There's been a massive 101% increase in female enrolment in online certification courses over the last five years, Internshala Trainings, an e-learning platform, has reported. The report explores the changing landscape of women's involvement in skill development programmes, showcasing their passion and resolve to learn new skills in the rapidly-developing digital world.
It stated that women made up 42.6% of all e-learners enrolled in skill training in the past year. The study reveals a wide range of skill preferences held by women. The most sought-after courses are web development, digital marketing, and advanced Excel, which accounted for 14%, 11%, and 7% of enrolments in the previous year, respectively.
Further, there is significant interest in courses like UI/UX design, machine learning, financial modelling and valuation, data science, human resource management, general aptitude, and Python programming, which demonstrate a wide range of skill sets among female learners.
An incisive examination of the factors driving women's pursuit of online skill-building courses reveals diverse goals, the report stated.
While 32% are motivated by a desire to learn new skills and keep up with industry advancements, 52% are looking to improve their employability prospects through internships or job possibilities. Additionally, 9% of students register in courses specifically with the goal of earning a certification to verify their skills and talents in the job market, the report added.
Further, the report highlighted how the women participants were distributed geographically. Enrolment leads were found in tier 1 cities such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai. However, a significant trend showed that 59% of women who enrol in skill training are from tier 2 and 3 cities, highlighting how accessible online learning is for skilling possibilities in both urban and rural landscapes.
Also, the research showcased a notable increase in female enrolment in the months of May, June, and July. "This trend signifies a proactive utilisation of leisure time for self-improvement and skill enhancement, portraying women's steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth. Additionally, the completion rate of online training among women was 50.4% with an average of 43 minutes spent on e-learning every day," the report stated.
"The significant increase in women pursuing online certification courses proves their unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. Women are actively recognising the value of lifelong learning to keep up with the rapidly advancing industry demands," Sarvesh Agrawal, Founder and CEO of Internshala Trainings, said.
"It is inspiring to witness their determination to acquire new skills and adapt to the technological advancements and evolution of work-specific skills," Agrawal added.
