Gen Z now makes up 20% of the workforce, and their presence is reshaping how employers think about recruitment, training, and retention.
For organisations focused on apprenticeships and early careers, engaging with Gen Z in the right way isn't optional, it's essential. Understanding their expectations, strengths, and challenges is key to building a future-ready workforce.
If you want to find out more about how to successfully recruit apprentices, support, and retain Gen Z employees in today's changing market and how apprenticeships can play a crucial role, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The benefits of Gen Z in the workplace
Born in the digital era, Gen Z brings digital fluency, adaptability, and a strong desire for purpose-driven work. They are natural multitaskers, highly skilled with technology, and often eager to challenge outdated systems.
Their fresh perspectives can drive innovation, streamline processes, and energise teams, and companies that embrace Gen Z often find themselves more agile, socially conscious, and customer focused.
Some benefits of hiring Gen Z employees include:
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Fresh perspectives that drive innovation
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High digital literacy and adaptability to new technology
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Strong preference for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
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Desire for continuous learning and professional growth
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Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to challenge the status quo
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Focus on mental health and wellbeing, leading to healthier workplace cultures
Key challenges employers face with Gen Z recruitment
Many employers are still adjusting to Gen Z’s different expectations. In fact, 46% of employers struggle to recruit young people, and 53% struggle to retain them. Some other challenges include:
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Misalignment between job descriptions and real expectations
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Lack of clarity around career progression
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Outdated recruitment processes that don't appeal to a digital-native audience
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Difference in work/life balance values
Employers must rethink their strategies if they want to connect with this emerging workforce.
What Gen Z wants from the workplace
72% of employers have seen a shift in what 16–24-year-olds value. But what does Gen Z want exactly? Here are some things to consider:
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Flexible working (47%)
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Increased salary (46%)
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Hybrid working opportunities (42%)
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Wellbeing support (24%)
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Mentoring and development opportunities (24%)
They are motivated by learning, purpose, and stability - not just a paycheck. They expect workplaces that are transparent, inclusive, and invested in their growth.
However, with the economic climate at the time, Gen Z are also comfortable enough to switch companies if their expectations aren’t being met, and another company is offering a better salary.
So, it’s important to strike a balance between competitive salaries and good company culture if you want high retention rates.
Gen Z recruiting trends
Recruiting trends in 2025 reflect Gen Z's unique traits:
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Shorter hiring timelines: Long processes lose candidates.
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Values-driven branding: Candidates are drawn to employers who live their mission.
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Interactive recruitment: Virtual career fairs, live Q&As, and social media engagement matter.
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Skills-first hiring: More employers are valuing skills and potential over traditional education pathways.
How to recruit Gen Z employees
Make apprenticeships a strategic entry point
Apprenticeships are a powerful tool to engage Gen Z early. They combine hands-on experience with earning potential, structured learning with real-world application, and provide mentorship that builds both technical and soft skills.
Apprenticeships offer young talent a clear path to grow, learn, and contribute from day one. Yet 54% of organisations still don't offer specific initiatives for under-25s - a clear gap and opportunity for forward-thinking employers.
“Hiring apprentices has been a game-changer for our business. Our young apprentices bring fresh ideas, energy, and a digital-first mindset that has helped us innovate faster and adapt more easily to market changes. Investing in their growth has not only strengthened our teams but also secured a strong talent pipeline for the future.” Martyn Walsh, Go North West
Focus on workplace development
A mismatch in skills expectations is a real issue, with 58% of employers reporting it. Gen Z needs investment in both soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, and technical skills required by the modern workplace.
Companies that prioritise skill-building through structured training programmes, mentoring, and real-time feedback will not only attract Gen Z talent but also retain them, shaping them into the next generation of leaders.
Read more: 7 Reasons Why Employers Should Invest in Functional Skills Training
Rethink your young people recruitment process to meet a Gen Z audience
Traditional hiring models are outdated for today's young jobseekers. A slow, confusing application process turns off Gen Z candidates, so employers should move towards faster, more transparent communication throughout recruitment.
Here at Total People, we streamline the apprenticeship recruitment process by managing the bulk of the work for you. From sourcing and shortlisting candidates to organising interviews, we ensure that you only need to focus on the final selection.
All you need to do is interview the shortlisted applicants and make your final decision, and we’ll be there to guide you through that too. Our goal is to make apprenticeship recruitment as easy, efficient, and successful as possible so you can build your team with confidence.
Retain Gen Z through career support and mentorship
For Gen Z, retention is rooted in genuine career development rather than surface-level perks. They want to see clear growth opportunities and to feel that their future is valued by their employer.
Companies should prioritise continuous learning initiatives, offer upskilling programmes and provide consistent, honest feedback in a constructive way. Structured mentorship programmes, especially those pairing experienced Gen X leaders with Gen Z employees, are essential for building trust, supporting development and building trust.
Regular career mapping sessions and dedicated development check-ins can help keep Gen Z employees motivated, engaged, and committed for the long term.
Learn more: 5 Easy Ways to Successfully Upskill Employees
Choose Total People for Gen Z workplace training
Ready to future-proof your workforce with Gen Z talent? Partner with Total People today. Our apprenticeship programmes and workplace training solutions are designed to help you attract, train, and retain the next generation of workers.
From sourcing the right candidates to supporting their development with structured training and mentorship, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on building your future leadership team. Contact us today to find out how we can support your Gen Z recruitment and development strategy.
