National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India, launched in August 2016 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It aims to significantly increase apprenticeship opportunities in the country by providing financial incentives and support to both employers and apprentices.
What is NAPS?
NAPS is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements by promoting on-the-job experiential training. It’s a structured program that combines practical training at the workplace with theoretical “basic training,” preparing individuals for real-world job roles.
Under the Apprentices Act, 1961, NAPS provides a framework for establishments to engage apprentices, offering them hands-on experience and a stipend. It covers a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, automobile, banking, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, and more.
Key Objectives of NATS
Develop Skilled Manpower
To create a pool of industry-ready, skilled professionals through practical training.
Encourage Employer Participation
To incentivize establishments (especially MSMEs and those in underserved areas) to engage apprentices by providing financial support.
Provide Up-skilling Opportunities
To offer practical exposure and training to individuals, including those who have undergone short-term skill training.
Simplify Processes
To improve the ease of doing business by streamlining the engagement of apprentices through a dedicated online portal.
Benefits of NAPS
For Employers/Establishments
- Financial Support: The government provides partial financial support, including:
- 25% of the prescribed stipend, subject to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month per apprentice. This amount is directly transferred to the apprentice’s bank account via DBT.
- Sharing of basic training costs (up to ₹7,500 per apprentice for a maximum duration of 500 hours or 3 months) for fresh apprentices who do not have prior formal trade training.
- Skilled Workforce Development: Organizations can train and mold fresh talent according to their specific operational requirements, creating a pipeline of industry-ready professionals well-versed in the company’s culture.
- Reduced Recruitment & Training Costs: Apprentices are not employees in the traditional sense, leading to savings on statutory compliances like EPF, ESI, and bonus payments during the apprenticeship tenure. This significantly reduces overall hiring and training expenditure.
- Increased Productivity & Innovation: Apprentices often bring fresh perspectives and are highly motivated to learn and contribute, which can lead to improved efficiency and new ideas within the company.
- Reduced Attrition: Apprentices often show higher loyalty as they gain valuable skills and experience within the company, potentially leading to lower attrition rates if they are offered permanent roles.
- Addressing Skill Gaps: NAPS helps organizations proactively identify and address skill shortages by training apprentices in designated or optional trades tailored to industry needs.
- Enhanced Brand Image: Engaging apprentices under a government scheme demonstrates commitment to skill development and nation-building, enhancing the company’s reputation as a responsible employer.
- Flexibility: Employers can engage apprentices within a range of 2.5% to 15% of their total workforce (for establishments with 30+ employees, it’s mandatory, while for 4-29 employees, it’s optional).
For Apprentices/Individuals
- Earn While You Learn: Apprentices receive a monthly stipend during their training period, providing financial support as they acquire new skills.
- Hands-on Industry Experience: They gain invaluable practical, on-the-job training in a real work environment, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Government Recognized Certification: Upon successful completion of the training, apprentices receive a Certificate of Proficiency by the Government of India, which enhances their employability and can be registered as valid employment experience.
- Improved Employability: The industry-relevant skills and practical experience significantly boost their chances of securing permanent employment, often within the same organization where they completed their apprenticeship.
- Career Progression: Apprenticeships can serve as a stepping stone to higher levels of skill acquisition and career advancement.
- Skill Alignment: The training is designed to meet current market demands, ensuring the skills acquired are highly relevant and valuable.
How to Get Involved
Both establishments and individuals can register on the dedicated Apprenticeship Training Portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) to participate in NAPS. The portal facilitates easy registration, advertising of opportunities, application, and tracking of training progress.
NAPS is a transformative scheme that empowers both businesses to build a skilled, loyal workforce and individuals to gain essential skills and kickstart their careers, contributing significantly to India’s skill development mission.
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