India’s apprenticeship ecosystem is evolving and its growth is being driven by the very sectors that are reshaping the future of work. From drones to semiconductors, these sunrise industries aren’t just creating new job roles, they’re using apprenticeships as a strategic tool to build talent from the ground up.
There are several emerging industries that are showing high sentiment towards apprentice hiring and intent to skill and absorb talent across domains. Dr. Nipun Sharma, Chief Executive Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, shares insights on the top sunrise sectors that are betting big on Apprenticeships.
1. Drone Technology
The drone industry is flying high, both in innovation and employment potential. With applications in agriculture, defence, logistics, and infrastructure, companies are investing in apprenticeships to develop drone pilots, UAV technicians, and systems analysts.
2. Healthcare
Digital health, medical tech, and pharma R&D are reshaping the healthcare landscape and apprenticeships are following suit. From lab assistants to data quality analysts and diagnostic techs, the sector is building a strong training-to-employment pipeline.
3. Electronics & Electricals
With growth driven by consumer tech, automation, and industrial electronics, this sector is tapping apprenticeships to skill young professionals in embedded systems, PCB design, automation control, and industrial machinery servicing.
4. Electric Vehicles & Mobility
India’s EV transition is gathering pace, and with it comes the demand for a specialised workforce. From battery management and charging infrastructure to vehicle design and diagnostics, apprenticeships are helping close the skill gap in this rapidly expanding sector.
5. Solar Energy
As India races toward clean energy targets, the solar sector is booming and so is its need for trained talent. Apprenticeships are enabling youth to gain hands-on experience in solar panel installation, energy audits, smart grid integration, and maintenance roles.
6. Semiconductor Industry
With India’s renewed focus on chip manufacturing and electronics self-sufficiency, the semiconductor sector is emerging as a major apprentice employer. Roles in chip design, fabrication, testing, and quality control are being offered through structured training programs to build deep-tech capabilities.
These sunrise sectors not only reflect India’s growth priorities but also shaping the future of employment. Their use of apprenticeships signals a shift from legacy hiring models to a learn-while-you-earn approach that builds talent from within, reduces hiring friction, and creates a more inclusive, job-ready workforce. As apprenticeship adoption deepens, these industries are showing that the fastest way to the future may be through skill-first hiring.
