Annexure 11: National Scheme of Apprenticeship Training

The National Scheme of Apprenticeship Training implemented by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Secondary Education and Higher Education) provides opportunities for practical training to fresh graduate engineers, polytechnic diploma holders and 10+2 (Vocational stream) passed students, in industries and other organisations as per the Apprentices Act, 1961 (as amended in 1973 and 1986) and in accordance with the policies guidelines laid down by Central Apprenticeship Council.

The minimum educational qualifications for being engaged as Apprentice under the scheme are as follows: (1) “Graduate” Apprentice- (a) A degree in Engineering/Technology awarded by University or by institution by professional bodies recognised by Central Government as equivalent to Degree, (c) A Sandwich Course student who is undergoing training as part of his curriculum in order that he may hold a Degree in Engineering/Technology awarded by a State Council or Board of Technical Education established by a State Government. Or by a University or by an Institute recognized by the State Government or Central Government as equivalent (b) A Diploma Certificate in Vocational Course involving two years of study after the completion of Higher Secondary school education recognized by a State or Central Government as equivalent to (a) above, (c) A Sandwich Course student who is undergoing training as part of his curriculum in order that he may hold a Diploma mentioned in (a) above or Diploma Certificate mentioned in (b) above. (3) “Technician (Vocational)” Apprentice: A Higher Secondary Vocational Certificate Holder having studied and passed under the Vocational stream in the designated subject fields. Eligibility: An Engineering Graduate or Diploma Holder or Higher Secondary Vocational passed student who does not have Training or job experience for a period of one year or more after the attainment of the specified qualifications as above and also persons who have not completed three years, after obtaining the Degree/Diploma/Vocational Certificate.

The Period of Apprenticeship Training under the Act is one-year. During training period the Apprentices are paid stipend, the expenditure being shared between the Central Government and the employer on 50:50 basis. At present the rate of stipend payable to graduates, technicians and technicians (vocational) apprentices is Rs.1630, 1160 and 900/- per month respectively. However, industries/training establishments wherein the apprentices are engaged for practical training are at liberty to pay stipend more than the prescribed minimum rates. The scheme do not guarantee any employment after completion of the training.