A new report by JustJobs Network, supported by JPMorganChase, says India must align workforce training with local job demand to improve youth employment outcomes.
A new research report released by JustJobs Network, supported by JPMorganChase, has called for a hyper-local approach to workforce training in India, arguing that skill development programmes need to align more closely with regional employment demand rather than relying on broad national-level data.
The report comes as India faces growing concerns around employability, workforce readiness, and skills mismatches despite its large young population and expanding digital economy.
According to the study, India could risk an estimated US$2 trillion in GDP losses over the next decade if training systems fail to address local employer requirements, potentially resulting in a skills deficit affecting up to 49 million workers.
The findings draw on several years of vocational training initiatives supported by JPMorganChase across India and highlight the need for workforce-ready skilling programmes tied directly to local hiring patterns, employer needs, and emerging industry requirements.
The report also noted that evolving industries, automation, and increasing AI adoption are reshaping employment requirements, making transferable skills and adaptable workforce training increasingly important.
Guhaprasath Rajagopal said India’s workforce potential remains central to future business and economic growth.
“India’s deep talent pool is leading the way for new business and innovation, and we are committed to being part of the solution to the challenges around the country’s youth unemployment,” Rajagopal said.
“Through research and forums like this, we can connect our resources with public-sector leaders and community experts who understand their constituents’ needs. We will continue to leverage our expertise, networks, and financial tools to design scalable solutions that empower the next generation of India’s workforce,” he added.
The findings were discussed during a roundtable in New Delhi focused on careers and workforce readiness, bringing together public-sector officials, education experts, and private-sector leaders.
Participants included Vineet Joshi, Amit Basole, Priya Agrawal, and Maneesha Chadha. The discussion was moderated by Rohit Saran.
Vineet Joshi said India’s National Education Policy 2020 has increasingly focused on employability and entrepreneurship alongside academic development.
“Our young people need skills that will respond to the constantly changing environment and we are working together with leaders across society to put forth a framework to ensure this happens,” Joshi said.
The report outlined three major recommendations for improving employment outcomes among Indian youth.
The first called for aligning training programmes with local employer demand by identifying region-specific hiring patterns and integrating those findings into curriculum design, programme distribution, and seat allocation.
The second focused on embedding employability skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving into mainstream education and vocational training systems as mandatory components.
The third recommendation urged stronger institutional partnerships between employers and training providers through apprenticeships, internships, and direct industry participation in curriculum planning.
Sabina Dewan said isolated policy reforms are unlikely to produce long-term employment improvements without coordinated action across sectors.
“This research demonstrates that addressing all levers simultaneously produces transformative results. Isolated reforms deliver limited gains, while coordinated action across sectors and government creates systemic change that improves education-to-employment outcomes for young people,” Dewan said.
Since 2018, JPMorganChase said it has invested more than $14 million in vocational training programmes in India. The firm also stated that, together with nonprofit partners, it has supported over 100,000 people in accessing career pathways through skilling initiatives.
The report reflects growing focus among multinational financial institutions, policymakers, and nonprofit organisations on workforce development and employability as India’s economy undergoes rapid technological and industrial transformation.
Key Takeaways
• A JPMorganChase-supported report calls for hyper-local workforce training in India
• India could face a skills deficit affecting up to 49 million workers
• The report warns of potential US$2 trillion GDP losses from skills mismatches
• AI adoption and evolving industries are reshaping workforce requirements
• The study recommends stronger employer-training institution partnerships
Source: JPMorganChase