Youth, Skills, and the Gig Economy: THSC’s Vision Shared at IAC 2025

The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC)  actively participated in the 12th Edition of theIndia Association Congress (IAC 2025)held at the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre – Managed by Accor.

With the overarching theme“Rooted in Purpose, Aiming for Impact”, IAC 2025 brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and association professionals to deliberate on strategies for building resilient and future-ready communities.

Mr.Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC, presented an insightful session on“Future of India’s Workforce: Youth, Skills and the Gig Economy.”In his address, he emphasized the growing importance of youth skilling in bridging industry needs, empowering India’s gig workforce, and ensuring employability in an evolving global landscape.

The session explored how India’s demographic dividend, combined with the rapid rise of gig and platform-based employment, is reshaping the world of work. Mr. Bahadur highlighted the need for innovative skilling approaches, apprenticeships, and stronger industry-academia linkages to prepare a workforce that is adaptable, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive.

“India stands at the cusp of a transformative workforce shift. With more than half of our population under 30, there is a massive opportunity to equip youth with relevant skills that not only serve traditional employment but also the fast-emerging gig economy. At THSC, our mission is to create a future-ready workforce that drives innovation, sustainability, and growth across the tourism and hospitality sector and beyond,” said Mr. Bahadur.

The session reinforced the role ofpublic–private partnerships, industry-academia collaboration, and innovative skilling modelsin unlocking India’s potential as the world’s skill hub.