Today's business world has a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. As technology advances, organisations might find it hard to hire skilled candidates for high-tech jobs. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is one programme that helps bridge this gap.
This blog explores what NAPS is, who can register, its benefits and more. Sudeep Kumar Sen, Vice President of Gi Group India, was at our Parichay‒Ask the Expert session to share his knowledge and answer questions on this topic.
Scroll on to read the excerpts. The answers are based on inputs from the expert and research by greytHR.
Want to listen to the expert? Here's the link to the conversation.
What is NAPS?
NAPS is a scheme introduced by the Indian government to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for high-tech jobs. It is aligned with the Apprenticeship Act of 1961 and mandates all industries to have 2.5%‒15% of their workforce as apprentices.
What are its benefits?
- Organisations: The scheme benefits organisations by building a talent pool for the future. Intrapreneurs can build talent for their organisations by hiring and training freshers for full-time employment after 24 months.
- Employees: This opportunity helps those who did not attend top institutions gain job experience and training to become employable in the future. NAPS also provides a valuable certificate.
- Nation: The scheme provides opportunities for skill development and job creation, benefiting society and the economy.
What are the categories of apprentices?
NAPS offers different types of apprenticeships: graduate, technical, vocational and optional trade.
Designated trades are specific trades the government has notified; companies can hire apprentices/trainees under them. There are approximately 259 designated trades under this category.
Optional trade has opened up apprenticeship opportunities in various sectors, including IT, banking, finance, insurance, FMCG, hospitality and retail. Companies can hire apprentices under this model in these sectors.
What is the eligibility to become an apprentice?
To become an apprentice under NAPS, one must be an Indian citizen and provide the necessary documents, including an Aadhaar card, bank details and self-attested photographs.
The person must have attained the age of 14 years.
A person with a gap in education cannot avail of the scheme. The authorities will place the person in a training category based on his/her educational background.
The person can easily register by keeping all documents in order after the completion of the course.
What are the types of training?
NAPS provides several types of training, including:
- Training for ITI pass-outs
- Dual learning mode training for ITI and fresher apprentices
- Programmes for graduates and diploma holders
- Training for 10+2 vocational certificate holders
The training is provided on the job and focuses on technical and soft skill development.
What are the eligibility criteria for employers?
- Employers can register online for NAPS or engage with Training Providers (TPs).
- The organisation and TP have to make an agreement.
- The government reimburses INR 1500 or 25% of the stipend, whichever is lower.
- The reimbursement goes to the employer. Talks are ongoing to route it directly to the trainee.
What are the eligibility criteria for training providers?
- Basic training providers can avail the benefits of NAPS without any specific eligibility criteria.
- Organisations themselves will be responsible for providing training as they are best equipped to do so.
- Having a curriculum in place is important for the organisation.
- Proper governance and tracking of training progress are necessary.
- Challenges faced by trainees and their productivity outcomes should be monitored.
- The aim is to build a talent pool for the organisation's future.
What is the registration process?
There are two ways to complete the registration for NAPS ‒ either directly with the Government of India or through a third-party associate such as Gi Group.
Associates like Gi Group offer complete services to identify apprentices, follow statutory requirements, process stipends and facilitate the entire process.
Listen to the recording of the entire webinar
