An Individual’s Journey to Employment Through Apprenticeship

 “The training and support I received assisted me in bridging the gap between education and employment. I am sincerely grateful to Yashaswi for their guidance throughout this journey.”  — Apprenticeship Trainee

Overview

This case study illustrates how Yashaswi’s well-structured apprenticeship program guided a young mechanical engineering graduate to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and industry readiness. It outlines the career journey of a mechanical graduate who transitioned into a fulfilling corporate role after encountering numerous challenges in securing employment.

Background of the Candidate

Hailing from a modest family in Navi Mumbai, the candidate lived with his father, mother, and younger sister. His father, a retired public sector employee, and his mother, a homemaker, had invested their hopes in his education. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering in 2013, the candidate, with optimism, actively sought job opportunities online and offline and attended numerous interviews across industries.
However, despite his earnest efforts, he was unable to secure employment due to the lack of industry-required skills and practical exposure. The stretch of unemployment left him grappling with uncertainty about his future and took a toll on his confidence as he navigated his career path.

Challenge Faced by the Fresher Candidate

Although he was a graduate, the candidate struggled to demonstrate the practical skills employers expected, making it difficult for him to compete in a job market that favours real-world experience. Like many other fresh graduates, he faced intense competition for entry-level roles, lacked a professional network to access opportunities, and had limited interview experience, all of which made securing meaningful employment challenging.

Intervention by Yashaswi Academy for Skills

In 2020, the candidate attended the MahaRojgar employment fair in Thane and came into contact with representatives of Yashaswi Academy for Skills. During their conversation, he learned, for the first time, about India’s Apprenticeship Program, a government-recognized initiative combining on-the-job training, online theoretical sessions, evaluation, and certification. Importantly, the program also offered a monthly stipend, easing financial pressure during the training period.

He got enrolled in the apprenticeship program. As part of the preparatory process, Yashaswi conducted a mock interview to replicate real interview conditions, thereby assessing the candidate’s readiness. Additionally, he received personalized mentoring from a senior trainer and regional leadership, focusing on communication skills, interview strategies, and confidence enhancement. These comprehensive efforts culminated in the candidate’s successful selection for a one-year apprenticeship at a steel manufacturing company in Maharashtra, where he joined the 2020-2021 apprenticeship batch as a Trainee Engineer in the Procurement Department with a monthly stipend of ₹16,000.

Apprenticeship Experience and Outcome

During a comprehensive one-year apprenticeship, the candidate participated in extensive hands-on training across various procurement functions. This experience enabled him to develop a strong understanding of the practical application of academic principles while acquiring industry-relevant skills. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, he received certification from the Sector Skill Council, validating his readiness for the industry. The apprenticeship program provided not only financial stability but also reassurance about his career path.

After his apprenticeship, the candidate was presented with multiple employment opportunities and ultimately accepted a position with a global IT services company. Today, he is employed at a prominent engineering firm in Mumbai as a Procurement Specialist, with an annual salary of ₹8 lakhs.

Conclusion

This case study exemplifies the transformative impact of the Apprenticeship Program in India, addressing the employability gap among graduates. Through dedicated mentorship, on-the-job training, and skill development support by Yashaswi, the candidate achieved meaningful employment and established a stable career. His journey reflects Yashaswi’s broader contribution to building a skilled workforce in the nation.

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