Durham College’s (DC) Hospitality students receive hands-on training from industry professionals, developing the transferable skills that employers in the service industry are looking for. Recently, they got a glimpse of what their future careers could look like with one such employer.

Bre Wittgen, Talent Acquisition Manager with Fairmont Banff Springs, paid a visit to our Whitby campus to share information about the iconic hotel company’s Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) and graduate programs.

“Students can take the education that they’ve learned here at DC and apply their skills to get hands-on experience of working in a luxury property,” explained Wittgen, a native of Whitby who spoke of her own experience moving out west to pursue her career in the picturesque locales of western Canada.

The SWEP program was of particular interest to the DC students. More than just a summer job, it’s a program geared towards students on their academic break. The four months are packed with learning experiences and professional development opportunities, including welcome and networking events, guidance from seasoned staff and mentors, and a special graduating ceremony at the end of their term.

DC has partnered with Fairmont for over 15 years, and the agreement has been mutually beneficial according to Tricia Wiseman, Faculty Member in DC’s Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science (HHS).

“Our partnership helps connect students to industry, supports our work-integrated learning goals, and provides additional training that extends beyond the classroom,” she said. “Our students bring concrete, transferrable and technical skills to their workplace. Fairmont values the enthusiasm and skills our students bring to their operations. They gain motivated, well-trained, and engaged students eager for a career in Hospitality.”

The presentation had the current DC students in attendance thinking about the possibilities that lie ahead. One of them was Devonte Black, a first-year student in DC’s Hospitality Skills program.

“I learned a lot. Bre shined light on how many different options you have when you first enter this industry,” he said. “The career path I see for myself after the presentation is a bit brighter. There are so many different pieces of a hotel, like food and beverage, guest services and the golf courses too. From there you can enter a position like front desk agent or server, and then earn your stripes to become a manager.”

Wittgen introduced students to Fairmont’s properties, job roles, and the personal experiences employees can have, giving them a clear understanding of what to expect and how to apply.

First-year Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management student Sasha Gracez was particularly intrigued to learn that over 50 per cent of Fairmont’s management are women.

“It was quite enticing,” she said. “There are a lot of opportunities to move and grow in the Fairmont properties.”

DC students who thrive in their Hospitality program will be ready to take advantage of those opportunities.