Women Shaping Manufacturing: Demand for Apprenticeships Has Increased by 500%, Report Finds
The historically male-dominated manufacturing industry in India is aggressively attempting to improve its Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) status in the apprenticeship field. In the first quarter of FY24 compared to Q4FY23, the demand for female apprentices increased almost thrice (equal to 500%), according to the most recent statistics from TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship.
The optimistic trend, claims the research, is seen in a number of areas, including the Southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, the Western states of Maharashtra, particularly in Aurangabad and Pune, and the Northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.
Gender neutrality in apprentice participation is increasingly being embraced by employers throughout the industrial sectors, with an encouraging 51% actively promoting equal chances for both men and women.
Notably, the admirable pay equity between male and female trainees distinguishes the apprenticeship sector from regular employment norms. According to the research, this proactive strategy is consistent with the industry’s dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace, advancing gender equality, empowering women, and cultivating talent.
Major Sectors
Automobiles/auto component manufacturing and electronic/technology products, where there are no pay discrepancies, are two important industries pushing this positive development.
In the next months, it is predicted that industries including pharmaceuticals, telecom, and white goods would follow the trend. Women are particularly sought after for positions in assembly line operations and machine operations. This change in the labor market reveals an increased focus on female apprenticeships in the formerly male-dominated manufacturing industry.
It is heartening to see that the manufacturing sector is dedicated to increasing its diversity recruiting to 30-35% from the existing 20-25% in the next 1-2 years, according to Sumit Kumar, Chief Business Officer, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship. This number will inevitably rise as apprenticeships as a whole increase, which will result in more women entering the workforce. The demand for automobiles and electronics increased threefold during the first quarter of FY24, and this trend continued throughout the month of July ’23. India improved from 135 to 127 out of 146 nations analyzed in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, demonstrating its commitment to gender parity.
The survey also said that degree-linked apprenticeships had successfully reduced obstacles and increased worker diversity. These initiatives are evolving into a social movement that empowers rural women.
Women from rural areas sometimes have less access to economic and educational possibilities. various programs encourage women to gain necessary skills and certificates that may greatly enhance their socioeconomic standing by providing apprenticeships in various areas.
Another important result of degree-linked apprenticeships is the development of talent. These programs cultivate a pool of gifted people who are prepared to fulfill the expectations of the business by offering a structured roadmap for skill development.Employers profit from a pool of qualified individuals who are prepared to make valuable contributions to the workforce.
Apprenticeships not only teach technical skills but also develop important soft skills like time management, attention to detail, reliability, and critical thinking. These skills bolster the workforce even more and support the industrial industry’s overall expansion and prosperity.
“The significant increase in diversity employment inside apprenticeship programs is convincing evidence of the industrial sector’s mentality change. This substantial increase not only illustrates the industry’s increasing appreciation of the untapped potential and distinctive views that women bring to the table, but it also draws attention to their advantages in areas like perseverance, self-control, and critical thinking. These advantages promote diversity in industries where males predominate and are crucial in elevating women in rural areas, Kumar said.
