NSDC and NAPS to train 1.2 crore youths in 40 sectors with market-relevant skills
With a vision to achieve 50 lakh apprentices in over 40 sectors, including agriculture, healthcare and wellness, food processing, security among other by 2020, the
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for the first time will work under
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) to produce skilled youth.
Talking to Education Times on the sidelines of launch of Skill Connect road show, Manish Kumar, CEO and MD of NSDC, said, “The role of apprenticeship has become critical to tap the potential of our youth and growth of economy. NSDC is using its resources, including manpower, funds, to train the youth. We are offering short-term skill courses under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, International Skill Training and Udaan with a focus on apprenticeship, including aviation, agriculture, manufacturing units, gem designing and entertainment and media among others. Until January this year, 109950 students were given training in these sectors.”
He added, “With the help of Skill Connect roadshow, we want to create awareness among youth to take benefit of the apprenticeship offered. Till now, the apprenticeship was available only in manufacturing units. With the change in guidelines, now service sector can also be benefited.”
Kumar informed, “In collaboration with a German development agency, GIZ, ‘On-the-job’ skill courses are being run in various sectors and industries. Moreover, engineering and ITI colleges that were laying vacant, will be used to conduct skill training programmes.”
The concept of apprenticeship has changed over the years. “Industry is playing a bigger role in training the students now, which is mutually beneficial for students as well as the industry players. For small industries, 25% of stipend of the apprentices will be provided by the government.”
He further informed Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern states are being given special focus with initiatives like Udaan, which addresses needs of the educated unemployed youth. The aim is to provide skills and job opportunities to the youth across the country by collaborating with various industries.
NAPS
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), a new scheme of the Centre, aims to promote apprenticeship
Salient features
Increase in role of Sector Skill Councils, State Skill Development Missions and Industry Associations in managing apprenticeship training
Supports establishments by sharing the stipend cost by engaging and training the apprentices
A new online portal, www.apprenticeshipindia.org, has been developed where industry players will have an access to complete management of apprenticeship training process and monitoring, right from registering the establishment, to engaging apprentices and filing for reimbursements.
Apprenticeship training to be given across sectors, including manufacturing, services, trades and others
Any individual, who has completed 14 years of age, and has minimum educational qualification prescribed for the trade can undergo apprenticeship training
Vertical mobility across courses for students undergoing apprenticeship training.
