TeamLease Launches Industry-Specific WILP for Candidates

TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, India’s largest privately owned Degree Apprenticeship program from the house of TeamLease Services, has introduced its innovative industry-specific Work-Integrated Learning Program (WILP) with an aim to empower 10 lakhs candidates within the next 4-5 years. This initiative intends to create a pool of skilled and competent resources, placing a significant emphasis on the development of cognitive and technical proficiencies. Notably, this program is adaptable and can be delivered through a versatile blend of on-the-Job, online and on-site methods, providing flexibility and ease of execution.   

TeamLease has already partnered with 15 esteemed educational institutions and organizations to offer work-integrated learning program (WILP), overcoming the talent shortage and its cascading effect on productivity and cost. This industry-specific program will operate across the Auto, Manufacturing, and Retail sectors, aligning precisely with the demand of these industries, thus ensuring that participants are equipped with relevant expertise. 

Commenting on the launch of the program, Mr Sumit Kumar, Chief Business Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship said, “The current labour market is gravitating towards skill-based jobs instead of qualification. The advent of automation, the influence of ESG and policy reforms are driving the nature and volume of current and future jobs in India and globally. This has further widened the gap between the supply and demand of skills to fulfil the job requirements. Work-based programmes are being considered an innovation to bridge the skill gap through Industry-academia collaboration. Industry micro-credentials are added to the curriculum to make the programs relevant and address the employability gap that the industry faces while hiring. The focus is on building transversal skills (soft skills), functional/ technical skills and domain knowledge. These work-based programs are aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCF) and National Skill Qualification Frame (NSQF) as per the New Education Policy which aims to blend skills with mainstream education. The learning process is tripartite in nature involving students, industry and academia, breaking the traditional education process. These bespoke programs address the needs of every job role and industry for workforce development. We are seeing traction for such programs for capacity building in Manufacturing, Retail and logistics; and also where there is a need for capability building - pharma, healthcare, IT etc.  There is a 20% increase in the intake of student trainees under such programs. Since the future of work and education is inextricable, in the next 5 years we can expect 30% of enrolments in higher education under such work-integrated programs in collaboration with industry.” 

One notable feature of this program is its inclusivity, as it is not limited to college graduates alone. It embraces individuals who have completed their 10th or 12th grade, diploma holders, ITI graduates, and even college dropouts with a technical background. Throughout the program, participants can anticipate earning an average stipend ranging from Rs. 11,000 to 16,000 per month, thereby receiving essential financial support while they simultaneously learn and work. Furthermore, participants will enjoy the security of insurance coverage provided by the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), ensuring their well-being and peace of mind. 

“According to industry estimates, the unemployment rate in India stood at 7.33% in 2022 and the dropout level at the secondary level stands at 12.6% in 2021-22. States like Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Odisha, & West Bengal see the highest dropout at the secondary (9-10) level due to poverty and quality of education. The work-integrated learning program we are launching addresses many of these challenges and also assists corporates in nurturing well-trained workforce. It achieves this by providing real-time talent availability, enhancing workforce productivity through structured training with 70% on-the-job exposure, and optimizing talent costs through a 'build vs. buy' approach. It is also expected to improve retention rates by an impressive 15%-20% through educational linkage. Additionally, this program qualifies as a strategic investment in education, employability, and livelihood for CSR purposes. We understand that the skills demanded by employers today are best acquired in a real-world, situated learning environment in collaboration with employers”, said Mr Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, Vice President, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship.” 

The Work-Integrated Learning Program (WILP) encompasses diverse courses, including a Diploma in General Purpose Machinist and B.Sc in Mechatronics. This program has been made accessible to learners from all regions, ensuring that career growth and advancement opportunities are within reach of individuals across the country. 

TeamLease's strategic approach to sector-specific training sets it apart as an industry leader that comprehends the distinct requirements of each sector. Through the Work-Integrated Learning Program (WILP), TeamLease is paving the way for a new era of skilled and job-ready professionals, poised to make a substantial impact in the Auto, Manufacturing, and Retail sectors.