NEW DELHI: With a more than 150% increase in govt-sponsored apprenticeships since 2019-20, the number of beneficiaries under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) surpassed 8.5 lakh in 2023-24, and 1,298 crore was released as grant for stipend.
For the second consecutive year, over 2.5 lakh apprenticeships have been funded, as the ministry of education continues to expand the scheme’s reach.Govt is also planning to recognise apprenticeship training through formal credits and certifications, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
So far this year, 1.51 lakh apprentices are being trained, supported by a funding of 366 crore. These youths are being skilled to work in sectors such as IT, electronics and automobile components. According to the centrally funded apprenticeship data accessed by TOI, an additional 3.43 lakh apprentices are presently undergoing training in sectors including IT/ITES, automobile and auto components, banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), and electronics.
The programme, implemented by the department of higher education, offers apprenticeship to fresh graduates and diploma holders without prior work experience. “Over the past five years, nearly 8.68 lakh apprentices have benefited from the scheme,” said a senior MoE official, who added that govt is intensifying its efforts to enhance employability by expanding this flagship initiative for on-the-job training of graduates and diploma holders.
“With a robust budget of 3,054 crore allocated for the period from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26, NATS aims to bridge the skills gap between students and industry demands, helping young professionals gain essential work experience and secure future employment,” said the official.
Recently, the govt had also launched the NATS 2.0 portal designed to streamline all aspects of the apprenticeship process. This one-stop solution integrates enrolment, certification, and direct benefit transfer (DBT) payments, ensuring faster and more transparent disbursement of stipends.
Full report on www.toi.in
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