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Business Skills – Hiring Gen Z

Business Skills - Hiring Gen Z

Hiring Gen Z – Episode Summary

In this forward-looking episode of The Print University, Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee speak with three Gen Z students from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Graphic Communications Management program to uncover what the next generation of print professionals wants—and needs—from their first jobs. This episode is essential for leaders building printing industry training programs for new employees, updating print shop employee onboarding templates, or investing in outsourced training for print production staff that speaks to future talent.

You’ll hear directly from students Haqeeqat Mangat, Gia Sharma, and Saba El-Hayek, who didn’t grow up dreaming of print—but discovered it by chance, fell in love with the tangible magic of the medium, and are now passionately pursuing careers in packaging, publishing, and production.

Key themes emerge:

  • Gen Z values meaningful onboarding—shadowing roles, understanding how their work fits into the full print workflow, and being trusted to contribute.

  • Communication and mentorship are essential. They want a workplace where questions are encouraged and learning is continuous.

  • They see the physicality of print as powerful in an increasingly digital world and are excited about innovations like AR and AI.

  • A clear operational structure balanced with company culture is the ideal environment—where expectations are clear, but collaboration thrives.

This episode offers a powerful reality check for hiring managers: Gen Z is not disengaged—they’re thoughtful, driven, and eager to shape the future of print.

You Will Learn:

  • What Gen Z expects from print industry internships and first jobs

  • Why company culture, transparency, and mentorship drive retention

  • How to structure onboarding to foster connection and confidence

  • What excites Gen Z about the future of print (packaging, AR, AI, and more)

  • How to attract Gen Z talent into your shop, university program, or production team

Who This Course Is For:

Owners, HR professionals, educators, team leads, and hiring managers developing printing industry training programs for new employees, print shop employee onboarding templates, or outsourced training for print production staff

Time to Watch:

Approx. 35 minutes