Tech Industry Gears Up for a 25% Hiring Surge, Fueling Demand for Cloud, AI, and Software Skills
- Chinmay
- March 18, 2025
- Artificial Intelligence, India
- AI in recruitment, AI jobs in India, AI skills demand, AI-first strategy, cloud computing, Data Engineering, Digital transformation jobs, Industry 4.0 hiring, IT job growth, Software Development, Tech hiring trends
- 0 Comments
The tech industry is witnessing a massive hiring boom, with a 20–25% increase in new hires expected in 2025. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes deeply integrated into everyday business operations, companies are seeking skilled professionals in Cloud Computing, Data Engineering, and Software Development to stay competitive.
However, with a significant portion of the current workforce nearing retirement, a major challenge arises: How do companies train future experts when AI is now handling tasks traditionally used for on-the-job learning?
AI is Reshaping Workforce Training and Skill Development
A Gartner survey of 3,375 employees (May 2024) found that 60% of employees feel they aren’t receiving adequate on-the-job training for their key job roles. This has led to a growing expertise gap across industries, particularly in tech.
Major IT firms are now shifting towards an AI-first approach, expecting employees at all levels to upskill in AI, automation, and cloud technologies. To combat the skill drain, organizations need to enhance knowledge-sharing mechanisms, ensuring that senior professionals pass on expertise to junior employees before they leave the workforce.
Hiring Surge in IT and the Role of AI in Recruitment
Leading tech firms are rapidly expanding their workforce to meet the demand for AI-driven roles:
- Wipro plans to hire 12,000 employees in FY26, following 10,000 hires in FY25.
- NLB Services predicts that campus hiring in the next quarter will focus on AI-first talent, particularly in Cloud Computing, Data Engineering, and Software Development.
Company executives believe that AI will boost employee productivity, enabling workers to automate repetitive tasks and focus on creative, strategic work. However, this raises key concerns about distinguishing high-performing employees from those overly dependent on AI-powered productivity tools.
Hiring Trends and Rising Salaries in the Tech Sector
The demand for AI and cloud specialists is reshaping recruitment patterns:
- Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are now offering freshers salaries 30% higher than industry standards for in-demand skills.
- GCC hiring is expected to grow by 40% compared to last year, fueling opportunities for young engineers.
- AI-related job postings in India surged by 42%, with over 253,000 open roles across industries.
The most sought-after technical skills include:
Python, AI/ML, Data Science, Deep Learning, SQL, and Software Development
AI frameworks like TensorFlow (15%) and PyTorch (16%)
With CEOs prioritizing growth in 2025, AI is viewed as the driving force behind business success. However, experts warn that existing organizational structures may limit AI’s full potential, creating an urgent need for hands-on, industry-focused upskilling programs.
The Need for Hands-On Upskilling in Tech
To prepare engineers for the AI-first economy, companies must emphasize industry-oriented, hands-on training:
- Real-World AI and Cloud Projects – Practical learning opportunities through live projects and industry collaborations.
- AI-Driven Workforce Development – Ensuring employees can leverage AI for productivity without losing essential technical expertise.
- Bridging the Expertise Gap – Creating structured mentorship programs where senior professionals train new hires before exiting the workforce.
- Focus on Practical Engineering Skills – Beyond theoretical knowledge, companies must train engineers in deploying AI/ML models, handling real-time data, and optimizing cloud architectures.
With AI-driven transformation accelerating across industries, upskilling is no longer optional—it is the key to securing a future-proof career in tech.
