National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a new scheme of Government of India to promote apprenticeship. It was launched on19th August 2016. Apprenticeship training is one of the most efficient ways to develop skilled manpower for industry by using training facilities available in the establishments without putting any extra burden on exchequer to set up training infrastructure. After undergoing apprenticeship training, candidates become equipped to easily adapt to the industrial environment unlike applying for regular employment.

• The Apprentices Act, 1961 was enacted with the objective for imparting on-the-job training.
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is the administrative ministry responsible for implementation of this Act.
• The National Policy of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015, launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 15th July, 2015, focuses on apprenticeship as one of the key programs for creating skilled manpower in India.
• Apprenticeship training is the most efficient ways to develop skilled manpower for industry by using training facilities available in the establishments without putting any extra burden on exchequer to set up training infrastructure.
• After undergoing apprenticeship training, candidates become equipped to easily adapt to the industrial environment.
• The scheme entails financial support to establishment's undertaking apprenticeship programs.

The Government of India continues to be well focused on skilling as its major national priority. It targets to engage 50 Lakh as against current number of 2.5 Lakh apprentices For this purpose, The Apprenticeship Act 1961 was amended and in August 2016 and NAPS was launched for promoting culture of Apprenticeship and also increase number of Apprentices in our eco system. Apprenticeship training is one of the most efficient ways to develop skilled manpower for industry. Candidates or students after undergoing apprenticeship training can easily adapt to industrial environment at the time of regular employment.

Some Benefits of NAPS to Companies:

• Employers will not be required to cover Apprentices under Provident Fund and ESI scheme
• CSR Budget can be utilized for apprenticeship program
• The OJT time period could be max upto 36 months( ITI/Diploma -3 years, Graduate -1 year) which is sufficient for any organization to identify good talent for employability
• Government will reimburse part of expenses incurred in Training ( 25% of prescribed stipend or Maximum of INR 1500/- per trainee per month)
• 15% of total employee strength can be inducted as NAPS trainees

Some Benefits of NAPS to Candidates / Students:

• Stipend is paid by company as per wages which helps them for lively hood
• No experience is required
• Skills Enhancement
• Better Employability