New Delhi, May, 2024.

India is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its approach to skill development through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). Launched in August 2016, this ambitious initiative has emerged as a game-changer, bridging the gap between formal education and industry demands while addressing the pressing issues of youth unemployment and underemployment.

The enrollment of apprentices has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few years. In the financial year 2018-19, the total number of enrolled apprentices stood at 35,333. However, this figure has skyrocketed to an impressive 931,406 in the current financial year, 2023-24. This staggering increase represents a significant Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 74.76% over the five-year period.

Compared to the previous financial year, 2022-23, the current year's enrollment has seen a substantial 26.08% year-over-year increase. The total number of apprentices registered in the financial year 2022-23 was 738,704, while in the current financial year, 2023-24, the figure has reached 931,406.

Leading this surge are states like Maharashtra (263,239), Tamil Nadu (101,519), Gujarat (83,611), Karnataka (78,497), and Uttar Pradesh (71,378), reflecting the scheme's widespread impact across the nation.

NAPS has proven to be a mutually beneficial program, fostering growth and innovation within businesses while providing valuable on-the-job practical training and opportunities for aspiring professionals. This symbiotic relationship is driving inclusive economic development, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, and nurturing personal and professional growth across sectors.

The transformative power of NAPS is best exemplified through the inspiring stories of its beneficiaries. Ranjana, a homemaker from Satna, Madhya Pradesh, embarked on an apprenticeship in lab technology, not only gaining employment post the apprenticeship training but also becoming a significant earner for her family, challenging traditional gender roles and paving the way for financial independence.

Similarly, Vishal, hailing from a modest background in Uttar Pradesh, seized the opportunity to participate in an apprenticeship program. Despite financial constraints, his dedication and newfound expertise as an Assembly Line Operator enabled him to secure a job and support his family, breaking the cycle of poverty.

Shivam's journey from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, to becoming an Automotive CNC Machining Technician at an Aurangabad-based automobile engineering company is another testament to NAPS's transformative impact. Faced with uncertainty about his future after completing his studies, Shivam enrolled in an automotive course through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). His apprenticeship not only provided him with valuable skills but also empowered him to financially support his family.

These success stories, along with countless others across various companies, illustrate how NAPS is aiding individuals in transcending barriers and fostering inclusive growth.

NAPS aims to bolster apprenticeship training nationwide by offering stipend support, enhancing capacity, and advocating for rapid growth. Its objectives include fostering skilled manpower, incentivizing establishment participation, facilitating upskilling opportunities, and encouraging apprenticeship enrollment in small enterprises and underserved regions, thereby contributing to inclusive economic development and effectively addressing the skills gap in the country.

The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2), an extension and successor of the earlier NAPS initiative, further reinforces this commitment by providing apprenticeship training across India and offering partial stipend support to apprentices engaged under the Apprentice Act of 1961 through Direct benefit Transfer (DBT) of Rs 1500 per month. It aims to enhance the apprenticeship ecosystem by focusing on capacity building and providing advocacy assistance to stakeholders.

In managing the apprenticeship programme in the country, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) plays a pivotal role. It oversees the operation of the apprenticeship portal, which serves as a platform for facilitating the enrollment process. Additionally, NSDC is responsible for disbursing partial stipend support to apprentices, both for designated and optional trades, through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. Beyond these, NSDC also undertakes capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders involved in the apprenticeship program. This includes organizing awareness campaigns, trade fairs (melas), workshops, seminars, and other events aimed at promoting the program and engaging with various participants.

Furthermore, NSDC acts as an advocate and promoter of the apprenticeship program through advocacy and promotional activities. These efforts are designed to raise awareness about the program's benefits and encourage wider participation from industries, employers, and potential apprentices.

As India continues its journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, NAPS stands as a catalyst for change, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the nation. By fostering inclusive skill development and creating employment opportunities, this pioneering scheme is not only empowering individuals but also shaping a workforce that is future-ready and adaptable to the ever-evolving demands of the industry.