India’s IT industry has crossed over $200 billion in revenue and solidified its position as the largest private sector employer, with over 5 million working in the sector. Today the sector contributes to about 8% of the GDP and accounts for 55% of the global outsourcing market. In FY23, this segment will grow by 7% in FY23 and the headcount is going to increase from 5.1 million to 5.45 million. Incidentally, the demand for digital skills will also grow by about 8.4%.
While the spirit of hiring continues, organizations still face manpower challenges, especially when it comes to the availability of skilled talent. As per the recent reports, the talent demand-supply gap stands at 21.1% which is alarming and has a cascading impact in the form of poaching and attrition which is on the rising side and is expected to be up from 49% to 50% in FY 23. While the hiring from engineering colleges has improved, it has not reached the optimum potential. Only 33% of the engineering graduates (495000 out of 1.5 million) are getting hired, and employability is a concern of technical graduates which is over around 45-46%.
Apprenticeships have emerged as Thor’s hammer to help address employability challenges in the sector. Interestingly, both tech and non-tech companies are engaging with apprentices for tech roles. They have truly realized the potential of apprenticeships to create a strong digitally skilled talent pipeline which is not only helping them address high attrition rates but also improving productivity of the workforce.
Both tech and non-tech companies have increased their engagement with apprentices. Let’s take a close look at the top roles which will continue to stay in demand in 2023 as well:
Technology roles in vogue…
- BPM – CRM Voice & Non-Voice: Both voice and non-voice-based BPO are widely used in businesses to make an effective marketing strategy. Nowadays businesses gain significant leverage for market penetration by using the service of a BPO. The gamut of call center operations in India is vast and has created a demand for apprentices.
- Data Entry: Data entry jobs commonly require candidates with expertise using spreadsheets, databases, and word-processing programs. Data entry skills can enhance job qualifications for a variety of tech careers. As organizations are engaging with more apprentices for these roles, the apprentice programs are also helping students to hone their skills for administrative positions in tech, healthcare, and finance while also developing soft skills like self-motivation, time management, and detail orientation
- Software Developers: Today aspiring software developers can learn on the go and hone their skills while studying. Through apprenticeships that organizations are offering, they can sharpen their coding skills.
- Web developers for e-commerce: Web developers typically specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. Apprenticeship opportunities in web development focus on specific website functions, languages, or applications.
- Data analytics for cyber security: Cybersecurity apprentices are being deployed to analyze trends, patterns and data to help the team plan, manage and develop integrated software. Companies are onboarding candidates with basic certifications to work on back-end analysis.
Technology roles in non-IT organizations to stay in vogue…
- IT infrastructure management – network engineers: Apart from tech enterprises, even non-tech sectors are extensively hiring apprentices to manage their infrastructure. For example, in agriculture, apprentices are being deployed to manage AI for climate analytics, drone robotics, tech-powered functions like irrigation, etc. Mar-tech is another emerging sector using machine learning, data analytics and artificial intelligence for enhanced customer experience and engagement. Digital marketing continues to garner interest across sectors which need talent in internet technologies, CRMs, marketing platforms and social media. Companies will continue to deploy apprentices across these roles in 2023 as well.
- IOT – manufacturing and supply chain: The IoT industry is becoming a popular career field as more devices are connecting to the internet. Today there is a magnanimous opportunity for apprentices across industries for these roles where they can hone their skills in machine learning, AI, cloud computing etc.
- AR & VR – education: With the advent of Metaverse, all the signs indicate a future of learning with AR, VR and other immersive technologies. By learning XR skills, individuals can reap the benefits in the long run with meaningful work and higher salaries. Especially in the education industry, where the stakeholders are adapting traditional coursework and lessons to immersive learning models, apprentices are in demand.
Apprenticeships traditionally have been associated with manufacturing, that’s a myth which has been shattered as the no of enrollments in optional trades (which is meant for non-technical and services-oriented roles) has surpassed the trade apprentices. The guidelines have gone through multiple iterations to simplify the execution. Today, for knowledge based job roles, apprenticeships can be executed virtually. The best way to create talent and leverage apprenticeships is to engage fresh graduates in live projects to give them hands-on experience.
Apprenticeships enable organizations to evaluate talent before absorbing them into employment. At the same time, students from tier 2-3 colleges and non-metros can sharpen their skills and improve their employability. Employers are enjoying 3-4 times of return on investment in apprenticeships in the form of real-time talent availability (creating a buffer for attrition, and completing growth), optimization of hiring cost (talent creation is always cost-effective compared to talent acquisition ), enhanced output and talent engagement leading to lower attrition. Growth without talent is an uphill task, to achieve this sector’s 10% contribution mark to GDP by 2025, the sector has to aggressively and actively engage in skilling for digital workforce creation and apprenticeship will be a crucial driver towards this goal.
The author is Chief Business Officer at TeamLease.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETCIO.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETCIO.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organization directly or indirectly.
.