Apr, 24: India’s technology and engineering workforce is expanding, yet a significant gender gap persists in specialised IT and tech roles. Women account for 35–38% of overall IT professionals, but there remains a 20–25% shortfall in job-ready women for niche technical skills. This is a key finding from the Her Path, Her Power: Revolutionising Women’s Careers Through Apprenticeship report by TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship and GAN Global, which highlights that rising female workforce participation has not translated into stronger representation in high-skill technical roles.
The report highlights a sharp drop-off in women’s participation across education to employment:
●Women make up 43% of STEM graduates
●Their share declines to 30% in engineering programmes
●Falls below 20% in core engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and civil
In the workforce:
●Women represent 14% to 16% of niche technical roles, including Java, Python, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and AI/ML.
●Employability in these roles remains low at around 22%
Employable numbers are projected to reach 2.01 million by 2027, while demand could rise to 3.82 million roles, pushing the talent shortfall beyond 1.8 million.
Skill gap remain high across emerging technologies, with women facing challenges in several high-growth areas. These include advanced coding, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, as well as technical fields like manufacturing automation, EV maintenance, and telecom infrastructure. This gap highlights the need for more focused upskilling and training to improve participation in these roles.
Core engineering and manufacturing sectors continue to report both low participation from women and high skill gaps.
Industry Snapshot
|
Industry |
Current Women Workforce (%) |
Skill Gap Estimate (%) |
|
IT & BPM |
35-38 |
20-25 |
|
Healthcare |
40-55 |
15-20 |
|
BFSI |
22-25 |
30-35 |
|
Manufacturing & Core Engineering |
12-15 |
40-50 |
|
Retail & E-commerce |
30-35 |
20 |
|
Telecom |
10-15 |
30-40 |
|
Electric Mobility & Renewables |
10-15 |
40-50 |
Apprenticeships are emerging as a strong pathway to employability and a direct solution to bridge skill gaps. By combining earning, structured training, and workplace exposure, they are enabling women to transition into jobs, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where access and mobility remain constraints.
Support systems like safe transport, flexible schedules, and accommodation continue to be key enablers.
Dr. Nipun Sharma, CEO, TDLA, said
“We are seeing encouraging regional momentum in women’s participation across apprenticeship programmes, with Hyderabad leading at 42% women apprentices. This progress underscores that when industry, academia, and government align, inclusive skilling can scale effectively. Structured Degree Apprenticeships are emerging as a credible pathway to bring more women into high-demand technical and digital roles across India’s growing technology hubs.”
Kathryn Rowan, Executive Director, GAN Global, said
“Empowering women through apprenticeships is not just a matter of equity—it is an economic imperative. This report underscores how structured, work-based learning can dismantle systemic barriers, open doors to high-growth sectors, and create pathways for women to thrive as leaders and innovators. At GAN, we believe that when businesses invest in inclusive apprenticeship programs, it’s a triple win for women, communities, and companies, building a more resilient, adaptable, and diverse talent pipeline.”
To scale progress, focus areas include expanding apprenticeships in high growth sectors, integrating them with degree programmes, strengthening mentorship and workplace policies, and addressing mobility and safety barriers. Public private partnerships and awareness efforts will be important to increase adoption.
