The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has reinforced its commitment to enhancing quality apprenticeship training across various sectors, as evidenced by the significant growth in the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). Over the past three years, enrolments have tripled, reaching 9,31,368 youth in FY 2023-24.
Maharashtra has demonstrated outstanding participation, with 2,63,156 youth joining the scheme, showcasing its capability in nurturing new talent, enhancing job readiness, and preparing young professionals for the workforce. Other states with notable participation include Tamil Nadu (1,01,495), Gujarat (83,730), Karnataka (78,444), and Uttar Pradesh (71,444).
Currently, more than 5.5 lakh apprenticeship vacancies are available on the portal, providing significant opportunities for youth, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, to transition smoothly from education to employment. Candidates can choose from 1,000 approved courses available across 36 sectors, enhancing the skills of fresh talent, and boosting their engagement with establishments, offering insights into various career opportunities across participating companies.
MSDE has implemented several reforms to improve the apprenticeship system in India. These include active stakeholder engagement, the introduction of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under NAPS, and mandating companies with 30 or more employees to hire apprentices. The apprenticeship portal allows candidates to explore job opportunities across sectors, filtering data based on academic qualifications and skills that align with their career aspirations. Notably, the percentage of women apprentices has increased from 7% to 21% over the last five years.
For more information, visit the official apprenticeship portal at www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, stated, “To date, over 32 lakh youth have engaged in various apprenticeship programs across 36 sectors nationwide. We are collaborating with more than 110 industry clusters, covering one-third of India’s districts. The direct benefit transfer of stipends has significantly boosted NAPS, with over INR 350 crores disbursed to apprentices since its launch last year. The next phase of the scheme will see an increased percentage of apprentices receiving hands-on training across various establishments.”
Efforts to promote the benefits of apprenticeship and vocational training aim to meet industry demands while providing on-the-job training and opportunities for aspiring professionals. This trend presents a promising prospect for employers to hire apprentices, helping them discover suitable job roles and maximizing their potential through comprehensive skill development.
Also read: Apprenticeships in India: 7 Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Apprenticeship training is a critical component in creating skilled manpower in India, supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat. Amendments to the Apprentices Act in 2014, the Rules in 2019, and the launch of NAPS have facilitated greater engagement of apprentices by establishments. The scheme provides apprentices with access to structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences designed to meet industry demands.
