India’s educational landscape has undergone significant expansion, marked by a remarkable increase in higher education enrollment, soaring to a staggering 4.14 crore. This surge reflects a 7.5% rise from 2019-20 and a remarkable 21% increase from 2014-15. Concurrently, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education has also exhibited a steady ascent across all social groups, indicating a widespread embrace of educational opportunities. Yet, this growth contrasts sharply with employability rates; in 2024, only 51.8% of fresh graduates met industry employability standards, as per India Skills Report 2024. Particularly concerning is the employability rate of 58.6% within the highly skilled demographic of 22-25-year-olds, indicating a considerable gap between academic qualifications and job market requirements.
This disparity highlights a crucial flaw in the educational model, focusing excessively on theory rather than practical skills needed in a rapidly evolving workplace. Degree apprenticeships offer a promising solution, blending academic learning with vocational training to raise the employability of India’s youth to meet industry demands. This approach not only addresses the current skills gap but aligns education more closely with economic needs and job market realities.
The Importance of Apprenticeships
In light of the profound skills gap and the underutilization of apprenticeships in India, it’s imperative to reevaluate and reinforce the framework for vocational education and training. According to the World Economic Forum, of the 13 million people who join India’s workforce each year, only one in four management professionals, one in five engineers, and one in ten graduates are employable. As per The Global Skills Gaps Measurement and Monitoring Report of ILO, released in 2023, 47% of Indian workers are underqualified for their jobs; even more distressing is that 62% of females in India are underqualified. This stark reflection highlights the glaring discrepancy between the skills demanded by industries and what young individuals possess through education and training. Furthermore, formal vocational training reaches a scant 2% of the workforce, while non-formal vocational training barely touches 9%.
Despite India’s vast potential to engage up to 20 million apprentices, mirroring the 3-4% participation rate amongst the total workforce seen in evolved economies, current engagement stands at a paltry 0.14%. Only 40,000 employers in India engage with apprentices (compared to 200,000 in the UK), demonstrating a critical need for strategic intervention to bridge intent with action.
The Paradigm Shift in Education and Employability
Addressing the widening chasm between educational accomplishments and workforce readiness among India’s youth reveals that traditional educational paradigms fall short in preparing students for the realities of the job market. A transformative shift in mindset is illuminated by a report from Deloitte, which states that 85% of HR executives plan to redesign the way work is organized so that skills can be flexibly ported across work over the next three years.
Furthermore, 80% of Indian professionals assert that, in contrast to two decades ago, skills now eclipse degrees in importance for career advancement. This paradigm shift is further underscored by the revelation that 76% of Indian professionals perceive degrees to have diminished in value, attributing this to an increasing inclination towards skills-based hiring. Notably, 82% acknowledge a growing comfort among companies in recruiting candidates without relevant work experience, provided they possess the requisite skills. This underscores an urgent need for educational models that prioritize skill acquisition and continuous learning, with 87% of professionals emphasizing the heightened importance of upskilling.
The Tripartite Model: Academia, Industry, and Apprenticeships
The tripartite model, which brings together academia, industry, and apprentices, stands as a foundational pillar in closing the gap between education and employment through degree apprenticeships. This collaboration offers unique advantages across the board. For academic institutions, it presents an opportunity to closely align curricula with the evolving demands of the job market, ensuring education remains both relevant and impactful. Industries, on the other hand, find in degree apprenticeships a direct channel to cultivate their future workforce, significantly reducing recruitment costs and skill shortages, thereby enhancing economic growth and competitiveness. Meanwhile, apprentices gain access to career paths that might previously have seemed unreachable, acquiring practical skills and industry-specific knowledge that elevate their employability and career prospects. This model doesn’t just connect theoretical knowledge with practical application; it prepares a workforce that is adaptable, skilled, and primed for the future challenges of the global job market.
The Role of NEP 2020 in Promoting Degree Apprenticeships
The integration of work-integrated learning programs within the framework of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a significant stride towards reconciling the disconnect between educational qualifications and employability. The NEP’s emphasis on blending vocational training with academic education addresses the critical flaws inherent in an education system that traditionally prioritizes qualifications over practical skills. This policy initiative underlines the importance of fostering a learning environment where practical, hands-on experience complements theoretical knowledge, thereby narrowing the gap between education and real-world employability. Specifically, the NEP 2020 advocates for a more fluid integration of vocational and academic streams, enabling students to acquire the technical skills and practical experiences that are increasingly demanded by employers. This approach not only enhances the employability of graduates but also ensures that the education system is more aligned with the evolving needs of the economy, preparing a workforce that is versatile, skilled, and ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
The Way Forward: Prioritizing Degree Apprenticeships
In light of the potential that degree apprenticeships hold for enhancing the employability of India’s youth and improving the GER, it is imperative to prioritize these programs within the ambit of the NEP 2020. To effectively implement degree apprenticeships, the inclusion of universities within the Apprenticeship Act is essential, serving as a pivotal third party with a clearly defined role. Furthermore, the establishment of industry bodies aligned with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Guidelines for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) will significantly bolster the collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring that the curriculum is responsive to the needs of the job market.
The introduction of an apprenticeship credit framework, mirroring the structure and intent of the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and the National Qualification Framework (NQF), is vital. Such a framework would enable the seamless integration of apprenticeship experiences with higher education, facilitating a more fluid and flexible pathway for apprentices to gain both academic credentials and practical, work-based learning.
Embracing these measures within the NEP 2020 framework will not only bridge the existing gap between education and employability but also ensure that India’s future workforce is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to thrive in the global economy. The time to act is now. By fostering a more inclusive and integrated approach to education and vocational training, we can unlock the full potential of our youth and pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future
