National Apprenticeship Scheme

The National Apprenticeship Scheme enables industry establishments to engage apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Apprentices receive on-the-job training in companies while earning a stipend, making it a practical pathway to employment for youth who want hands-on skills rather than purely classroom-based learning.

What Is the National Apprenticeship Scheme?

An apprenticeship is a structured programme where a company trains a young person in a specific trade or occupation. The apprentice works alongside experienced professionals, learns by doing, and earns a monthly stipend. After completing the apprenticeship, they receive a certificate recognised by the Government of India.

The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), launched in 2016, provides financial support to companies engaging apprentices to encourage more industries to participate.

Types of Apprentices Under the Scheme

**Designated Trade Apprentices:**
Trained in traditional industrial trades (like fitter, electrician, welder, machinist) as specified under the Apprentices Act.

**Optional Trade Apprentices:**
Companies can define their own trades (for newer or service-sector roles like data entry, retail, hospitality, banking support) beyond the designated list.

**Graduate/Diploma/Technician Apprentices:**
Engineering graduates and diploma holders can undergo apprenticeships in technical roles.

Stipend Support Under NAPS

The government reimburses 25% of the prescribed stipend (up to Rs 1,500 per month per apprentice) to the employer. This reduces the cost of engagement for companies, especially MSMEs.

Apprentices receive a minimum stipend as per IRDAI norms, which varies by the apprentice’s educational qualification.

Key Benefits

**For apprentices:**
– Earn while learning
– Government-recognised certificate on completion
– Direct exposure to industry practices
– Higher employability compared to purely academic training

**For employers:**
– Access to a skilled, trained workforce
– Lower wage cost during training period
– Partial reimbursement from government
– Pipeline for direct hiring post-apprenticeship

How to Apply

Apprentices and employers register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal for graduates or the Apprenticeship portal (apprenticeshipindia.org) for other categories.

Practical Example

Priya, an ITI-trained electrician, registers as an apprentice at a manufacturing company through the NAPS portal. She earns a monthly stipend of Rs 7,500 during her 1-year apprenticeship. She works on live projects alongside senior engineers. The company reimburses 25% of her stipend from the government. At the end, she receives a nationally recognised certificate and is offered a full-time job.

Key Takeaways

– The National Apprenticeship Scheme provides structured on-the-job training with a government-recognised certificate
– NAPS reimburses 25% of stipend (up to Rs 1,500 per month) to employers engaging apprentices
– Designated and optional trades cover traditional industries as well as new service-sector roles
– Apprenticeship is a proven pathway from education to employment with practical skill development
– Both employers and apprentices benefit: employers get trained workers, apprentices get income and certification