A recent report from consulting firm Teamlease reveals an 81% year-on-year increase in the demand for eco-friendly jobs in January 2023. The substantial growth in environmentally sustainable roles in India over the past three years indicates a heightened emphasis on sustainability in the country’s job market. Job searches for positions related to sustainability have risen by 31% between April 2022 and 2023, with an overall 13% increase in interest in such roles over the past three years.
The automotive industry has also shown a notable rise in the demand for professionals in green initiatives, with a 307% increase, as highlighted in the report. India’s automotive industry is valued at approximately $222 billion, while the electric vehicle (EV) market is projected to reach $2 billion by 2023 and $178 billion by 2030.
Within the automotive sector, the report identifies Battery and EV component manufacturing as offering the most job opportunities. It predicts a substantial 1600% growth in Lithium-ion battery manufacturing, creating significant job prospects.
Yuvraj Sarda, Head of E-mobility Solutions at Volvo Construction Equipment, notes that the e-mobility space is undergoing a transformative shift, leading to a demand for diverse skill sets. The sector is actively recruiting engineers (electrical, electronics, and mechanical), software developers, app developers, chemical engineers, business analysts, and designers.
Despite the abundant job opportunities, the report underscores a skill gap shortage, with less than 10% of the population receiving formal training. In the context of climate change, the report warns that the shortage of skilled workers in sustainable development could result in an annual GDP loss of 3-10% from 2021 onwards.
Sundaresan MR, Head of Procurement and Sustainability Programs at Nissan Digital India, emphasizes the role of corporations in creating awareness and enhancing workforce skills. He suggests that this effort should be integrated into the company culture.