National Apprenticeship Mela 2021: Over 51,000 Apprentices hired in companies from 30 different sectors

Skill India, in association with the Directorate General of Training (DGT) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), organized a day-long ‘Apprenticeship Mela’ across the country in over 660 locations.

The event witnessed participation from more than 5060 organisations, operating in more than 30 sectors such as Power, Retail, Telecom, IT/ITeS, Electronics, Automotive and more. And nearly 51,991 apprentices were hired by the participating industries. The participating candidates at the event were 5th to 12th pass students, Skill Training Certificate holders, ITI students, Diploma holders and graduates.

Additionally, the country’s aspiring youth received the opportunity to engage and select prospects from more than 500 trades (Designated and Optional) including posts for Welder, Electrician, Housekeeper, Beautician, Mechanic and more.

Mr Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), expressed, “We have received an overwhelming response from the candidates during the Apprenticeship Mela, highlighting our commitment towards providing adequate training in market-relevant skills to India’s youth. With nearly 52,000 apprentices getting hired during this event, it is my belief that we will be able to scale up the skilling standards in the country to achieve the vision of ‘Skilled India’. I congratulate all the hired apprentices who got the opportunity to engage with more than 5,000 establishments during this occasion. Apprenticeship training is the most sustainable model of skill development when it comes to providing demand-driven skills and addressing the technical skill gaps faced by employers. I am certain that by taking forward such initiatives, we will support organisations and the candidates to reap the benefits of apprenticeship training to its full potential, facilitating innovations in earn-while-learn-based learning systems.”

The applicants received several benefits by being a part of the Apprenticeship Mela as they got on-the-spot apprenticeship offers from respective employers along with receiving direct industry exposure. They have been offered monthly stipends as per the Government standards ranging from Rs.5000 to Rs. 9000 per month, this being a huge opportunity for the candidates to earn while they learn. The candidates will further get certification from National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), increasing their chances of employability after the training. 

Neelam Shammi Rao, Director General (Training), DGT said, “With the changing market dynamics and the industry evolving in this new order, apprenticeship is becoming an important component for preparing our youth for the future of jobs. I congratulate all the apprentices who have received opportunities during the Apprenticeship Mela and wish them luck in their future endeavours.”

To know more about the recent Apprenticeship updates from the skilling industry please visit: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/apprenticeships-internships/

The event also stood as a great opportunity for the participating establishments who got the chance to meet the potential apprentices at a common platform and could select the candidates as per their requirements. The event witnessed participation from key establishments such as Railways, ONGC, Tata, Maruti Udyog and many more. Additionally, small-scale industries with a minimum of four working members also hired apprentices at the event.