Apprenticeship is one of the key components for creating skilled manpower in India. Apprenticeship training plays a major role in imparting on-the-job vocational training where youth can acquire skills by working at the workplace and earning a stipend. Globally, apprenticeship is considered the best model for skill acquisition and earning while learning.
Apprentices gain skills and qualifications
Apprenticeship aims to fully utilize the facilities available in industries for imparting practical training and thus developing skilled manpower for industries. The Apprenticeship Act regulates the programme of training that includes curriculum, period of training, related instructions during on-the-job
Employers that take on apprentices become more successful and productive
The Apprenticeship Program consists of Basic Training and On-the-Job-Training (OJT)/ Practical Training at the workplace in the industry. Basic training is an essential component of apprenticeship training for those who have not undergone any institutional training/ skill training before taking up on-the-job training/ practical training.
The Act mandates establishments having a manpower strength of 30 or more to engage apprentices in a band of 2.5% to 15% of their total manpower strength (including contractual staff); it is voluntary in respect of smaller enterprises having a manpower strength ranging from 4 to 29 employees. The establishments are liable to pay the stipend to apprentices, which ranges from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 9,000 per month (prescribed minimum stipend) depending on the type of course and educational attainment of the apprentices.
Government support is available for employers
Keeping in view the importance of Apprenticeship Training, the “National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme” was launched by the government to motivate establishments to engage apprentices. The scheme was notified by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) Government of India on 19th August 2016 providing financial support to the industry undertaking apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The main objective of the scheme is to promote apprenticeship training and to increase the engagement of apprentices across industries. The scheme has the following two components:
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Sharing of 25% of the prescribed stipend subject to a maximum of Rs. 1,500 per month per apprentice with the employers.
- Sharing of basic training cost in respect of 20% apprentices who come directly to apprenticeship training without any formal trade training. Basic training costs will be limited to Rs. 7,500 for a maximum of 500 hours.
Going forward, in order to further simplify the apprenticeship processes under ‘ease of doing businesses, NAPS 2.0 guideline is currently being finalized keeping candidates and establishments at its core.
For more details:
Refer-www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
Contact Details: placements@asci-india.com
