With the job market showing signs of steady improvement, a recent report by TeamLease EdTech revealed that 72% of Indian employers are gearing up to hire freshers in the second half of 2024. This marks a 4% increase from the first half of the year and a 7% rise compared to the same period in 2023, signaling positive momentum for fresh talent entering the workforce.
Encouraging Trends in Fresh Talent Recruitment
The ‘Career Outlook Report HY2’ (July-December 2024), based on a survey conducted among over 603 companies across India between April and June 2024, indicates a growing confidence among employers. “The increase in hiring intent for freshers is an encouraging sign. It reflects growing confidence among employers and presents valuable opportunities for fresh talent entering the workforce,” stated Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech.
Top Industries and Cities Leading Freshers’ Hiring
According to the report, the e-commerce and technology start-up sectors, along with engineering and infrastructure, and retail, are the top three industries demonstrating the strongest intent to hire freshers during the latter half of 2024. Geographically, Bengaluru leads the charge, with 74% of employers planning to hire fresh graduates, followed by Mumbai at 60% and Chennai at 54%.
In-Demand Roles and Skills
The report also sheds light on the most sought-after job roles for freshers, with full-stack developers, SEO executives, digital sales associates, and UI/UX designers topping the list. Employers are particularly focused on candidates who possess expertise in cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, and search engine optimization, reflecting the rising importance of these skills in today’s job market.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
The survey also highlights a critical need for alignment between academic training and industry requirements. A significant 70% of employers recommended enhancing curriculums with experiential learning, while 62% emphasized the importance of industry-academia partnerships to better prepare students for the workforce. The manufacturing sector leads in hiring degree apprentices, with 25% of employers in this field planning to bring on fresh talent, followed by engineering and infrastructure at 19% and construction and real estate at 11%.
“Aligning educational programs with industry requirements is crucial. The job market is evolving rapidly, with technology and digital skills taking center stage,” Rooj emphasized, underscoring the importance of adapting education to meet the demands of an increasingly digital economy.
