Closing the gap: Addressing skill development in the face of 5G and Web 3.0

In the heart of India’s innovation hubs, where every beep of a smartphone signifies a moment of progress, where the latest gadgets dominate the discussions at coffee tables, where entrepreneurs envision a connected future, and where dedicated developers bring ideas to life, a quiet revolution is unfolding. It’s a revolution propelled by the telecom industry, which stands at a crossroads of change. The recently launched report by the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC), “Telecom Talent in 5G Era: Demand Supply Skill Gap Report 2023-24,” serves as a roadmap mapping the path of this revolution, particularly in the context of skills transformation.

With the advent of 5G and the upcoming Web 3.0 revolution, the demand for skilled professionals in the telecom sector is set to skyrocket. However, this surge in demand is accompanied by a significant skill gap, a challenge that demands our immediate attention. This challenge stands as the focal point of the report, underscoring the urgency of addressing the industry’s evolving needs.

The report, prepared in association with Draup, reveals that India is currently grappling with a telecom demand-supply gap of 2.41 million, a number set to triple by 2030. This gap is further exacerbated by the fact that only 40% of graduates in computer science, IT, and mathematics are employable in the technology sector. This clearly indicates that there is mismatch between the skills imparted by our educational institutions and the demands of the rapidly evolving telecom landscape.

The report also details the immense opportunities that await the industry in the coming years. India is expected to require 22 million skilled workers in 5G-focused industries by 2025, in areas like cloud computing, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Remarkably, India is poised to have a skilled labour surplus, with 1.3 million workers in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sector by 2030.

Reskilling and hiring strategies
Addressing this disparity requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, reskilling initiatives must be at the heart of our strategy. In the realm of 5G and Web 3.0, the demand for specialized skills in areas such as cloud computing, robotics and IoT will skyrocket.

Moreover, it is imperative to broaden the scope of our hiring strategies. By targeting adjacent talent in Tier-II and III cities and universities, we can tap into a diverse pool of skilled individuals. These regions are often teeming with untapped potential, and by investing in their development, we can bridge the talent gap while fostering economic growth in these areas.

Harnessing technological advancements:
The report also sheds light on the transformative potential of emerging technologies. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), the Metaverse, and the advent of 6G network technologies are set to reshape the telecom sector. By harnessing the power of these innovations, we can not only enhance the efficiency of our operations but also create an environment conducive for skill development.

A call to action
In light of these findings, it is imperative that the telecom industry take decisive action to address the skill gap in the coming years. Collaboration between educational institutions, industry leaders, and governmental bodies is paramount. By working together, we can design curricula that are aligned with industry needs, ensuring that graduates enter the workforce equipped with the skills demanded by the market.

Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous learning is vital. Innovations are happening at lightning speed, revolutionizing the way we live and work; therefore, individuals must be empowered to up skill and adapt continuously. Industry-driven certification programs and online learning platforms can play a pivotal role in this regard.

TSSC: Shaping the future workforce for the digital era
TSSC is pioneering transformative initiatives to prepare the nation’s workforce to face the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. We are constantly engaging with industry stakeholders to build and nurture a talent ecosystem that can sustain the demands of the industry. Through strategic collaborations with key stakeholders like Vi Foundation, TSSC is empowering young minds with specialized training in emerging technologies such as IoT, 5G, AI, and more. Our recent ventures have also led to the establishment of state-of-the-art training centers, like the IoT Centre of Excellence and Mega Centre of Excellence in Kerala, fostering skill development and entrepreneurial spirit among the youth.

Additionally, TSSC’s collaborations with prestigious institutions like IIT Hyderabad and Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) signify a commitment to providing cutting-edge education. These collaborations enable co-certification programs and advanced courses, ensuring that students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also gain practical expertise through industry-relevant training modules. TSSC’s expansion efforts, which include the establishment of 50 new training labs and Centers of Excellence across India, underscore its dedication to creating a future-ready workforce.

Through these endeavours, TSSC is not just closing the skill gap but also nurturing a generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, crucial for India’s emergence as a global technology leader.

CT Bureau