India's workforce is rapidly gaining essential skills

India is set to have one billion people of working age by 2030, making it a key market for online learning platform Coursera. The company sees a surge in demand for skills in areas like generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), cybersecurity, and data science. Women are increasingly participating in these courses, with a notable 296% rise in female GenAI enrollments. Karine Allouche, Coursera's global head of enterprise, highlights that India is crucial for upskilling its workforce. The country will account for nearly a quarter of the global workforce by 2030. A strong commitment from the government is helping learners invest in important skills, including human resources and communication. Coursera is working to ensure its courses are accessible and affordable, especially in rural areas. Allouche notes that while more men than women enroll in GenAI courses, the growth rate for women is significantly higher. Women now make up 40% of Coursera's learners, up from 24% in 2016. This growth is partly due to improved mobile access and partnerships with government initiatives. GenAI is a hot topic among business leaders, with companies collaborating with Coursera to establish their own GenAI academies. Executives are increasingly interested in understanding GenAI to navigate business changes effectively. Coursera has launched tailored courses for leaders, addressing the need for strategic decision-making in adopting new technologies. Critical skills for the future include GenAI and cybersecurity, with significant interest in HR technology as well. This focus on modernizing HR tools reflects the evolving job market and the need for skilled professionals.