India’s youth unemployment has surged, comprising nearly 83% of the jobless population, doubling from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022.
India Employment Report 2024
According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the youth unemployment rate in India surged to 23.22% in 2022, surpassing neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. These are some of the well-researched numbers about the unemployment crisis in India, particularly among the youth. In fact, the youth unemployment rate in the 20-24 years age group has soared to a staggering 44.49 percent.
India is struggling with a concerning rise in youth unemployment, demanding fresh approaches for resolution. Apprenticeships emerge as a promising solution to address this issue effectively. They serve as a practical bridge between education and employment, equipping young people with the necessary skills and experience for success in the job market.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has projected Incremental Human Resource Requirements in coming years, estimating a need for 201 million skilled workers, with the total requirement for skilled workforce reaching a daunting 300 million. This ambitious yet necessary requirement cannot be fulfilled without increasing women participation in the workforce. As per data from the World Bank, the female labor force participation rate of India stands at around 20%, significantly lower than the global average of approximately 48%. The numbers are worse when we focus on the underserved population.
To address this imbalance, it has become necessary to promote women participation in apprenticeship programs. By providing women with access to training, skill development, and employment opportunities, apprenticeships can empower them to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. Moreover, enhancing gender diversity in apprenticeships not only fosters inclusivity but also enriches the talent pool and drives economic growth.
The market interest looks hopeful for women in apprenticeships
Recent reports reveal an unprecedented surge in apprenticeship opportunities across India, indicating a positive shift in employer sentiment towards apprenticeship engagement. According to the TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship Outlook Report, there is a remarkable 75% increase in employer intent for apprenticeship engagement during the upcoming October-March 2023-24 half-year. The Net Apprenticeship Outlook (NAO), a crucial indicator of employer sentiment, has reached an all-time high, reflecting the perception of organizations for apprenticeships as an important talent development strategy.
The Apprenticeship Outlook Report highlights a compelling landscape, with Engineering and Industrial, Electrical and Electronics, Telecom, and E-commerce and Tech products leading as the sectors with the highest Net Apprenticeship Outlook (NAO). This surge underscores the robust growth anticipated in India’s apprenticeship landscape, promising unparalleled opportunities for skill development and career growth.
The manufacturing sector, historically dominated by male representation, is now making concerted efforts to bolster its diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives. As a result of these endeavors, the demand for female apprentices has surged threefold in the initial quarter of last year, as outlined in the report.
Apprenticeships offer a transformative approach to addressing the challenge of low women labor participation by providing structured training, skill development like in the women empowerment program of Smile Foundation, and on-the-job learning opportunities. By investing in apprenticeship programs, we can unlock the untapped potential of women, unleash economic growth, and build a more inclusive and prosperous society. It is time to recognize apprenticeships as not just a training program but as a transformative tool for empowering women and driving sustainable development in India.
Apprenticeships’ Models
There are various pathways for women to gain skills and experience, including degree, diploma, and certificate apprenticeships.
Degree Apprenticeships: Degree apprenticeships combine work-based learning with part-time study towards a higher education qualification. Participants work for an employer and receive on-the-job training while also studying at a university or college. These can be explored in engineering, business management, healthcare, and technology etc.
Diploma Apprenticeships: Diploma apprenticeships offer a blend of practical training and academic study, leading to the attainment of a diploma-level qualification. These apprenticeships are typically focused on specific vocational skills and are designed to prepare individuals for entry-level roles in industries such as construction, automotive, hospitality, and healthcare.
Certificate Apprenticeships: Certificate apprenticeships provide specialized training and certification in a specific skill or area of expertise. These apprenticeships are often shorter in duration compared to degree or diploma programs and are tailored to meet the needs of specific industries or occupations. Certificate apprenticeships cover a wide range of fields, including information technology, healthcare support, manufacturing, customer service, and more.
Apprenticeships are available across different industries, providing opportunities for women to gain valuable skills and experience. Some common types of apprenticeships include Technical Trades, Information Technology (IT) and Software Development, Healthcare, Hospitality and Tourism, Business and Administration, Construction and Engineering, Creative Arts and Media, Green Jobs and Sustainability, etc.
Empowering more and more women in apprenticeships
Apprenticeships hold immense promise as the bridge to addressing low women labor participation in India. These structured training programs offer women the opportunity to acquire valuable skills, gain practical experience, and access meaningful employment opportunities. By investing in apprenticeships, we encourage inclusive growth, drive economic development, and promote gender equality.
Partnerships between the public and private sectors play an important role in scaling apprenticeship programs and enhancing their impact on women economic empowerment. Apprenticeships represent a pathway to empowerment, dignity, and economic independence for women across India and maybe, even the world.
