How GCCs Can Partner with State Governments to Scale Degree Apprenticeships in India

India stands at a decisive stage in shaping its technology workforce. With global capability centres (GCCs) expanding rapidly, the demand for skilled, job-ready talent has never been greater. Once seen as mere back-end extensions of global corporations, GCCs have evolved into innovation hubs that design, develop, and deliver advanced solutions for international markets.

This transformation is opening a new era of opportunity for India’s young graduates. With over 2.1 million STEM graduates entering the workforce annually, India has the raw potential to become the world’s innovation powerhouse. However, this potential can only be realized through stronger industry-academia linkages that ensure graduates are truly employable.

The Rising Role of Degree Apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships are emerging as a vital bridge between academic theory and real-world application. By combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, they equip students with both technical and professional skills.

Through these programmes, students work on live GCC projects while completing their education, helping them apply knowledge in real-time and gain valuable industry exposure. This approach reduces the employability gap while ensuring GCCs get access to professionals capable of contributing from day one.

Surveys show a surge in apprentice engagement, reflecting GCCs’ growing commitment to creating a skilled, future-ready workforce.

GCC Growth and the Employability Challenge

India’s GCC sector has grown exponentially — from 1,300 centres in 2020 to over 1,900 today — contributing nearly $68 billion to the economy. Projections suggest that by 2030, the GCC industry could generate $110 billion, accounting for 3.5% of India’s GDP.

However, as the sector transitions from routine operations to high-value innovation roles, the employability gap is becoming more apparent. Studies reveal that only 54% of graduates in India are considered employable for high-skill roles.

Degree apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to bridge this divide — combining academic rigor with practical learning, ensuring industry-ready graduates who can accelerate India’s growth in the global market.

Collaboration Between GCCs, Academia, and Governments

To scale degree apprenticeships effectively, structured partnerships between GCCs, educational institutions, and state governments are essential.

Frameworks by AICTE and UGC, aligned with the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP), enable universities and industries to co-create curricula that emphasize skill application.

State governments can play a pivotal role by:

• Encouraging collaboration between industry and academia

• Offering policy incentives for apprenticeship participation

• Building infrastructure for on-the-job learning

• Supporting local institutions to expand beyond Tier-1 cities

Such multi-level cooperation ensures inclusivity and regional balance in workforce development.

Building India’s Future Workforce

The future of India’s workforce will depend on the integration of academic learning, practical exposure, and collaborative innovation. GCCs, by joining hands with state governments and educational bodies, can build apprenticeship programs that not only enhance employability but also strengthen India’s position as a global hub for knowledge-driven services.

Scaling these initiatives will create meaningful career opportunities, foster inclusive growth, and prepare India’s youth for the innovation-led economy of tomorrow.