As the workplace experiences rapid technological advancements, the skills and competencies required for success are evolving. Soft skills such as communication and critical thinking are becoming increasingly prioritized across various industries, according to a senior executive from a digital recruitment platform. In this new environment, employers are shifting their focus from traditional educational qualifications to candidates’ practical skills and their ability to contribute effectively to a role. Significant efforts from industry, academia, and students are being made to address skill gaps. Job seekers are now concentrating on acquiring soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and leadership to ensure their job readiness.
Devashish Sharma, Founding Member and CEO of Taggd, stated that the upcoming hiring wave in India will emphasize demonstrable readiness over degrees—skills validated through projects, internships, and data-driven capability assessments. “Employers, particularly larger organizations, are actively working to ensure job readiness by co-creating skill development programs and co-designing curricula with academic institutions,” he noted. India’s employers are facing a substantial talent shortage, and to bridge the gap between academia and industry, companies are developing hiring pipelines and collaborating with finishing schools, boot camps, and apprenticeship programs. Experts assert that collaboration between industry and academia can equip graduates with the real-world skills necessary for workplace success.
Sharma pointed to examples such as the INAE-Infosys Foundation Centre for Engineering Education and Research (INAE-CEEE) at IIT Delhi, and the partnership between IIT Hyderabad and Renesas for research and talent development in the semiconductor field as illustrations of effective industry-academia collaboration. The government is also focused on enhancing workforce employability through policy initiatives like the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the Apprenticeship Act. Enrollments in NAPS are projected to reach approximately 930,000 during 2023-24, with a target of 4.6 million apprentices by the end of the current fiscal year, according to Sharma.
These initiatives are vital for the evolving talent acquisition landscape in India, as they provide more professionals with the skills and practical knowledge required for successful careers. “Apprentices receive hands-on training that aligns closely with industry needs, eliminating lengthy adjustment periods for new hires, who arrive ready to contribute,” he explained. Consequently, companies are creating a pipeline of pre-qualified candidates who are already familiar with their business and culture, significantly reducing recruitment and onboarding costs. The advantages of apprenticeship programs are especially notable in sectors such as automotive, engineering, manufacturing, IT, and even the gig economy.
Furthermore, “it has opened up remarkable opportunities for companies to upskill and reskill their existing workforce through blended, modular approaches that are effective in real-world scenarios,” he added.
