Electronics Industry Witnesses 154% Growth in Hiring and Skilling, Reports Quess

According to research conducted by Quess Corp Limited, a leading workforce management solutions provider, the electronics industry in India has, in recent times, experienced sharp growth in both hiring and skilling initiatives. Comparing hiring statistics from March 2024 to March 2023 reveals a remarkable 154% growth in overall hiring within the electronics industry. The research also showed that the Telecom domain tops hiring demand within the electronics industry, accounting for 64% of hiring, closely followed by lighting and automotive sectors. In terms of geography, Tamil Nadu leads the states with a significant 33% share of electronics hiring demand, followed by Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana.

The electronics industry also witnessed a significant deployment of women in various roles, particularly in electronics manufacturing. The rise in employment has been particularly noticeable in mobile manufacturing, with subsequent growth observed in the retail and services sectors. Women constitute 78% of the industry’s workforce, reflecting a significant shift towards gender diversity and inclusion. They are increasingly employed as Operators, Quality Assurance professionals, and in testing roles, with some companies achieving up to 80% female representation. These roles typically offer monthly salaries ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 18,000. Moreover, companies provide dormitory accommodations with enhanced security measures and health monitoring to support their well-being and safety. Comprehensive safety measures, including Mediclaim and accidental insurance coverage, are also being extended to women in these roles.

The surge in women’s employment within electronics manufacturing can be attributed to several factors. The nature of the work, which often involves intricate assembly and precise handling of small parts, complements women’s skill in dexterity and attention to detail. Additionally, women demonstrate a strong ability to learn quickly and adapt, enabling them to thrive in fast-paced production settings. Moreover, research, like Quess’ New Collar Generation report, indicates that women prioritize factors beyond pay, with 63% of women in informal employment being ‘very likely’ to trade a higher salary for health benefits and a formal work agreement. This aligns with the efforts of many electronics manufacturers to cultivate a positive workplace culture that emphasizes safety, support, and opportunities for skill development, factors that hold greater value for many female employees.

In terms of job roles within the electronics industry, the research showed that several key roles are in high demand, such as Electronic Engineers, Instrumental Engineers, and Electronic Design Engineers. The average salaries for these roles range from Rs.18,000 PM to Rs.32,000 per month, while the roles typically deploy individuals aged between 18 and 30 years, reflecting the industry’s emphasis on young talent.

Commenting on the research finding, Lohit Bhatia, President of Workforce Management at Quess Corp, said, “The Indian electronics manufacturing sector is on a growth trajectory fuelled by innovation and transformation. Industry experts forecast the creation of 1 million jobs by 2025–2026, and the market size is expected to reach $400 billion by 2025. This growth is not only fueled by increasing consumer demand but has also received a boost from government initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Our research shows robust hiring trends, skilling initiatives, and a concerted focus on fostering opportunities for women. In the years to come, the electronics sector is poised to emerge as one of the drivers of India’s economic growth and employment generation.”

The research also reveals that flexi staffing has emerged as the preferred mode of employment in the Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry. Given that businesses are operating in a dynamic environment marked by seasonality and sudden growth of orders, flexi staffing offers companies the agility and adaptability to manage market demand.

Another key aspect of this sector is the emergence of skilling models in electronics apprenticeships, offering hands-on training directly with industry tools and technologies. The idea here is to bridge the skill gap and develop a pipeline of skilled professionals for the industry. These skilling initiatives are carried out in collaboration with industry partners who provide access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert instructors, as well as create job opportunities for apprentices.

Academic institutions are also crafting curricula considering the industry demands, incorporating topics such as Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI), Design, and Nanotechnology. Additionally, specialized ITI trades focusing on electronics manufacturing are gaining prominence.

A key national initiative that has advanced skilling in this sector is the government’s Skill India Digital program. Approximately 1.4 million digitally skilled employees have been trained under this scheme, enhancing the electronics sector’s talent pool. The linkage between future skills and employment prospects through apprenticeship training clearly indicates the industry’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce.