The youth of our country represent our biggest asset, with over 50 per cent of India’s population under the age of 25. While the National Economic Survey indicates that only 51.25 per cent of our youth are deemed employable, we face a pressing challenge: bridging the gap between education and employability. With nearly 12-13 million entrants joining the workforce, it is crucial to equip students with practical, industry-relevant skills that will prepare them for the evolving job market, where 48.75 per cent of youth still face employability barriers.
Despite a commendable rise in higher education enrollment, from 3.42 crore students in 2014-15 to 4.33 crore today, merely graduating does not guarantee employability. During the 2021–22 academic year, 1.07 crore students graduated, yet only a fraction possess the skills needed to thrive in the workplace. This highlights an urgent need for a shift in educational focus—from traditional methods to more comprehensive, skill-oriented initiatives that emphasize real-world application and development. As India aims to create approximately 78.5 lakh non-farm jobs each year until 2030, it is vital to ensure that educational programmes align with employer needs and industry demands.
To address the skills gap and prepare students for success, innovative programmes such as apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, and work-integrated learning programmes offer comprehensive solutions. These programmes effectively blend academic learning with hands-on training, equipping students with essential skills needed to excel in today’s competitive job market. Notably, the rising proportion of women entering higher education—55 per cent of the 91 lakh new students enrolled in 2021-22—underscores the necessity for gender-agnostic skilling programmes that empower all students equally. Among the 1.07 crore graduates, 50.8 per cent were women, reflecting a positive trend in female participation. Moreover, with women making up 55.4 per cent of postgraduate students and a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 28.4 per cent for the 18-23 age group, it is imperative to champion inclusive, skill-centric learning paradigms that empower students to seamlessly transition into the workforce and excel in their professional endeavors.
Sharing his thoughts on building a skill-ready workforce and enhancing student employability, A.R. Ramesh, CEO at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, emphasised that education has two pillars: vocational training and theoretical knowledge and integrating these pillars is essential for preparing students to meet the evolving demands of the job market. He added “Today, industries face a trifecta of challenges—talent shortages, rapid technological advancements, and a significant gap in workforce readiness. The 2024 Economic Survey of India highlights that only 2.2% of people aged 15–59 in India have received formal vocational training, and 8.6% have received non-formal vocational training. Holistic learning, which integrates academic knowledge with real-world experience, is essential. Apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, and work-integrated learning programs are instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical education and industry needs. With over 439,000 apprentices enrolled this year and more than 1 million trained last year through NATS and NAPS, these programs demonstrate how structured, hands-on learning can boost productivity, close skill gaps, and build a future-ready workforce."
Echoing this sentiment, Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, emphasised that empowering students through apprenticeships is crucial for cultivating a future-ready workforce equipped with the skills necessary to meet industry demands. He added, “India stands at the threshold of a remarkable demographic advantage, with 65% of the population in the employable age group. While we have made notable strides, with 4.3 crore people currently enrolled in higher education and the Gross Enrolment Ratio rising from 17% to 28.4% in the past decade, the chasm between education and employability remains a significant concern. Today, only 47% of technical graduates and 22% of non-technical graduates are considered employable, underscoring the urgent need for industry-aligned, practical skills. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which has trained 14 million individuals, and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), which has seen enrollments rise from 2 lakh in FY 2019-20 to 9.4 lakh today, highlight this transformative potential. However, with only 7% of the workforce receiving structured training, compared to far higher rates in nations like China and Germany, we must scale up our skilling infrastructure to meet the rising demand for talent.”
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