Engineering has been the backbone of India's progress, producing around 1.5 million graduates every year. However, on Engineers Day 2024, a shocking statistic highlights a growing problem – only 10% of this year's engineering graduates are expected to find a job. This blog explores the factors behind this worrying trend and what can be done to address it.
Growing skills gap among engineering graduates
Despite the high number of engineering graduates, a recent report by TeamLease Highlights A significant skills gap. While employability among graduates is over 60%, only 45% of them meet industry standards, leaving a large portion unprepared for the job market. This mismatch between academic education and industry requirements is particularly troubling in a rapidly evolving job landscape driven by technological advancements.
High demand for advanced skills
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) estimates that India's technology sector will need over 1 million engineers with advanced skills in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and electric vehicles (EV) in the next 2-3 years. The demand-supply gap for digital talent is set to grow, posing a serious challenge to the employability of engineering graduates. Traditional education models fail to equip students with the practical skills required in industries such as cybersecurity, robotics, and data science.
Solution to employment crisis
To address this growing skills gap, a shift towards practical, hands-on learning is essential. TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship has been at the forefront of this movement, offering programmes such as Managed Training Services (MTS) that combine technical education with industry-focused training. According to AR Ramesh, CEO, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, apprenticeships and internships are crucial in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs, especially in emerging areas such as automation and AI.
The role of apprenticeship and vocational training
Apprenticeships provide structured, real-world experience that complements formal education, ensuring graduates are job-ready right from the start. Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, Vice President, TeamLease, emphasised that apprenticeships play a vital role in equipping young professionals with both technical and 21st century skills, ultimately building a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
conclusion
On Engineers Day 2024, the focus should be on bridging the skills gap to ensure that India's engineering graduates are equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly advanced job market. Strong collaboration between academia and industry, with a focus on hands-on training, is vital to boost employability and foster long-term innovation.
