Print and Packaging Education in Canada
Across the country, print and packaging education in Canada is facing a serious turning point. Canadian post-secondary colleges and universities are discontinuing specialized programs, and enrollments are declining at a time when the printing industry and its related packaging and graphic communications sectors still need skilled people. For students and families, the result is fewer clear pathways into careers that combine technology, creativity, and manufacturing.
Fewer programs means fewer entry points
In the last two years, several well-known programs have been cancelled. College Ahuntsic in Quebec cancelled its program in 2024. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology canceled its program in 2025. Manitoba Institute of Technology canceled its program in 2026. Conestoga College in Ontario has canceled its packaging design program. Each closure reduces access to hands-on training, lab time, and industry-aligned curriculum, which are all central to print and packaging education in Canada.
Enrollment declines point to an awareness gap
Canadian Print Scholarships’ six Canadian school partners are also experiencing significant declines in first-year applications and enrollments, with drops of more than 20 percent last year. A key factor is that many high school students simply do not know what modern print and packaging careers look like, or how much technology is involved. At the same time, students are being actively recruited by many high-tech industries competing for young Canadian talent. When awareness is low and options feel unclear, students may not consider print and packaging education in Canada even if it aligns with their strengths and interests.
How the industry and educators can respond
Rebuilding the talent pipeline will take coordinated work across education and industry. Canadian Print Scholarships is leading initiatives designed to meet students earlier and show clearer pathways into training. These include Sheilae, The Print Nerd videos, which are being developed to create awareness and interest and help drive students toward Canadian print and packaging programs and training. Canadian Print Scholarships is also developing and investing in high school student engagement campaigns, such as My BluePrint, to increase awareness and help drive school enrollments. In addition, Canadian Print Scholarships is coordinating educators and industry to further study the issues and solutions so the response is practical and grounded in what students, schools, and employers need.
Why It Matters for Students and the Industry
Strong print and packaging education in Canada supports more than individual career goals. It supports the future workforce that keeps Canadian companies innovative, productive, and competitive. When programs disappear, students lose local options and the industry loses a reliable source of trained graduates. Canadian Print Scholarships helps bridge that gap by incenting young talent with more than 70 annual scholarships to Canadian print and packaging programs. Scholarships reduce financial pressure for students and send a clear message that the industry values their potential. Just as importantly, awareness work helps more students discover that print and packaging can offer rewarding, challenging technology-driven careers.
Support the Next Generation
Help us give back to the Canadian graphic communications industry by making a corporate or personal donation today. You can donate on-line or contact us to donate by cheque, e-transfer or electronic funds transfer.
“The mission of Canadian Print Scholarships is to attract the brightest and best students available to the graphic communications industry by providing financial assistance to enroll and continue in a post-secondary management or technical program at an approved institution.”
