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Recently, there has been a surge in demand for female apprenticeships, which signals a transformative shift in attitudes towards gender equality. India stands at a pivotal moment in its history, poised to unlock the potential of its 1.4 billion citizens. As the nation looks towards a future of inclusive growth and economic prosperity, the role of apprenticeships emerges as a transformative force, particularly in empowering women and driving equitable workforce participation.
The commendable compensation parity observed between male and female apprentices is central to the paradigm shift in apprenticeship programs. This departure from traditional employment practices underscores a commitment to inclusivity and fairness, setting a positive precedent for gender equality in the workforce. The ascent in India’s ranking in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 from 135th to 127th among 146 countries reflects the nation’s resolve to address gender disparities and empower women.
The Indian government’s initiatives, such as the Skill India Mission and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), are pivotal in promoting women’s engagement in skill development programs. With over 4,21,450 women engaged in Optional Trade and 113,321 in Designated Trade, significant strides have been made towards gender inclusivity in vocational training. These initiatives underscore a concerted effort to unlock the immense potential of India’s female workforce.
Challenges And Progress:
However, despite progress, India still grapples with persistent challenges in women’s labour force participation. The decline from 35% in 2005 to 26% in 2018, amidst economic growth and an increase in working-age women, underscores the urgency of addressing systemic barriers and cultural biases. The widening gender gap, with only 19.2% women in the workforce compared to 70.1% men, highlights the need for sustained efforts towards inclusivity and diversity.
Enhancing women’s participation in the workforce holds immense economic potential for India. With the possibility to add $0.7 trillion to India’s GDP, there is a pressing need to bridge the gap in formal skills training. While the National Policy for Skill Development set ambitious targets, only 4.69% of India’s workforce has undergone formal skills training, lagging behind countries with higher proportions of skills-trained populations.
India’s 135th out of 146 nations ranking in the Global Gender Gap Index 2022 underscores the challenges in achieving gender parity. Perceptions among young workers, highlighting gaps in diversity and inclusion policies and a gender wage gap, emphasise the need for concerted action to address systemic inequities.
Degree Apprenticeships as a Catalyst for Change:
Recent data underscores the urgency of addressing gender disparities in India’s labour force. Despite comprising 48% of the population, women’s labour force participation remains significantly lower than the global average, at 37%. McKinsey Global Institute estimates that India could add a staggering US$ 770 billion to its GDP by 2025 simply by offering equal opportunities to women.
Recognising the imperative for change, Indian industries increasingly turn to apprenticeships to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. While women constitute 20% of total apprentices in India, the landscape is rapidly evolving, with exponential growth projected in the coming years.
Degree apprenticeships represent a paradigm shift in skills development, offering women a unique pathway to education, financial independence, and career advancement. By embedding degree programs within apprenticeship frameworks, women from diverse socio-economic backgrounds gain access to high-quality training while organisations benefit from a more skilled and inclusive workforce.
The social and educational impact of degree apprenticeships cannot be overstated. These programs equip women with advanced skill sets and challenge traditional gender roles and cultural biases. As women increasingly occupy roles in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as engineering and technology, the ripple effects of gender diversity are felt across industries and communities.
Indian industries are at the forefront of driving a diversity agenda through inclusive apprenticeships. Initiatives such as flexible training schedules, increased apprenticeship opportunities for women, and compensation parity are essential in achieving gender parity and empowering women in the Indian workforce.
Women are actively taking up job roles traditionally defined for men. The number of female apprentices is growing nearly 100% YOY, though on a small base. Various automobile manufacturers anticipate 50% of their workforce to be constituted by women in the next 3-5 years. Many automobile companies have reported that women comprise over 30% of their workforce, with women apprentices registering 3X growth in the manufacturing sector.
This surge in women’s apprenticeships reflects a significant shift in societal perceptions and industry practices. As more women enter traditionally male-dominated fields like manufacturing and engineering, the landscape of India’s workforce undergoes a transformative change. Not only does this trend signify progress in dismantling gender stereotypes, but it also brings forth the immense untapped potential of female talent in driving economic growth and innovation. Through concerted efforts to expand opportunities and address systemic barriers, India’s industries can pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future, where women play a central role in shaping the nation’s workforce and driving sustainable development through the power of apprenticeships.
The author is Chief Executive Officer, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship
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