Half of Indian grads not job-ready, degree apprenticeships offer solution: TeamLease

Ramesh Alluri Reddy, CEO of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, sees a bright future for these programs in India, fuelled by recent government initiatives promoting skill development.

"Degree apprenticeships are poised for significant evolution," Reddy says in an interview with Bizz Buzz, citing the growing emphasis on practical training alongside academic education. He highlights the challenge of underemployment among graduates and the need for organisations to bridge the gap between education and industry needs.

He emphasises the critical need to address the employability gap, stating that only half of India's graduates are currently considered job-ready. Degree apprenticeships, he argues, offer a solution by equipping students with practical, industry-relevant experience alongside theoretical knowledge

How do you see degree apprenticeships evolving in India, especially in light of recent initiatives and policies aimed at promoting skilling and upskilling?

Degree apprenticeships in India are poised for significant evolution, especially with recent initiatives and policies promoting skilling and upskilling. As we witness a growing emphasis on practical, on-the-job training alongside academic education, degree apprenticeships are expected to become increasingly mainstream.

It is estimated that only half of India’s graduates are employable. Considering this, organisations need to prioritise implementing a talent strategy to educate, train, and upskill the workforce. Apprenticeships are slowly gaining acceptability as a viable means to mitigating the impending global talent crunch that threatens to impact the future of business and the economic well-being of people. According to a report by IBEF, the Indian education sector is expected to amass $225 billion in value by the end of 2025. The learning and development landscape is undergoing a monumental shift, driven by the needs of a digital economy, changing job markets, and the aspirations of its young population.

The apprenticeship programs, which fall under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), are governed by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Education, respectively. Our apprenticeship programs typically span up to three years and involve a combination of on-the-job training and certification. The National Education Policy 2020 supports work based education programs including degree apprenticeships. Degree apprenticeships offered through NAPS cater to both technical and non-technical roles with varying durations. Technical roles typically last for one year, while non-technical roles span three years. This complexity arises from the diverse combinations of training and education tracks available to participants. One of the key advantages of the programs is their modularity, which allows for lateral entry and multiple entry and exit to make learning flexible.

How do degree apprenticeships bridge the gap between academic education and industry requirements?

Degree apprenticeships serve as a bridge between academic education and industry requirements by providing students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Unlike traditional academic programs, which often focus solely on theoretical concepts, degree apprenticeships offer hands-on training blended with higher education in real-world job roles. This experiential learning approach not only enhances students' understanding of industry practices but also equips them with the skills and competencies demanded by employers.

By integrating learning with on-the-job training, degree apprenticeships ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the requirements of the industry upon graduation. With the combination of three elements: one-third ITI (Industrial Training Institute), one-third employment exchange, and one-third education provider, our vocational training program emphasises real-world skills and job readiness, ensuring that apprentices are equipped with the competencies needed to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce. By placing apprentices in various job roles and facilitating experiential learning opportunities, we aim to empower individuals with practical expertise and industry-relevant knowledge that are essential for success.

In a difficult job market like India, where employees and employers both struggle, apprenticeships and work based learning (WBL) programs can emerge as a game-changer for they can enhance the employability of students while providing employers with access to a motivated and enthusiastic workforce. WBL programs thus presents the opportunity for young graduates from academic institutes to undergo 'on-the-job' training and gain exposure to real working conditions. They get a chance to work on advanced machines and equipment, imbibe industry-specific best practices and learn more about their field. It also provides businesses access to a talent pool that can be groomed to cater to the specific needs of the industry.

How do degree apprenticeships facilitate a smooth transition for students from academic education to meeting real-world industry requirements?

Degree apprenticeships facilitate a smooth transition for students by providing them with practical, industry-relevant experience from the beginning of their education. Through a combination of curriculum based learning and on-the-job training, apprentices gain firsthand exposure to the challenges and dynamics of the workplace. This early immersion in real-world scenarios not only enhances students' employability but also increases their ability to apply academic knowledge in practical contexts. By bridging the gap between academic education and industry requirements, degree apprenticeships ensure that students transition seamlessly from the classroom learning to workplace.

At TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, we recognize the need to equip individuals with theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in today’s competitive workforce. Our apprenticeship programs offer a unique blend of classroom learning and on-job training (OJT), providing trainees hands-on experience in real-world jobs. By combining elements of industrial training, employment exchange, and educational provision, our programs ensure that trainees gain a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field while also developing the critical thinking skills and acumen necessary for long-term career growth.

How can the integration of AI shape the creation of talent pipelines across various sectors and help build India's AI talent workforce?

The integration of AI holds immense potential in creating talent pipelines across various sectors, including the development of India's AI talent workforce. AI-powered technologies can streamline recruitment processes, identify candidates with specific skill sets, and facilitate targeted training initiatives. By leveraging AI-driven platforms for talent acquisition and development, organisations can build robust talent pipelines that align with the evolving needs of the AI industry. Additionally, AI can assist in identifying skill gaps and emerging trends, enabling proactive measures to address workforce requirements and ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals in the field of AI.

At TeamLease, we harness the power of technology and innovation to revolutionise our apprenticeship programs' learning experience and outcomes. We have incorporated innovative tools such as AI-powered chatbots and learning management systems (LMS). These AI-driven platforms utilise advanced algorithms to customise content and adapt to the unique learning needs of each trainee. By offering real-time feedback and interaction, AI technologies enhance engagement and facilitate personalised learning experiences. By harnessing technology and innovation, we aim to elevate the effectiveness and impact of our apprenticeship programs, empowering trainees to acquire valuable skills and succeed in today’s competitive job market.

As India aims to achieve developed nation status by 2047, there's a heightened need to increase the quality workforce. How do you think apprenticeship can help in putting India to work?

Apprenticeships play an important role in advancing India's goal of achieving developed nation status by 2047 by addressing the need for a high-quality workforce. By offering structured training programs combining curriculum learning with on-the-job experience, apprenticeships equip individuals with the practical skills and industry-specific knowledge needed to excel in their fields. This hands-on training enhances employability and increases innovation, productivity, and economic growth. Moreover, apprenticeships reduce unemployment rates by connecting individuals with meaningful employment opportunities and preparing them to succeed in today's competitive job market. Combined with the rising enrolment in higher education, rising employability implies that India’s young workforce is both expanding and becoming increasingly employable.

With the current count of apprentices standing at 0.9 million and rising at an average rate of 35-40 per cent yearly, it still accounts for barely 0.14 per cent of apprentice involvement in the Indian labour force. Increasing this percentage to between 3-4 per cent will significantly help raise the employability of our heterogeneous youth cohort of 371 million.