ManageMenT half dayIn this class, students are taught how to manage a fine wardrobe. Organizational principles of type, colour and fabric are taught, as is seasonal rotation of clothing including best storage practices for furs, fine woolens and other fabrics. Wrinkle-free packing techniques are taught, as is the checklist of what to do when unpacking. Students learn basic sewing skills to assist their employer should an urgent situation arise.


whaT are The enTry CriTeria?The entry criteria for Household Management are as follows:

1. You must hold a high school graduation diploma or equivalent, or be at least 18 years of age and pass a qualifying test.

2. You must complete an application and submit along with it a $500 CAD deposit.

3. You must be able to pay for the course.

4. Your overall application is reviewed and approved by the admissions team.

5. A valid current passport.

whaT eMPloyMenT agenCies reCognize The graduaTe CerTifiCaTe?We are proud to have the following consultants and agencies recognizing our school:

• Absolutely Fabulous Domestics • Aston Pearl • Aunt Ann’s In-House Staffing • Beauchamp Bureau Ltd. • Christopher Baker Staffing • Distinguished Domestic Services • Domestic Estate Managers Association • English Nanny and Governess School • Feigon Hamilton Partnership • First Class Care • Hawthorne Domestic Services • Heartland Caregivers • Greycoat Placements • Mom’s Best Friend • The Robert Hanselman Domestic Agency • Town and Country Resources • Westside Nannies • White House Nannies

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is There any PraCTiCal work exPerienCe?We believe in applied learning or “learning by doing.” Because the Academy employs laboratory methodology of instruction, each student has a daily opportunity to learn relevant skills through hands-on experience.

whaT are The qualifiCaTions of The insTruCTors?The criteria for becoming an instructor at the Charles MacPherson Academy is that he or she is currently working or has worked in the luxury domestic or hospitality industry, or respected field of specialty, for a minimum of 10 years.

To whaT exTenT does The sChool assisT in PlaCing graduaTes?We support our graduating students 100% either through our own network or through our associated agencies that recognize our graduates. Our Director of Placement works with students to help position them for a successful entry into the private service workforce.

is There a sTudenT handbook seTTing ouT righTs and exPeCTaTions?Yes. This is given to the students with their application and is fully reviewed with the students at orientation. All students are then required to sign off on this document as having fully comprehended it.

whaT are your PayMenT TerMs?A deposit of $500 CAD is required upon application submission and the remaining payment is due one business day before program commencement. A certificate from the Charles MacPherson Academy, a recognized Private Career College, will be issued on graduation day. Certificates are not issued in instances of delinquent accounts. For full and individual course tuition, please see Schedule and Fees under Academy at www.charlesmacpherson.com.

does The aCadeMy offer individual Courses?Yes. The program can either be taken in its 4-week entirety, by 1-week segments or by individual class. Students who choose to take individual classes or 1-week segments can apply those classes towards their Household Management Certificate.

does The sChool have a CoMPlainTs foruM or refund PoliCy?Yes. This information is shared with students in the Student Information Package that they receive prior to enrolment. The policies are reviewed with students at orientation.

A rewarding career in a prestigious field awaits you. For more information, call 416.361.6434 or visit www.charlesmacpherson.com


frequenTly asked quesTions

Julie fredeTTeFirst Aid Julie has been an instructor with the Heart and Stroke Foundation for 8 years. She teaches First Aid, CPR, AED, and Anaphylaxis Care. Her first involvement with First Aid began with her summer job as a lifeguard, over 20 years ago. She is passionate about the subject of health and how the human body functions.

MaTT binkleyChef and Cookbook AuthorMatt has been cooking in the industry for 15 years. He has apprenticed and staged under some of North America’s top chefs including Mark McEwan of ‘North 44’, Susur Lee, Michael Stadtlander of ‘Eigensinn’s Farm’, Jamie Kennedy, and most recently in one Manhattan’s finest 3 Michelin Star restaurants ‘Jean-Georges’ under the watchful eye of Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Matt has worked as a Private Chef for high net-worth families. Matt brings his experience to the Academy where he teaches simple recipes that can make graduates succeed on the days that the Private Chef calls in ill.

niCole adaMsWardrobe ManagementNicole is a graduate of the International Academy of Design’s Costume Design program. She works in both television and theatre wardrobe departments. Her most recent position is with the renowned Shaw Festival Theatre as a Wardrobe Buyer and she also worked as a Wardrobe Buyer with the Canadian production of “So You Think You Can Dance”. An expert in the field of garment construction, Nicole’s experience ranges from creating a wardrobe for a 30-person group to offering one-one-one wardrobe services to high-profile clients with a focus on textiles, maintenance and repair.

Tyrone d. skanesSecurityTyrone is a retired police officer, having served over 30 years with the Toronto Police Service. He worked in a variety of Investigative Units and Squads and was extensively trained in a wide spectrum of investigative techniques and procedures. He lectured extensively to recruit classes at the Toronto Police College, at Humber College’s continuing education police night program and most recently at George Brown College, instructing private security officers. Tyrone owns a private security consulting business that provides expert advice to private, public and government organizations on how to best protect all aspects of their operations.

Charles P. MaCPhersonPresidentCharles MacPherson is the founder and current President of Charles MacPherson Associates Inc. (CMA). He brings over 25 years experience in Household Management having been the Major Domo for one of Canada’s most prominent families. Charles has consulted both Residential and Hospitality clients around the world. He is recognized as a world authority in the areas of staffing, training, planning and managing in the Household Management and Butler fields respectively.

Following his term as the Vice Chairman of an international butler school, he felt there were elements missing in educational institutions around the world. In response to this concern, he founded the Charles MacPherson Academy for Butlers and Household Managers to ensure that both curriculum content and hands-on learning was relevant to the 21st century household. The school is the only one of its kind and is accredited as a Private Career College, under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

In addition to his other full time duties, Charles is writing “The Butler Speaks” which promises to be the definitive work on the subject. Charles can be seen as a regular guest expert on The Marilyn Denis Show, he writes two columns a week for the Metro newspaper across Canada with a readership of 1.4 million and is a sought out speaker around the world.

berT browneEarthwork – FloralsBert owns a successful custom floral design business located in Toronto that caters to the most prestigious private and commercial clients in the city. Prior to opening his business, Bert apprenticed to Richard Hayter who owned the trend-setting floral design firm, Sissinghurst. Bert is also a graduate of the University of Western Ontario’s Fine Arts program.

bonnie aPrileHousekeeping, Wardrobe ManagementBonnie has over 15 years experience working for high net-worth families as both House Manager and Executive Housekeeper. She has a specialty in fine wardrobe management and has a particular interest in recipes for environmentally safe cleaning products for homes. Bonnie has also owned a Floral Design Studio that marketed freeze-dried flowers to a large Japanese Department Store chain. Bonnie has a passion for travel and cooking which she expresses by teaching International Cuisine at a Toronto-based collegiate.

ellioT gilberTWorld Product Merchants Inc. – Cigars and CoffeeElliot is an expert on the subjects of cigars and coffee. Since 1996, he has owned an importing company that specializes in coffee and cigars.

gilberTo J. boJaCa SommelierWine educator and certified sommelier, is well recognized in the hospitality and wine service industry. Throughout his career, he has held senior positions in prestigious establishments in Canada and the United States. Now as an entrepreneur, he shares his expertise with consumers and industry professionals through his consulting practice, VinSense. Gilberto pioneered the simplification of wine appreciation for the consumer with the development of “The One Hour Wine Experience” wine seminar. Gilberto is an avid researcher of wine service and hospitality, broadening his knowledge through his travels to the major wine regions of the world and his interactions with leading wine principals.

greg kelley Antiques & Art - Antique Furniture Consultant Greg is based in Toronto, where he consults on the authenticity and condition of antiques, and offers furniture restoration and conservation services. Greg trained at the oldest restoration house in England, and has worked for museums, top London antique dealers and private collectors. Greg holds an honors degree in Art History from the University of Toronto, has a Certificate in Antique Furniture Restoration/Conservation from the London City and Guilds, London, U.K., apprenticed at Hatfield’s which is London’s oldest restoration house and served as a restorer for the London antique dealer Godson and Coles.

John roberTsonProtocol, Etiquette and Butler SkillsJohn is a professional house manager and recognized trainer in the private service industry. From California to Dubai, he has taught service and Butler skills in five and seven-star hotels, exclusive clubs, in private homes and aboard private yachts. John received his formal protocol and etiquette training and certification from The Protocol School of Washington and his formal Butler training at the Ivor Spencer International School for Butler Administrators in London. He attended the University of Toronto, Concordia University and Harvard. More recently, Cornell University determined his cumulative education and experience, the equivalent of a Bachelor of Arts degree in hospitality management.

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AcAdEmy sTAff

The Academy reserves the right to change instructors based on scheduling.

how To aPPly for Butlers and HouseHold Managers

The Charles MaCPherson aCadeMy inC. 507 king sTreeT easT, suiTe 200

ToronTo M5a 1M3 CanadaTel 416.369.1146 fax 416.369.1743

W W W. c H A r l E s m A c P H E r s O n . c O m

aPPlying is siMPle. Please contact Scott Munden, Academy Registrar at 416.361.6434 or [email protected]. He will explain the application process, then send out a Student Information Package for review and submission back to the Academy office.

The package should be fully reviewed by the Applicant. The enrollment contract within the Student Information Package is to be completed and submitted with a $500 CAD deposit and proof that the applicant is a high school graduate. For details on acceptable documents of proof, please speak to the Academy Registrar. Payment can be made by cheque, credit card or wire transfer. Please contact the Registrar at 416.361.6434 for wire transfer instructions.

In circumstances where the Applicant is 18 years or above and has not graduated from high school, a qualifying high school

equivalency test must be completed and passed. The Registrar will organize the equivalency test for the applicant.

Application procedures are compliant with the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. Beyond our legal responsibility under the Act, our objective is to make the application process as stress-free as possible.

All applications are then submitted to the Charles MacPherson Academy’s review board. Applicants are then contacted by a representative from Charles MacPherson Academy to confirm details of their application.

Please contact the Academy Registrar Scott Munden at 416.361.6434 Email: [email protected]

@butlerschool

www.thebutlerspeaks.com

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