83% of Gen Z’s Upskilling to Secure New Job Opportunities, shows- Simplilearn Learner Data

• 91% of Gen Z learners self-fund their upskilling, showing strong personal commitment to career development
• Nearly 60% of the learners in the IT sector show preference for tech-related skills like data science and AI
• GenZ enrolments for AI programs have increased by 43% YoY

Simplilearn, the world’s leading online bootcamp for digital skills, has compiled valuable insights regarding Generation Z individuals aged 18-27. This study showed a significant trend towards upskilling with a strong focus on securing new job opportunities in the tech sector. The data collected from over 10,000 participants highlighted critical insights into the upskilling behaviors and motivations among the younger workforce.

India has the world’s most significant number of Gen Z youth, with over 600 million people under 28. It is estimated that upskilling could bring over 100 million young Indians into the workforce. This would boost GDP and help India achieve its goal of reaching a $4 trillion economy, further attributing  Gen Z as the present and future workforce. By 2030, 30% of the global workforce will comprise Gen Z’s.

The findings show that Gen Z is actively improving their skills to meet the changing demands of the job market, especially in the growing tech industry. This proactive approach aligns with overall economic trends focused on digital transformation and innovation across sectors.

Key Insights include:

• Gender Breakdown: 70% of those upskilling are male, and 30% are female
• Educational Background: Approximately 66% of those upskilling hold bachelor’s degrees, indicating a solid foundation in formal education before upskilling
• Sector Distribution: Nearly 60% of learners are currently employed in the IT sector, and 40% engaged in various non-IT industries
• Upskilling Objectives: 83% of Gen Z individuals are upskilling to secure better job opportunities, demonstrating that they are taking proactive steps to advance their careers
• Course Preferences: Among the most enrolled courses, data science and business analysis led with 35.3%, followed by AI and machine learning at 33.9% and cybersecurity at 20.2%, reflecting a strong preference for technology-focused disciplines essential to current and future job markets
• Funding: Notably, 91% of learners have self-funded their upskilling initiatives, demonstrating a high level of personal investment in career development.

Sharing thoughts on the data, Mr. Kashyap Dalal, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Simplilearn, said, “Gen Z’s impact on today’s workforce comes from their digital proficiency, fresh perspectives, and relentless focus on upskilling. As a digital native generation who has grown up with a high exposure to technology, they find it easy to pick up digital tools and new ways of working. They do not have the baggage of set ways of doing things and this allows them to look at business problems afresh, without constraints and in the context of new technologies available. It is great to see our Gen Z generation upskilling in large numbers, taking proactive steps to build the career they want, and adding value to their workplaces.”

As technology reshapes industries and job roles, professionals prioritize continuous learning and skill enhancement to succeed in the digital economy. Simplilearn remains committed to empowering professionals with the skills they need to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

About Simplilearn

Founded in 2010 and based in San Francisco, California, and Bangalore, India, Simplilearn, a Blackstone portfolio company, is the world’s #1 online Bootcamp for digital economy skills training. Simplilearn offers access to world-class work-ready training to individuals and businesses around the world. The Bootcamps are designed and delivered with world-renowned universities, top corporations, and leading industry bodies via live online classes featuring top industry practitioners, sought-after trainers, and global leaders. From college students and early career professionals to managers, executives, small businesses, large corporations, and governments, Simplilearn’s role-based, skill-focused, industry-recognized, and globally relevant training programs are ideal upskilling solutions for diverse career or/and business goals.