Apprenticeship In India 2025: Latest Trends and Insights

Apprenticeship programs serve as a vital tool, bridging the gap between academics and industry-specific skill requirements. In 2025, India’s apprenticeship landscape is undergoing a major transformation, reshaping how organizations across sectors design and implement these programs. Key drivers of this shift include rising demand for apprentices in sunrise sectors, the emergence of new apprenticeship hubs, etc. 

This article explores the prominent apprenticeship trends fostering change in India in 2025 and presents actionable insights for both employers and job seekers to leverage these programs—enabling efficient talent acquisition and sustainable career development. 

Apprenticeship Trends in India 2025

According to the TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship’s Apprenticeship Outlook Report (January–March 2025), the Net Apprenticeship Outlook (NAO) has reached 76%, marking an 8% increase compared to the previous period (October 2023–March 2024). This growth is primarily driven by key sunrise sectors such as drones (86%), EV & mobility (75%), and Global Capability Centres (79%). Notably, the IT/BFSI sector alone is projected to generate approximately 5 million jobs in 2025 through apprenticeship-based skilling programs.

Several cities in India are emerging as key apprenticeship hotspots. Hyderabad leads with an NAO of 92%, supported by the rapid expansion of its IT and BPM sectors. Nagpur follows closely with 91%, driven by robust investments in green energy and manufacturing. Other cities demonstrating strong apprenticeship engagement include Chennai (83%) and Indore (81%).

About 75% of employers are now converting apprentices into full-time roles, integrating apprenticeships as one of the core components of their talent acquisition strategies. Employers are increasingly valuing apprentices for specific attributes such as learning agility (79%), on-the-job training (66%), industry-academia collaboration (51%), and exposure to mentorship programs (49%).

Recent trends also indicate a growing emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within apprenticeship programs. Around 64% of employers are open to hiring LGBTQIA+ apprentices, with notable representation in sectors like tourism and hospitality (72%), electronics and electricals (71%), telecommunications (71%), leather and apparel (69%), and logistics (68%). Furthermore, 44% of employers have expressed intent to increase women’s participation in apprenticeship programs. The solar industry (64%) leads in this trend, followed by semiconductors (61%), leather and apparel (58%), and IT & BPM (57%).

Note: The data is sourced from TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship’s Apprenticeship Outlook Report (January–March 2025)

Insights for Employers

Employers can leverage these emerging apprenticeship trends to support the sustainable growth of their businesses. With strong conversion rates of apprentices into full-time employees, organisations have the opportunity to develop a cost-effective talent acquisition strategy that not only reduces hiring expenses but also enhances cultural fitness within teams. Cities such as Nagpur, Chennai, and Hyderabad, which are rapidly emerging as apprenticeship hubs, offer access to a young, skilled talent pool ideal for companies planning to expand operations in these regions.

Apprenticeship programs should be strategically designed to include modules that emphasise learning agility, on-the-job training, industry-academia collaboration, and structured mentorship. These elements have proven to be critical factors influencing the successful transition of apprentices into long-term roles within the organisation.

Employers are also encouraged to review and enhance their DEI policies within apprenticeship programs by actively promoting the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals and women. Industries such as solar energy, semiconductors, and apparel are already demonstrating leadership in this area, offering a model for inclusive workforce development.

Insights for Job Seekers

Fresh graduates and young professionals can take meaningful steps toward building their careers through well-structured apprenticeship programs. These programs offer not only real-time work experience but also a strong opportunity to transition into permanent roles within the same organisation. For those targeting high-growth industries such as IT, BFSI, and EV & Mobility, the current apprenticeship landscape presents a valuable opportunity, providing entry into these sectors. 

Job seekers based in Hyderabad, Indore, Nagpur, and Chennai are particularly well-positioned, as these cities are witnessing increased demand for apprentices, providing enhanced access to efficient training and strong career entry points.

Candidates are encouraged to explore apprenticeship opportunities that promote inclusive participation for LGBTQIA+ individuals and women. Industries such as hospitality, apparel, electronics, and logistics are actively creating pathways for such diverse talent, offering promising avenues for long-term professional growth.

To ensure long-term success, aspiring apprentices should demonstrate a continuous learning mindset, a strong willingness to gain hands-on experience, and a receptiveness to mentorship. 

Apprenticeship programs in India are experiencing significant growth in 2025, attracting more participation from both employers and job seekers. Emerging hotspot cities such as Bengaluru, Nagpur, and Indore are expected to witness continued expansion, with more employers seeking skilled apprentices across diverse job functions and sectors.

The emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in apprenticeship hiring is creating valuable opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community and women, offering a structured pathway for strong, sustainable careers. Apprenticeship programs will remain an invaluable resource for both employers and job seekers, offering numerous benefits necessary for crucial transformation in the future of work. 

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