New Delhi: India’s apprenticeship landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with organizations increasingly embracing LGBTQIA+ inclusion as a core workforce strategy.
According to the latest TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship Outlook Report for January to March 2024-25, 64 per cent of employers have expressed openness to hiring LGBTQIA+ apprentices—a significant step toward fostering diversity in the workplace. While 24 per cent of businesses remain neutral, a clear shift is evident as leading industries take proactive measures to champion inclusion.
Electronics & Telecom: Pioneering Workplace Diversity
The Electronic Systems & Electricals sector is one of the core sectors leading this change, with 71 per cent of employers demonstrating a strong willingness to onboard LGBTQIA+ apprentices. This commitment aligns with the industry’s broader emphasis on engendering diversity-driven innovation, where inclusive teams are recognized for their role in driving creativity, problem-solving, and retention.
With an ambitious goal of achieving $500 billion in manufacturing output by 2030, driven by supportive policies such as the National Policy on Electronics (NPE) 2019 and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the sector is expected to generate 12 million jobs, with three million direct jobs in core areas like semiconductor fabrication, automation, and smart manufacturing, and 9 million indirect jobs across supporting and allied industries.
A concerted focus on expanding apprenticeship programs and cementing stronger industry-academia collaborations is essential for creating a workforce aligned with evolving industry needs. In light of this, companies are expanding their hiring frameworks to integrate diverse talent pools, ensuring sustainable growth.
Similarly, the Telecommunication industry is reinforcing inclusivity, with 71 per cent of employers embedding Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) initiatives into their workforce strategies. As India undergoes rapid digital transformation, telecom leaders are leveraging inclusive hiring practices to build dynamic teams that reflect their diverse customer base.
Tourism, Hospitality and Biotech, Pharma & Life Sciences Sectors: Driving Inclusion in the Workplace
The Tourism & Hospitality industry leads the way in workplace diversity, with over 72 per cent of employers actively recruiting LGBTQIA+ apprentices. Similarly, the Biotech, Pharma & Life Sciences sector follows closely, with 66 per cent embracing inclusive hiring practices. These industries recognize that diverse teams foster stronger customer engagement, elevate service experiences, and create a more welcoming and inclusive work environment.
This trend mirrors a global shift, with studies showing that diverse workplaces enhance innovation, employee satisfaction, and business performance. Global research highlights that 70 per cent of LGBTQ+ employees believe being out at work has positively influenced their career growth, and one-third actively seek inclusive employers. Additionally, over 60 per cent of LGBTQIA+ professionals in India report working for organizations that demonstrate a commitment to diversity. These findings reinforce the growing recognition that diversity-driven workplaces contribute to higher employee engagement, improved retention, and overall business success.
Bridging the Gap: Strengthening LGBTQIA+ Participation in Apprenticeships
Dr. Nipun Sharma, CEO at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, emphasized the importance of structured initiatives in fostering workplace inclusivity: “The integration of LGBTQIA+ apprentices into India’s workforce marks a progressive shift toward true inclusivity. Industries like Tourism, Electronics, and Telecom are leading by example, proving that diversity is not just a corporate responsibility but a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and business growth.
Beyond these traditional sectors, emerging industries such as Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and Drone Technology firms are setting new benchmarks, with 74 per cent and 71 per cent of employers actively prioritizing diverse hiring. Additionally, the rising representation of LGBTQIA+ apprentices in EV & Mobility (38 per cent) and Semiconductor (56 per cent) underscores a growing industry-wide acknowledgment of the strategic and economic advantages of an equitable workforce.
As apprenticeships become a preferred route for skill development, businesses must take proactive steps—through policy changes, awareness programs, and mentorship initiatives—to ensure an equitable and thriving workplace for all.”
He further added, “Apprenticeships have long been a bridge between education and employment, and their role in promoting diversity is more crucial than ever. With 64 per cent of employers demonstrating openness to LGBTQIA+ apprentices, industries must capitalize on this momentum. Beyond hiring, companies need to create work environments that foster belonging, psychological safety, and career advancement for LGBTQIA+ talent. This is not just about representation—it’s about ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to India’s evolving workforce.”
As companies increasingly recognize D&I as a business enabler, the push toward LGBTQIA+ inclusion in apprenticeships is set to accelerate, paving the way for a more diverse, equitable, and future-ready workforce in India.
