Apple, Other Tech Giants Expand Workforces In India's Tier 2 And 3 Cities (Image: apple.com)
Tech giants are taking a new approach by tapping into untapped talent in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, marking a twist in their recruitment strategies. Sectors such as telecom, consumer electronics, retail, and banking are broadening the landscape of job opportunities for tech professionals residing outside the major metropolitan and mini-metro areas. This shift is driven by the rapid rollout of 5G technology and the continuous emphasis on digitising operations by enterprises.
Prominent companies like Apple are increasing their workforce in India and actively seeking skilled individuals in cities like Hubbali and Dharwad. Apple”s expansion into tier 2 and tier 3 cities is not an isolated case; numerous other multinational corporations are also adopting this trend. The surge of interest in areas like electric vehicles and electronics manufacturing is fueling employment prospects in these regions, according to staffing firms.
Amidst a slowdown in hiring within the big tech and IT sectors, there is a rising demand for tech- jobs in other industries. This demand is notably high in non-metro areas. Sectors such as telecom, consumer electronics, retail, and banking are widening the scope for tech professionals outside major cities, as the rapid deployment of 5G technology and the continued push for digitalisation by businesses persist.
Recently, Apple advertised a design architecture position in Hubbali, and the company is actively recruiting in various other cities. However, Apple has not responded to inquiries about its hiring plans.
Profiles that are in demand across various businesses include those with expertise in corporate cloud networks and Software as a Service (SaaS). Enterprises are diversifying their offerings beyond traditional IT and business process outsourcing, hence driving the need for such skills.
Tier 2 and tier 3 cities have gradually become more prominent in India”s employment landscape. This shift is attributed to the availability of skilled talent in these regions and substantial investments in infrastructure development. Global tech companies are increasingly setting up operations and recruiting fresh talent in these cities, primarily in sectors like enterprise software, e-commerce, ERP, fintech, and travel and hospitality, according to Shetty.
Tier 2 cities are home to about 50% of employable talent, compared to only 30% in tier 1 cities. To leverage this diversified talent pool and accommodate remote or hybrid work models, companies are increasingly tapping into tier 2 and tier 3 city talent. Companies across a wide range of domains, including technology, BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance), real estate, healthcare, and education, are investing in these regions due to the abundance of skilled and cost-effective talent.
Although the IT services sector remains a major creator of tech job openings in India, its hiring rate has experienced a decline over the past few quarters. Non-tech sectors are actively seeking automation specialists with expertise in 5G networks, as well as individuals with engineering and semiconductor backgrounds to support the growth of telecommunications and consumer electronics industries.
The demand for tech personnel has surged in non-tech businesses due to the rapid shift toward digital operations, which has remained strong despite the easing of virtual work due to the pandemic.
