World Youth Skills Day: How is India placed with over 50% of population below 25?

According to the United Nations, the number of young people aged 15-24 globally comprises 1.2 billion individuals

Skilling has become a buzzword in today’s rapidly evolving world. Continuous upskilling is crucial for professionals to remain relevant in a dynamic job market.

Instituted in 2014 by the United Nations General Assembly with the aim of equipping young people with skills for employment, entrepreneurship and decent work and celebrated on July 15 every year, this year’s theme is ‘Youth Skills for Peace & Development’.

According to the United Nations, the number of young people aged 15-24 globally comprises 1.2 billion individuals. This demographic is projected to rise to 1.3 billion by 2030, representing 16 percent of the world's population. India occupies a unique position, with over 50 percent of the total population below 25 years of age. However, recent data from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) reveals skill gaps in high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy, underscoring a critical need to skill, up-skill, and right-skill the country’s youth.

So, how are corporate houses looking to address this important issue?

“At HDFC Bank, we believe that empowering our youth with the right skills is crucial for the socio-economic development of our nation. Our Parivartan training programmes are designed not only to provide vocational skills linked with market demands, but also to instil confidence and ambition in young minds. By collaborating with esteemed partners and focusing on sectors with high growth potential, we are committed to bridging the skills gap and creating a robust and inclusive workforce for the future. Our mission is to ensure that every young individual we reach has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to India's dynamic economy,” said Nusrat Pathan, Head of CSR at HDFC Bank.

According to Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd, investing in young talent is key to driving innovation and growth and are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the direct-selling industry.

“A skilled youth population is the cornerstone of a thriving economy. By investing in their skill development, India can not only ensure a more employable and productive workforce but also lay the foundation for economic growth. In this aspect, the direct-selling sector plays a crucial role in empowering the youth of the country by creating avenues for financial independence. On World Youth Skill Day, Vestige Marketing reaffirms its commitment to empowering the youth with the skills and opportunities they need to build a brighter future. By taking the initiative to develop targeted training programs paired with the adoption of digital tools, direct-selling companies can unlock their full potential, paving the way for more sustainable development in the country,” said Gautam Bali, MD and Founder, Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd.

McDonald’s India - North and East, too is actively engaging youngsters and is focusing on providing them with relevant upskilling opportunities.

“We are committed to empowering youth through comprehensive training and skill development programmes. Our unwavering commitment has led us to dedicate approximately 90,000 hours annually to train our managers, raise the bar in the QSR industry. With approximately 80% of our workforce less than 24 years, we focus on equipping the youth with essential operational and soft skills to enable them grow to their potential. Additionally, our McDonald's for Youth programme offers employment and training opportunities to youth from less-privileged communities. We actively partner with NGOs to support their career aspirations and contribute to India's growth by fostering a skilled and inclusive workforce. We remain committed to nurturing young talent, ensuring they have the skills and opportunities to thrive,” said Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India - North and East.