Indian IT sector sees surge in apprentice hiring
NEW DELHI, INDIA — The information technology (IT) and information technology enabled services (ITeS) industries in India are witnessing a significant uptrend in apprentice hiring, according to the latest Apprentice Skill Trends Report by Quess Corp.
Approximately 79% of employers in these sectors anticipate an increase in apprentice intake in the near future.
This surge is evidenced by the year-on-year growth in apprentice headcount, which has jumped over 250% in 2023.
Despite global tensions impacting headcounts and fresher intake, the industry is steadily increasing apprentice hiring month-on-month. This strategy aims to reduce workforce costs, build a talent pool, and enhance staff loyalty and retention.
Quess Corp Vice President Girija S highlighted the dynamic nature of this trend, adding that “apprentice hiring has picked up substantially in the past year across the IT segment, with newer roles emerging that did not perhaps exist a year ago.”
The trend spans both metro and tier-2 cities in the country, with BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance) also experiencing growth due to the expansion of non-banking finance companies (NBFCs). Girija S anticipates the creation of approximately five million jobs in the IT/BFSI sectors by 2025.
The report also noted the increasing participation of women in apprenticeships, with a nearly sevenfold rise in registrations over the past five years.
As of 2022-23, about 148,000 women have enrolled, a significant increase from 22,427 in 2018-19.
In terms of remuneration, IT/ITeS sector employers are offering stipends ranging from Rs 11,000 (US$132) to Rs 75,000 (US$899) per month for apprentices aged 20-24 years. This varies by sector and is dependent on educational qualifications.
