On the bustling streets of India, engineering has long been a beacon of aspiration, a ticket to a promising future. However, a troubling reality looms – only 10% of the 1.5 million engineering graduates expected to enter the workforce this year would find jobs, according to a report by TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship. This alarming statistic highlights a growing crisis in employability.
Despite being a leader in producing engineering talent, India’s academic institutions churn out graduates at an impressive rate. However, the disconnect between academic knowledge and industry needs has never been more pronounced. Statistics reveal that over 60% of engineering graduates struggle with employability, with only 45% meeting the standards set by employers. This disparity raises urgent questions about the relevance of conventional education in a rapidly evolving job market.
Navigating the skills crisis
The report indicates that technology is surging forward, industries are pivoting towards emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles and cybersecurity, which demand a new skill set. NASSCOM predicts that over the next few years, India’s technology sector will require a million engineers proficient in these advanced skills. Yet, with the current talent pool falling short, the demand-supply gap is expected to widen from 25% to 30% by 2028.
A.R. Ramesh, CEO of TeamLease, points out that the gap between academic excellence and industry requirements is expanding, particularly in fields like AI and automation. To address this, apprenticeships and internships are becoming essential pathways for students to gain practical experience alongside their studies. Ramesh advocates for innovative training programmes like Managed Training Services (MTS), which provide intensive, industry-focused training to prepare graduates for the workforce.
“The future of our industries hinges on a workforce that is not only academically prepared but also equipped with practical, on-the-job skills,” Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, Vice President and Chief Business Officer at TeamLease, said. She emphasises that apprenticeships not only fulfil immediate industry demands but also ensure long-term sectoral growth and innovation.
Enhancing employability through industry collaboration
The National Education Policy (NEP) advocates for experiential learning and apprenticeships, recognising that traditional education alone cannot prepare students for the complexities of modern industries.
In the quest for solutions, a collaborative effort between academia and industry is essential. Institutions must continuously align curricula with global market demands to enhance the readiness of engineering graduates. By focusing on skill development through apprenticeships and vocational training, India can harness its vast reservoir of engineering talent and secure a sustainable future for its workforce, the report suggests.