The Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology-Enabled Services (ITES) industry has witnessed a consistent monthly increase in hiring as organizations prioritize engaging apprentices. This strategic approach is seen as a means to reduce workforce costs, build a skilled talent pool, and foster employee loyalty and retention, as outlined in the recent ‘Apprentice Skill Trends Report’ by business solutions provider Quess Corp.
The report reveals a remarkable annual surge of over 250% in the apprentice headcount within the IT/ITES sector. Approximately 79% of IT/ITES employers anticipate a further increase in apprentice intake in the upcoming months.
In terms of salary trends, the current apprentice demographic comprises over 9 lakh individuals aged 23-26 years. According to the Quess report, IT/ITES employers are projected to offer stipends ranging from Rs 11,000 to Rs 75,000 for apprentices between the ages of 20-24 years. However, stipend payments in other sectors vary based on educational qualifications.
The study identifies the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) and IT/ITES sectors as leading industries in apprentice employment, with a focus on maximizing return on investment amid global uncertainties. Notably, 75% of apprentices engaged in the BFSI and IT sectors successfully complete training and are considered for full-time employment, surpassing rates in other industries.
Prominent roles in demand within the IT sector include IT Support, BPO Executive, Voice/Data Entry Operator, Associate CRM, Embedded Systems Engineer, Design Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Data Engineer, Blockchain Developer, Android/IOS Developer, AR VR Technician, Cybersecurity Engineer, and Unity 3D Developer. In the BFSI domain, roles such as microfinance, credit procurement, debt recovery, and back-office executives are highly sought after.
Girija S, Vice President at Quess Corp, notes a noticeable increase in apprentice hiring in the IT space despite a drop in overall headcount and fresher intake due to global tensions. This trend is observed across both metro and Tier-2 cities, signaling a positive trend in apprentice recruitment. Girija anticipates substantial job creation in the IT/BFSI sectors, estimating the generation of approximately 5 million jobs by 2025.
