Hyderabad, Delhi and Bengaluru were the top locations for apprentices in Q4: states TeamLease

National, 22^nd April 2023: Housing top-tier IT, tech and startup industry players, Hyderabad, Delhi and Bengaluru emerged as the most promising locations with intent to hire apprentices in Q4 (Jan-Mar 2023), as per TeamLease Apprenticeship Outlook Report. Hyderabad with 78% net apprenticeship outlook (NAO), (analysis of employers willing to increase minus employers willing to decrease) followed by Delhi (74% NAO) and Bengaluru (68% NAO), witnessed an increase in apprenticeship engagement as compared to the previous HY (Jul- Dec 2022).

The report indicated that 83% of employers in Hyderabad are likely to increase the engagement of apprentices, 82% in Delhi and 80% in Bengaluru. Chennai (81%) and Mumbai (77%) were close behind in hiring intent, showing immense potential. From a pan India perspective, 79% of employers exhibited the intent to increase their apprentice intake in Q4 2022 (Jan–Mar 2023) vs. 77% employers in calendar year H2 2022.

Overall, while metro cities lead in terms of recruitment intent, non-metro cities including Coimbatore (79% NAO), Nagpur and Pune (76% NAO each) and Ahmedabad (70% NAO) also witnessed a positive trajectory. 84% in Coimbatore, 85% in Pune, 86% in Nagpur and 83% for Ahmedabad foresaw increased deployment to address the national skill deficit.

A notable uptick in apprentices' involvement was observed in crucial industries like Engineering & Industrial, with the highest NAO (90%), followed by Electrical & Electronics (88%) and BFSI (74%). 94% of employers in Engineering & Industrial, 93% in Electrical & Electronics and 85% in BFSI were willing to increase their apprentice engagement. 

Sharing his views about the industry and the report’s findings, Mr. Sumit Kumar, Chief Business Officer, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, said, “In 2023, we expect to see a promising outlook for apprenticeship engagement in India, with continued growth in locations like Hyderabad, Delhi, and Bangalore. These cities, being hubs of the IT/tech industry, provide ample opportunities for apprentices to gain industry-specific skills and knowledge, while contributing to the growth of the technology sector. Apprenticeship programs have emerged as a win-win solution for both employers and apprentices. The social impact of apprenticeship programs like reducing unemployment, improving livelihoods, and empowering local communities through skill development while economically boosting productivity, innovation, and competitiveness of businesses, is driving overall prosperity. Additionally, with the Union Budget 2023-24 announcement of aiding 47 lakh youth over the next three years, India Inc. is close to witnessing what a global powerhouse of robust, skillful talent looks like.”

“Under the Apprentices Act, 1961, an organization can engage 2.5% to 15% of the total manpower strength. However, this can prove to be a limitation when it comes to strengthening of youth skill training, hindering employers to build a competent skill force beyond the cap. While the roll out of Direct Benefit Transfer for apprenticeship promotion scheme, attractive stipend support from government and massive investment of 3000+ crores for skill development initiatives will catalyze the India’s youth employment and skillsets, to meet the growing skill demand, organizations will have to invest in building a huge talent pipeline to stay ahead in the game.” said Mr Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, Business Head, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship. 

The Apprenticeship Outlook Report is a thorough study on the apprentice engagement in India, covering 14 cities and 24 industries. The report has surveyed 597 employers and captures the appointment sentiment for the period Q4 2022 (January to March, 2023).