India is gearing up for a transformation led by 5G technologies. By 2025, the nation will need a whopping 22 million skilled workers in 5G-focused sectors like cloud computing, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This data comes from a joint study by the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) and Draup, an Artificial Intelligence platform.
Talent Crunch Issues
Currently, there is a glaring telecom talent gap of 2.41 million in India. This figure is projected to magnify by 3.8 times by the year 2030. The telecom industry presently employs 11.59 million people, including 2.95 million in corporate roles and 8.24 million in blue-collar jobs.
Economic Importance
The telecom sector stands as the third-largest industry in India, drawing around 6.5% of all Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country. Furthermore, India is expected to represent 11% of global 5G subscriptions by 2027.
Strategic Solutions
Arvind Bali, CEO of TSSC, suggests that the talent gap can be bridged by 2030. The focus should be on reskilling programs and targeted hiring strategies. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, along with academic institutions, could serve as fertile grounds for sourcing this much-needed talent.
By preparing now and strategizing effectively, India can overcome this impending skill gap, becoming a global leader in 5G technology and its associated sectors. SRIRAM’s