Millennials, Gen Z form 65% of blue-collar job applications in India: Report
In a significant shift in the Indian job market, a new report has revealed that millennials and Gen Z are among the highest job-seeking populations, constituting 65% of blue-collar job applications in 2024 and 2025. This surge in jobseeking has been most pronounced among the 20-23 age bracket, which saw a whopping 50.7% year-over-year (YoY) increase in applications.
The report, which analyzed data from various job portals and recruitment platforms, found that the youngest working-age cohort, largely comprising recent graduates, contributed to an 85.5% rise in applications. This is a significant departure from the traditional perception of blue-collar jobs being dominated by older workers.
So, what’s behind this trend? And what does it mean for the Indian job market?
The Rise of the Young Workforce
The Indian job market has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by factors such as urbanization, globalization, and the growth of the services sector. The country’s youth population, comprising millennials and Gen Z, has been at the forefront of this shift.
Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are now entering their prime working age, while Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is just starting to enter the workforce. Both cohorts are characterized by their digital savviness, entrepreneurial spirit, and willingness to take risks.
In the case of blue-collar jobs, the rise of the young workforce can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the Indian economy has been experiencing a surge in job creation, particularly in sectors such as e-commerce, logistics, and healthcare. Secondly, the traditional manufacturing sector, which was once the bastion of blue-collar jobs, has been undergoing a transformation, with automation and technology replacing manual labor.
The Skills Gap and the Future of Work
The report also highlights a significant skills gap in the Indian job market, with many young workers lacking the necessary skills to fill the available job openings. This is particularly true for blue-collar jobs, which require specialized skills and training.
The future of work is likely to be shaped by automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, which will require workers to have skills such as digital literacy, problem-solving, and adaptability. As a result, the Indian government and educational institutions will need to focus on upskilling and reskilling the workforce to meet the demands of the future job market.
Impact on the Indian Economy
The rise of millennials and Gen Z in blue-collar jobs is likely to have a significant impact on the Indian economy. Firstly, it will inject a fresh wave of energy and enthusiasm into the workforce, driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Secondly, it will help to address the issue of labor shortages in certain sectors, which have been affecting productivity and growth.
However, the report also highlights some challenges that need to be addressed. For example, the rise of the young workforce may lead to a shortage of experienced workers in certain sectors, which could impact productivity and efficiency. Additionally, the skills gap will need to be addressed through targeted training and upskilling programs.
Conclusion
The report’s findings are a clear indication of the changing face of the Indian job market. Millennials and Gen Z are no longer content to wait for white-collar jobs and are instead taking the initiative to seek out blue-collar opportunities that offer better job security, better pay, and a sense of fulfillment.
As the Indian economy continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that policymakers, educational institutions, and employers work together to address the skills gap and provide young workers with the training and support they need to succeed. By doing so, we can create a workforce that is equipped to meet the challenges of the future and drive growth and prosperity in India.
Source: https://yourstory.com/2025/08/millennials-gen-z-blue-collar-job-applications
