Fairmont recruiter briefs Durham College Whitby hospitality students on SWEP, graduate programs

On Dec. 8, 2025, Bre Wittgen, a talent acquisition manager with Fairmont Banff Springs, visited Durham College’s Whitby campus to brief hospitality students on the hotel company’s Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) and graduate programs.

Durham College has partnered with Fairmont for more than 15 years to support work‑integrated learning in its hospitality programs. SWEP is a four‑month program geared to students on academic break and includes welcome and networking events, mentorship from staff and a closing ceremony.

“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,” Wittgen said. Wittgen is a Whitby native.

Tricia Wiseman, a faculty member in Durham College’s Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science, said the partnership connects students with industry and supports work‑integrated learning. “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.”

First‑year Hospitality Skills student Devonte Black said the presentation outlined a range of options across hotel operations. “Bre shined light on how many different options you have when you first enter this industry,” he said. Black cited roles such as front desk agent and server as entry points that can lead to management.

First‑year Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management student Sasha Gracez said she learned from the presentation that over half 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.”