As the world's population ages, India is positioned to bridge the gap in skilled labor demand globally, according to a senior executive at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship.
Traditionally known for its emigrant workforce, India has increasingly become a hub for skilled labor recruitment over the past decade, experiencing a steady growth rate of 15-20% annually. Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, Vice President and Business Head of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, attributed this trend to the aging demographics in developed nations.
Mahanta predicts a continued surge in global mobility among Indian workers, with an anticipated growth rate of 28-30% over the next five years.
India's demographic advantage also plays a crucial role, with 554 million individuals falling within the 15-64 age bracket, as highlighted in the 'Global Skill Gap Study' conducted by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
The study indicates a rising demand for Indian talent across various sectors worldwide, with significant interest from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Japan, and Malaysia.
To meet this demand, the Indian International Skilling Centre (IISC) Network aims to facilitate international workforce mobility by placing 100,000 skilled Indian candidates overseas, providing pre-departure orientation for 250,000 candidates, and certifying 25,000 workers through recognition of prior learning assessment and certification overseas.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries shows a particularly high demand for healthcare and old-age care professionals, while sectors like construction, IT, and green jobs are also witnessing growth.
Japan's introduction of 'Specified Skilled Workers' aims to address labor shortages by accepting foreign workers with specific expertise, with India being a key partner under the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in January 2021.
The construction, facility management, healthcare, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing sectors are witnessing significant employment of Indian workers overseas, with emphasis on training aligned with international standards.
The National Skill Development Corporation International, in collaboration with 11 countries, is facilitating training, assessment, and recruitment services to boost the demand for skilled Indian workers globally.
In-demand roles for Indian workers include IT, construction, healthcare, data analytics, electrical engineering, plumbing, mechanics, hospitality, sales, and marketing.