A recent report by TeamLease reveals that 72% of employers plan to hire freshers in the second half of 2024. This marks a 4% increase from the previous half-year and a 7% rise compared to the same period in 2023. The positive trend indicates a robust job market for new graduates.
The report, based on a survey of 603 companies across India, identifies E-commerce & Technology Start-ups, Engineering & Infrastructure, and Retail as the top sectors hiring freshers, with 61%, 59%, and 54% of employers in these industries, respectively, planning to recruit.
Geographically, Bangalore leads with 74% of employers intending to hire freshers, followed by Mumbai at 60% and Chennai at 54%.
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In-demand roles include Full Stack Developer, SEO Executive, Digital Sales Associate, and UI/UX Designer. Skills in Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and Search Engine Optimization are particularly sought after.
The report also emphasises the need for better alignment between educational curricula and industry requirements.
It finds that 70% of employers support enhancing curriculum with experiential learning, while 62% advocate for stronger industry-academia partnerships.
Degree apprenticeships show stable demand, with Manufacturing (25%), Engineering & Infrastructure (19%), and Construction & Real Estate (11%) leading in hiring intentions.
Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech, commented, “The increase in hiring intent for freshers reflects growing confidence among employers and presents valuable opportunities for new talent.” He highlighted the importance of aligning educational programs with industry needs and the shift towards practical, hands-on learning.
Jaideep Kewalramani, Head of Employability Business and COO at TeamLease EdTech, added, “The 7% rise in fresher hiring intent and growing demand across sectors indicate a robust job market recovery. Graduates focusing on digital skills and diverse learning experiences can significantly enhance their career prospects.”