India is driving significant investments in green infrastructure and sustainable practices, fostering the rise of green jobs across diverse sectors. Projections indicate a surge of 30-35 million green jobs in India by 2047. The World Economic Forum predicts that up to 50 million skilled individuals could drive this transition, potentially adding an impressive $15 trillion to the economy.
The rise of green jobs in India
The renewable energy sector alone is a significant contributor, with roles in solar and wind energy projects, energy efficiency and sustainable waste management on the rise. Additionally, the shift towards electric vehicles is creating numerous manufacturing, maintenance and infrastructure development jobs. Moreover, sustainable agriculture practices promote roles in organic farming and water conservation, while green construction emphasises energy-efficient buildings and sustainable urban planning. As industries adapt to sustainable practices, the need for skilled professionals in environmental science, engineering and management is becoming increasingly critical. Educational institutions and training programmes are evolving to meet this demand, equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to support India’s green transition.
As the fourth highest contributor to renewable energy globally, with an ambitious target of generating 50 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2030, India is undergoing a significant transformation. Solar, wind, bioenergy and an emerging emphasis on green hydrogen are driving the shift towards green jobs. Solar energy alone is projected to create 3.26 million jobs by 2050, wind energy 0.18 million jobs by 2030, and the bioenergy and green hydrogen sectors 0.27 million and 0.6 million green jobs, respectively, by 2030.
Furthermore, urbanisation is expected to reach 60 per cent of the population by 2050, increasing waste generation by 4 per cent annually. Currently, only 28 per cent of the waste is treated, presenting significant opportunities in waste management, including e-waste and wastewater management. Notably, e-waste management is estimated to create 0.5 million formal jobs by 2025, and wastewater management will require numerous skilled workers in the next decade. Additionally, the transition to EVs is expected to create 10 million direct and 50 million indirect jobs by 2030, while upskilling the existing 35 million internal combustion engine workforce. Similarly, sustainable practices in the textile sector offer opportunities for 45 million textile workers, and approximately 11 million jobs in the construction sector are predicted to be affected by 2030 due to sustainability transitions.
Role of apprenticeships in bridging the skill gap
Apprenticeships in India are crucial for bridging the skill gap between academic education and industry requirements. The demand for a skilled workforce has surged with the growth of the economy, particularly in manufacturing, IT and green technologies. Consequently, apprenticeships provide hands-on training and practical experience, ensuring graduates possess the necessary skills for employment. This, in turn, enhances employability and reduces youth unemployment.
The legal framework for apprenticeships was established under the Apprentices Act of 1961, which regulates and promotes training in industries and services. Significant amendments in 2014 simplified the process, increased employer engagement and expanded the scope to non-engineering fields. Furthermore, programmes such as the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme support the growth of apprenticeship opportunities. Over the past four years, the rate of apprentice engagement by organisations has increased substantially by 35-40 per cent year on year, reaching nearly a million apprentices in 2023-24. However, this still accounts for only 0.14 per cent of the labour force, compared to 3 per cent in Germany and the UK. Achieving comparable levels of engagement could create a pipeline of 20 million apprentices, significantly boosting India’s skilled workforce.
It is worth noting that apprenticeships advocate a modular learning approach, accommodating diverse needs and career goals. Programmes can be as short as six months, offering certificates that equip individuals with entry-level skills. These skills can lead to immediate employment or serve as a foundation for further education. Additionally, for those seeking deeper knowledge, apprenticeships provide diploma programmes (typically one to two years) and graduate diplomas (often two years) for a more comprehensive skill set. At present, the apprenticeship programmes in India are already providing extensive training for a wide array of roles, including solar PV cell manufacturing technician, installer – civil and electrical, wastewater treatment plant technician, solar lighting assembler, solar PV project helper, facility cleaning professional, solar PV manufacturing operator, wind power plant technician (electrical), solar technician (electrical) and solar PV installer (Suryamitra).
Initiatives such as the Skill India Mission, the National Skill Development Corporation and the Skill Council for Green Jobs aim to address skill shortages, enhance employability and support economic growth by providing training and certification in green skills. These efforts promote workforce readiness for sustainability-based jobs. Additionally, the government’s focus on renewable energy and green infrastructure projects creates employment opportunities and drives skill development in the green sector.
Paving the way for a sustainable future
Investing in apprenticeship initiatives and prioritising skill development is crucial for building a green workforce in India. This benefits individuals and the industry and has a profound societal impact, as individuals can pursue fulfilling careers while contributing to the advancement of the renewable energy sector. Collaboration between the government, industry and educational institutions will be vital in achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for all. By working together, these sectors can create a strong framework for skill development, ensuring that the workforce is well prepared to meet the demands of the green economy and contribute to a more sustainable world, thereby fulfilling their societal responsibility.
By Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship
