India's telecommunications landscape is witnessing a transformative shift as its telecom giants, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and Bharti Airtel, gear up for a significant workforce expansion of up to 25 per cent in the current fiscal year. This growth trajectory follows a remarkable 35 per cent surge in their employee numbers during the previous fiscal year, signalling a robust commitment to strengthening their operational prowess.
5G Revolution Sparks Hiring Surge
Amidst the gradual receding of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact, the telecommunications sector is experiencing a resurgent momentum in its hiring activities. Recognizing the pivotal role that 5G technology is set to play, the three telecom giants are proactively scaling their manpower to meet the evolving demands of this cutting-edge era. The pandemic-induced hiring slowdown of the previous fiscal year is being overcome with renewed vigour in FY23.
Tech Upgrades Drive Talent Demand
The surge in hiring is closely tied to the companies' strategic focus on not only expanding and monetizing their 5G network coverage but also reinforcing their 4G capabilities. This dual-pronged approach is driving the demand for professionals who can adeptly navigate the intricacies of this evolving landscape.
In-Demand Roles and Skills
According to industry experts interviewed by The Economic Times, a pronounced demand is evident for roles such as network engineers, network architects, cloud computing specialists, data scientists, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts. The shift towards IoT/IIoT, network infrastructure enhancement, network migration, and network security is propelling these fields into the spotlight, with professionals in these domains commanding approximately 12% higher remuneration packages.
Rise of Contractual Employment
A notable trend emerging within the telecom sector is the increasing adoption of contractual employment. Notably, both Vodafone Idea and Airtel are embracing this model to augment their workforce. Airtel has onboarded 50,699 employees under contractual arrangements, while Vodafone Idea has enlisted 6,234 workers in similar capacities. This shift may also be driven by potential cost-saving measures, given that contractual roles often come with lower pay scales across several profiles.
Gearing Up for a Tech-Driven Future
As the telecom giants set their sights on a future driven by technological innovation, their significant workforce expansions underscore their commitment to embracing this new era. The telecommunications landscape is poised for rapid transformation, powered by the convergence of 5G advancements and the tech expertise of a burgeoning workforce.
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