Friday Harbour Resort is not only a sprawling all-season resort in Innisfil on the shores of Lake Simcoe. It's also ground zero for training the next generation of workers in the hospitality sector.
Located at the end of Big Bay Point Road, the 600-acre property boasts a nature preserve, marina, restaurants, shops, and accommodation.
The resort’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, officials says. With only 35 per cent of the resort currently developed, the company says there will be many opportunities for growth and expansion in the next few years and they are always looking for talented individuals.
But the resort says it also places great value on current colleagues with a strong internal culture, training and development opportunities, and a focus on promotion and advancement from within.
Friday Harbour Resort CEO Hani Roustom described what employment opportunities they offer.
“Friday Harbour experiences its peak hiring season during the summer months as the resort welcomes 250 seasonal colleagues each year,” he said.
“Notably, 40 per cent of the resort’s seasonal colleagues choose to return from previous seasons, demonstrating Friday Harbour as an employer of choice especially for those situated in the local Innisfil/Barrie area looking to be part of a dynamic team and work at an exciting destination," Roustom added.
This year, for the first time, Friday Harbour has launched its 'Be Our Guest' co-op hospitality program, expanding its reach to southern Simcoe County, and opening its doors to seven high school students from around the county.
Students participating in this year’s program had the opportunity to be mentored by industry leaders across all areas of the resort (human resources, marketing and events, maintenance, culinary, security, landscape, and marina) and gain hands-on hospitality experience.
“This program is meant to inspire the youth and will continue to expand each year,” said Roustom.
“Friday Harbour has experienced exponential growth, which automatically creates new opportunities, and is a reason that many prospective employees seek us out," he added. “Our team-centric, diverse culture and the importance we place on hiring and retaining top talent is also a reason the resort stands out."
The program also helps keep students closer to home, Roustom said.
“Our diverse colleague base includes residents who value the opportunity to work at a prestigious five-star resort without the hassle of commuting to downtown Toronto," he said. "However, we also extend our reach beyond the local area, attracting talent from around the globe.
"Our leadership team represent an international workforce, having worked at prestigious hotels and hospitality organizations in locations such as South Africa, Dubai, Mexico City, and London, and have selected Friday Harbour for their next adventure.”
Their stated vision for the future includes new developments and a planned hotel, further enhancing the resort's offerings and providing additional opportunities.
“Current colleagues are at the heart of our operations and everything we do,” said Roustom. “Our goal is to be an employer of choice in our local area as well as beyond and attract, retain and train the next generation of hospitality professionals.”
Friday Harbour operates many different business units under one roof enabling colleagues to transfer from one area to the other, gain a wide range of experience across departments and find the right fit for them.
Those include the marina, the Nest Golf Club, the Beach Club, the Lake Club, Recreation and Welcome Centre, FH Fine Foods, and Starbucks.
“Each of these areas continue to grow in terms of service offerings and colleagues required,” said Roustom.
The resort currently employs 375 workers across all of its divisions.
For more information, visit their careers page by clicking here.
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