
Apprenticeship Program
The Apprentices Act empowers individuals by enhancing their skills, creating strong foundations for future employment opportunities.
Overview of Apprenticeship Program
The Apprentices Act, 1961, is a key Indian law promoting and regulating apprenticeship training.
Objective and Scope: The Act seeks to improve employability by addressing gaps in practical training not covered in formal education, providing a structured pathway from education to employment.
Definition and Nature of Apprenticeship: An apprentice, as defined by the Act, is bound by a formal contract with an employer. Under Section 18, apprentices are not classified as workers, and the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, clarify that apprenticeship is not equivalent to employment nor a guarantee of future job placement.


National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
Apprenticeship training has become a vital skill-building initiative to expand employment opportunities for youth across India. This model has successfully enhanced apprentices’ employability and is widely adopted worldwide. Currently, less than 5% of India’s workforce receives formal training, while around 10 million people enter the workforce annually. With nearly 70% of the population in the working-age group, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), launched in 2016 led by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), supports categories including Designated Trade, Optional Trade, Fresher, and Technician (Vocational) Apprentices.
Benefits of NAPS for Employers
- Stipend Reimbursement: Obtain reimbursement of up to 25% of the prescribed stipend, capped at ₹1,500 per month per apprentice.
- Auxiliary Skills Training: Enhance workforce capabilities through supplementary training programs.
- Reduced Recruitment Costs: Decrease hiring expenses, making the process more economical.
- Decreased Attrition: Build employee loyalty and lower turnover by investing in talent development.
- Customized Training: Access training programs specifically designed to meet your company’s needs.

National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS)
The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is a key initiative by the Government of India aimed at closing the gap between education and employment. Launched in 2006, NATS provides a structured framework for training young graduates, helping them gain the practical skills and experience necessary for their careers.
Benefits of NATS for Employers
- Evaluation Period: Companies have up to one year to assess an apprentice’s performance before making a permanent hiring decision, ensuring better alignment between the apprentice’s skills and the company’s requirements.
- Government Subsidy: The government covers 50% of the apprentice’s minimum wage (up to ₹4,500), reducing financial strain on companies.
- Designated and Optional Trades:: NATS includes both designated trades (set by the government) and optional trades (offered by private companies), providing diverse training opportunities.
- Addressing Talent Shortages: Companies can alleviate talent shortages by developing a skilled workforce internally through apprenticeships.
- Financial Exemptions: Participating companies are exempt from contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), lowering operational costs.
- Reduced Hiring Costs: Apprentices improve productivity from the start, decreasing overall hiring expenses since they are already trained and integrated into the workflow.

WILP (Work Integrated Learning Program) / LEARN AND EARN
Work-Integrated Learning Program (WILP) is being implemented with focus on job specific skills rather than providing only theoretical knowledge based education. The model enables the students to learn the skills by engaging on the job training at real shop floor of the industry.
Benefits of WILP for Industry
- Access to Skilled Talent.
- Reduced Hiring and Training Costs.
- Enhanced Productivity.
- Improved Employee Retention.
- Government Incentives and Compliance Benefits.
- Customized Training Aligned to Company Needs.
- Strengthened Industry Reputation.
Global Talent, Local Expertise-Connect with a
Leading Skilling Firm.
Addressing Your Industry-Specific Skilling Needs, Just for You