By Sumit Kumar
The job market has been in constant flux in today’s rapidly evolving world, characterised by technological advancements and growing industry demands. Upon entering the workforce, graduates often confront the stark reality that their formal education has left them ill-prepared for the challenges of today’s jobs. This disconnect between educational curriculum and real-world skills is exacerbating the widening gap between education and employer demands, magnifying the pressing issue of the ever-increasing education and skill gap. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Credit Framework (NCrF) of India also recognise the need for skill development to promote employability and address the talent crunch and skill gap in various industries. Recent studies further highlight the growing skill deficit, as only one in four management professionals, one in five engineers, and one in ten graduates possess the necessary employable skills.
Amidst these challenges, apprenticeships are a promising solution to bridge this skill gap. Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities and work-integrated learning programs, allowing individuals to gain practical experience while acquiring valuable skills. With an expansion rate averaging 30-35% annually, apprenticeships in India are gaining traction. However, the current participation rate of apprentices—constituting only 0.1% of the Indian labor force—pales compared to the 3-4% expected in modern economies. As India strives towards becoming a developed nation, aiming for a comparable level of engagement suggests a target of around 20 million apprentices. This ambitious goal requires significant acceleration to align our demographic dividend with projected economic growth.
India’s education system grapples with critical flaws, favouring qualifications over practical skills and exacerbating the gap between education and employability. A paradigm shift is imperative to address the demands of a rapidly evolving job market—a skilled workforce equipped with academic credentials and hands-on, industry-relevant expertise. This shift is essential for economic growth and resonates with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, where India achieves self-reliance. With over 550 million individuals comprising the workforce and the economy growing at a robust rate of 7.3%, the stage is set for a monumental transition towards skill-centric education and training.
While apprenticeships undeniably benefit businesses by offering them a pipeline of skilled workers tailored to their specific needs, it’s essential to recognise that the primary beneficiaries are the apprentices themselves. Apprenticeships, especially degree apprenticeships, offer a unique opportunity for individuals to learn directly from experienced professionals and gain education, training, and skill development while earning on the job. This setup not only enhances the employability factor for apprentices but also drives the way to build the foundation of a skilled ecosystem by creating a new generation of qualified workers. Here’s how it helps further:
Enhances employability and career progression
Apprenticeships and work-based programmes in India have emerged as vital pathways for individuals to enhance their employability and drive career progression. These initiatives offer a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, equipping participants with the skills and competencies needed to succeed in the workforce. Individuals gain hands-on experience in real-world settings by engaging in apprenticeships, fostering a deep understanding of industry practices and standards. This practical exposure enhances technical skills and cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability—qualities highly valued by employers.
The manufacturing sector has experienced a remarkable 6x growth in the demand for apprentices. Additionally, data from the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal illustrates a consistent upward trajectory in apprenticeship enrollments across various sectors, reaching 9 lakhs in the last year alone and approximately 28.26 lakhs in the last six years. This surge underscores a growing interest among both employers and individuals in leveraging practical training opportunities to bridge the gap between education and industry needs. Employer feedback and industry surveys further validate the effectiveness of apprenticeships in meeting job market demands, with employers expressing a strong preference for candidates with hands-on experience gained through apprenticeship programmes.
Promotes diversity and inclusion
Apprenticeships can be a powerful tool for promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Rather than focusing solely on traditional qualifications, apprenticeships prioritise skills and aptitudes, providing opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds. This levels the playing field for women, minorities, and those with disabilities, enabling them to gain valuable experience and compete on equal footing. Furthermore, many apprenticeship programs actively reach out to underrepresented groups through outreach initiatives and partnerships with community organisations.
Today, employers are increasingly open to hiring a skilled workforce of all genders, and women are now being considered for job roles that have traditionally been male-dominated. Recent data shows that the Female Labor Force Participation Rate has increased from 23% to 37%, and 25% of apprentices are women. Various government initiatives and policies are driving women’s participation in the workforce. While retail, banking, healthcare, hospitality, and education sectors have traditionally had the highest number of women workers, there is a growing trend of women joining the manufacturing sector, particularly in machine operations. Across India, many manufacturing plants are now run by women, and this trend is rising.
Helps in skill development
Unlike traditional education, which often emphasises theory, apprenticeships prioritise hands-on learning in real-world work environments. Apprentices develop a deep understanding of their chosen field, mastering the practical application of theoretical concepts. This immersive experience fosters the development of technical and soft skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Through continuous on-the-job training and exposure to new challenges, apprentices hone their skills, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive in the ever-changing job market.
Offers learning with qualification modularity
Apprenticeships champion a modular approach to learning, catering to diverse needs and career goals. The beauty lies in its flexibility—programmes can be as short as six months, awarding valuable certificates that equip individuals with entry-level skills. These certificates can serve as a stepping stone for those seeking immediate employment or a foundation for further learning. For those desiring more profound knowledge, apprenticeships offer diploma programmes (typically one to two years) and graduate diplomas (often two years) that provide a more comprehensive skill set. The most ambitious individuals can pursue degrees through apprenticeship programs, usually extending up to three years. Earned credits from shorter programmes can often be applied towards higher qualifications, creating a clear pathway for continuous learning and professional development. This flexibility empowers apprentices to tailor their education to their aspirations, entering the workforce with job-ready skills or progressively building their qualifications over time. Apprenticeships present a win-win proposition for businesses and individuals and offer a unique opportunity to bridge the widening skills gap in today’s dynamic job market.
(The author is the chief strategy officer of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship. Views expressed in the article are personal.)