Educated but Underutilised: Engineering records lowest female employability rate at 22%, as per report

The contrast across sectors is stark. Healthcare leads with 55–60 per cent women employability, driven by structured training pathways and clear skill alignment. At the other end of the spectrum, engineering records a worrying low of just 22 per cent, underscoring deep gaps for women entering technical fields.

This is not enough. Women earn between 20-35 per cent less than their male counterparts for similar jobs, with discrepancies reaching up to 28 per cent in leadership positions.

India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate stands at approximately 31.7 per cent, significantly lower than the global average of around 50 per cent. In urban areas, this rate is even more concerning at about 22 per cent, despite the rising educational achievements of women.

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Despite gaining more qualifications, women continue to be concentrated in low-paying sectors. For instance, although the number of female MBBS graduates is increasing, women only represent about 17 per cent of allopathic doctors.

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In corporate India, women occupy around 31 per cent of entry-level positions; however, their representation decreases to approximately 17 per cent at the executive level and 20 per cent on corporate boards, according to the Teamlease report.

Apprenticeships are emerging as a game-changer

Amid this widening gap, apprenticeships are gaining attention as a practical solution. Data shows that nearly 98% of apprentices transition into formal employment, with a significant proportion retained by the same employer. For women, apprenticeships provide structured entry points, paid learning, and real workplace experience — often overcoming barriers like lack of experience, career breaks, or confidence gaps.

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Yet adoption remains uneven. Over 38% of companies still report having no women apprentices at all, highlighting the untapped potential within corporate hiring strategies.

Female apprenticeship participation is growing rapidly, with enrolment increasing by 58 per cent over three years, driven by sectors such as IT, retail, and automotive. However, sectors like BFSI, healthcare, and logistics remain underutilised.

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While metropolitan cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are at the forefront, with Hyderabad reporting 42 per cent women apprentices in 2024, cities such as Kolkata and Chennai are showing steady annual gains.

Dr Nipun Sharma, CEO, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, said, “Expanding women’s participation through apprenticeships represents a significant opportunity for India’s workforce. Female enrolment has grown by nearly 58 per cent over the last three years, yet women continue to account for less than one-fifth of the total apprentice base, indicating substantial untapped potential. At the same time, sectors such as manufacturing, electric mobility, and telecom face skill gaps of 40–50 per cent, while high-growth industries, including IT, automotive, and healthcare, require job-ready talent. Structured, sector-aligned apprenticeship programmes enable women to gain real work experience, strengthen practical skills, and improve employability. For employers, this approach supports a broader, reliable, and more diverse talent pool. When designed around real workplace exposure, apprenticeships help improve workforce participation, productivity, and long-term career outcomes.”