Over 80% of working professionals are gearing up to enhance their skill sets this year, according to the latest report titled ‘Upskilling Trends Report 2024-25’. This finding highlights a significant increase in the intent to upskill among freshers, with 83% expressing a desire to learn and grow compared to the previous year.
Professionals from sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, capital goods, and BFSI have shown the highest inclination towards upskilling, as per the report. Data science, AI, and machine learning have emerged as the top choices for professionals looking to expand their knowledge and expertise.
The report also emphasized the importance of upskilling for career growth, with nearly 79% of surveyed professionals and 92% of those with more than 17 years of experience acknowledging its significance. However, amidst technological disruptions and macroeconomic challenges, there has been a decline in confidence among Indian professionals in retaining their jobs.
The report revealed a notable drop in the percentage of professionals expressing confidence, with only 62% feeling assured about job retention this year as opposed to 71% in the previous year. This decline can be attributed to the prevailing macroeconomic conditions and widespread layoffs in various industries.
According to Hari Krishnan Nair, co-founder of Great Learning, only 29% of entry-level professionals are confident about retaining their jobs, reflecting the overarching sentiment in the job market. The Naukri JobSpeak Index also recorded an 11% decrease in white-collar job openings compared to the previous year, adding to the concerns surrounding job security.
Conducted in collaboration with a research agency, the report surveyed over 1,000 professionals across various sectors to identify key trends and factors influencing the upskilling preferences of Indian professionals. Nair stated that the report aims to help professionals and businesses understand the evolving job market landscape, anticipate skill requirements, and equip themselves for future challenges.
