India has emerged as the epicentre of global transformation through its Global Capability Centres (GCCs), housing more than half of them in the world.
With over 1,700 centres today and projections to surpass 2,975 by FY2024, the demand for a skilled and future-ready workforce has never been greater.
Yet, amid this rapid expansion, a critical challenge looms – bridging the growing skill gap in emerging technologies.
Traditional education systems often struggle to keep pace with industry demands, leaving businesses grappling with a shortage of AI/ML engineers and other specialised professionals.
According to LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report 2025, nearly half of learning and talent development professionals face a skills crisis today. Of these, 49% agree that “executives are concerned that employees do not have the right skills to execute business strategy”.
Source: https://economicgraph.linkedin.com/workforce-data?selectedFilter=view-all%2Fby-year
By integrating apprenticeship programs into their hiring and talent development strategies, GCCs are not only training employees but also shaping the future of work.
Bridging the Gap Through Apprenticeships
In an interview with AIM, Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, vice president and business head of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, mentioned that apprenticeship programs enable businesses to nurture talent from the ground up, ensuring a sustainable workforce while minimising recruitment costs and turnover.
He further mentioned that apprenticeships also support long-term employee engagement and retention by providing clear career progression opportunities, fostering loyalty and reducing the skill mismatches that can hinder growth in the fast-paced and technology-driven environment of GCCs.
“The demand for AI/ML talent has already surged by 400% in 2024, and apprenticeship programs offer a viable solution to rapidly upskill the workforce, meeting the urgent needs of both businesses and the wider tech ecosystem,” Mahanta mentioned.
According to him, these initiatives provide hands-on learning experiences that combine theoretical knowledge with real-world application, making candidates job-ready from day one.
“Apprenticeships are not just about learning; they prepare individuals for real-world challenges,” he added.
Unlike conventional degree programs, apprenticeships equip professionals with practical problem-solving skills, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into the workplace.
How GCCs are Future-Proofing Their Workforce
By investing in AI-focused apprenticeships and internship programs, GCCs are creating a steady pipeline of highly skilled professionals. These initiatives also help companies reduce hiring costs, improve employee retention, and foster a culture of continuous learning.
Mahanta highlighted that over the years, TeamLease has worked closely with a wide range of GCCs across India, delivering tailored skilling solutions. “Our clients come from various industries, including technology, automotive, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, ranging from mid-sized enterprises to Fortune 500 companies.”
Meanwhile, Pankaj Vyas, CEO and MD of Siemens Technology and Services India, said that the hiring landscape has undergone a significant shift over the past decade.
He explained that what was happening was very interesting. He mentioned that if the question had been asked seven to eight years ago, the focus would have largely been on the industry and domain. However, now the emphasis has shifted to the technology hiring that companies are doing.
He also highlighted the growing emphasis on reskilling and upskilling the existing workforce to keep pace with evolving industry demands. “In the business that we are in, it’s not just about technology. It’s equally important to have deep domain expertise,” he concluded.
Moreover, Dhanya Rajeswaran, global vice president and country managing director at Fluence India, also stressed the need for an agile and highly skilled workforce to support their rapid growth and innovation.
“We’re very young, and, therefore, we needed a workforce that was very agile and talented and with the ability to shorten timelines for us,” she explained.
In this context, Rajesh Puneyani, vice president of technology and site leader at Kenvue Solutions India, mentioned that AI-driven hiring processes, such as automated screening and data-driven candidate assessments, are areas the company is exploring. This helps streamline hiring while ensuring high-calibre talent that aligns with its vision.
