Hyper-local training key to unlocking jobs for youth, new report finds

A new research report released today by the JustJobs Network, supported by JPMorganChase, provides new insights to help young Indians access lasting career opportunities – recommending a hyper-local approach to align training programs with local jobs rather than relying on generic, national-level data. The report comes at a critical time, with India risking an estimated US$2 trillion in GDP losses¹ over the next decade if training programs don’t align with local employer needs, leading to a projected skills deficit for up to 49 million workers, as per industry estimates.²

The research draws on several years of successful JPMorganChase supported skilling programmes across India and urges urgent, workforce-ready skilling along with a hyper-local approach to match training to local job requirements. This approach will help improve job placement, retention and sustainable employment for young people across the country. The report also includes additional recommendations to strengthen pathways from training to quality employment as transferable skills grow in importance, industries evolve, and AI is increasingly introduced into the workplace.

As one of the largest supporters of skilling programs in the country, with more than $14 million invested in vocational training since 2018, JPMorganChase, together with JustJobs Network, launched the findings in New Delhi during a roundtable discussion on careers and skills. 

Speaking at the event, Guhaprasath Rajagopal, India Head of Payments, J.P. Morgan, said: “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. 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.”

The roundtable was moderated by Rohit Saran, Managing Editor at The Times of India and convened a mix of public and private sector leaders including: Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Ministry of Education; Dr. Amit Basole, Director, Centre for Sustainable Employment, Azim Premji University; Priya Agrawal, Founder and Director of the Antarang Foundation; Maneesha Chadha, Head of Grant Programming Asia Pacific at JPMorganChase and other subject matter experts. Building on the research, the discussion examined where the education-to-employment pipeline breaks down and intervention points where coordination across government, education and business can close the gaps.¹

Vineet Joshi, Secretary Department of Higher Education shared, “Our National Education 2020 policy is a holistic government approach that has put in the minds of all stakeholders – students, educational institutions, and industry – that employability and entrepreneurship are critically important for the future of young people and the future of our country. 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.” 

Key findings

The roundtable discussion highlighted key findings of the research report including real-world interventions to help young people navigate pathways to sustainable employment. The findings are based on successful vocational programmes with nonprofit organisations supported by JPMorganChase like Antarang Foundation, Avanti Fellows, Lend a Hand India and more.

1. Align skills training to local demand: Training programs should be guided by local hiring realities by identifying key employers, roles, and skill needs at the regional level, then aggregating this data into state and national assessments. This should directly inform course offerings, seat capacities, geographic distribution of programmes, and curriculum design.
2. Employability skills training: Employability skills should be embedded as a mandatory, assessable component of all education and training pathways. Today's youth will change careers multiple times. Transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and collaboration enable workers to maintain employment security in evolving labour markets.
3. Strengthen partnerships between private industry and training institutions: Systematic collaboration between training institutions and employers must be formalized through internships, apprenticeships, and employer input into curriculum. This will ensure systemic change that fundamentally moves the needle on education to employment outcomes.

Speaking about the report, JustJobs Network CEO Sabina Dewan noted, “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.”

JPMorganChase in India

With a legacy dating back more than 80 years, JPMorganChase has a track record of demonstrating leadership during times of both economic growth and financial instability. The firm provides $65 billion in credit and capital to medium and large companies across the country. At the same time, together with its non-profit partners the firm has supported over 100,000 people in gaining access to career pathways through skilling programs.

The firm has a talented and diverse workforce across India including corporate centers in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad which support the firm’s technology and business operations globally.

Learn more about the firm’s impact in India at: jpmorganchase.com/India

JustJobs Network

JustJobs Network is an applied research organisation finding evidence-based solutions to one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to promote better work in a rapidly changing 21st-century economy. We produce research on good job creation and workforce development, focusing our work on the critical knowledge gaps in the employment landscape.

JustJobs convenes a global network of diverse stakeholders—including policy shapers, academics, and grassroots leaders—to deepen the practical implications of our research and amplify its impact. Through the combination of cutting-edge research and global knowledge sharing, we aim to forge a fresh, dynamic channel for policy dialogue on employment and skill development at national, regional and international levels.

Media contact

Sanam Mirchandani
Sanam.mirchandani@jpmchase.com
+91 22 6157 5091

Isha Gupta
Ishagupta@justjobsnetwork.org
+91 97901 27443