Workers in India who use advanced digital skills – including cloud architecture or software development – contribute an estimated $507.9 billion (₹10.9 trillion) to India’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) as per new research from AWS. The study commissioned by AWS and conducted by Gallup said that this is attributed to the 92 percent higher salaries that these workers earn compared to those with a similar education who do not use digital skills at work.
The ability to utilize email, word processors, other office productivity tools, and social networking are considered fundamental digital abilities according to the survey. Data analysis, application troubleshooting, and drag-and-drop website creation are examples of intermediate digital abilities. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and software or application development are considered advanced digital talents.
According to the study, 91 percent of employees who have advanced digital skills report being more satisfied with their jobs than 74 percent of employees with intermediate skills and 70 percent of employees with basic abilities.
Employers who largely rely on workers with sophisticated digital skills, digital technology, and cloud technology benefit from better business development and innovation. According to the study, compared to 9 percent of Indian businesses that utilize the cloud for some or all of their operations, 21% of those that run most of their operations on the cloud report a doubling of annual income or more. Also, companies using the cloud are 15% more likely to have launched a new or upgraded product in the past two years (95 percent vs 80 percent).
The Gallup study looked at 10 emerging technologies including AI, edge, quantum computing, blockchain, and cryptocurrency as many firms get ready for the difficulties of a digital future. At least one of these technologies is expected to become a normal component of future corporate operations, according to 92% of Indian employers, with 5G receiving the highest percentage at 78%.
Demand for skilled digital workers will remain high in the upcoming years as businesses and governmental organizations across the globe continue to convert into digital enterprises. In the poll, 93% of Indian companies said they were looking to fill positions that required digital capabilities, but 88% claimed it was difficult to find the talent they required. One potential roadblock is that, even for entry-level IT personnel, 60% of Indian firms desire bachelor’s degrees. Nonetheless, more people are beginning to understand that embracing sector certificates might make hiring easier. A bachelor’s degree can be replaced by digital credentials or training programs, according to 91% of employers.
In order to assist the nation’s ongoing digital transformation, India has the opportunity to reap enormous economic gains from developing a robust pipeline of cloud talent, as the Gallup data demonstrates. To close the gap in digital skills, AWS collaborates with groups like the Tech Mahindra Foundation, Perfios, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). Since 2017, AWS has trained over four million people in India in basic, intermediate, and advanced cloud skills, but our work isn’t done yet, according to Amit Mehta, Head of Training and Certification for AWS India.
Amazon has introduced AWS re/Start Associate, a new track inside the AWS re/Start program to assist unemployed and underemployed IT professionals to upgrade their skills and pivot to mid-level cloud professions, to help workers in India obtain advanced skills to enhance their careers. AWS is partnering with the non-profit education-to-employment group Generation India Foundation in India to locally deliver the program. Around 98 percent of graduates who participate in the free multi-week cohort-based workforce development program AWS re/Start to receive job interview prospects.
AWS has trained more than 13 million individuals in digital skills since making the announcement that it will invest hundreds of millions of dollars to offer free cloud computing skills training to 29 million people worldwide by 2025.
