In the realm of workforce development and skill-building, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) stands out as a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering a skilled workforce while supporting industries in their quest for talented professionals. Understanding NAPS is essential for both employers and apprentices to fully harness its benefits.
What is NAPS?
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) was launched by the Government of India to promote apprenticeship training and facilitate Skill development across various industries, Launched under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The primary goal of NAPS is to provide On-the-job training to individuals to enhance their employability by providing industry exposure. Scope of Apprenticeship program encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, services, construction, Transportation, Logistics, Retail, Healthcare, Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, Education, food and more. The duration of training varies ranging from 6 months to 3 years. Individuals aged 14 years or above can enrol in apprenticeship programs under NAPS, subject to educational qualifications as specified for respective trades.
Benefits of NAPS to Apprentices:
The individuals, enrolling in the NAPS gain valuable benefits. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in real work environments, enhancing their employability by applying theoretical knowledge to practical industry scenarios. They receive stipends during their training period, making it a viable option for those seeking to earn while learning. This program focuses on developing industry-relevant skills tailored to current market demands, making apprentices more versatile and ready for evolving job roles. Additionally, they build valuable industry connections through interactions with professionals and mentors, opening doors to future job opportunities. Successful completion of these program results in gaining recognized certifications that add credibility to resumes, demonstrating practical experience and readiness for professional roles. Overall, NAPS provides a structured pathway for continuous growth, equipping individuals with essential skills and networks to thrive in the competitive job market.
Benefits of Naps to Employers:
NAPS allows businesses to develop a skilled workforce tailored to their specific industry needs. It gives employers access to a pool of motivated and skilled individuals who can fill future job openings within the company. By nurturing talent from within, businesses reduce reliance on external recruitment and ensure a continuous pipeline of trained personnel. This reduces financial burden and makes it more affordable for businesses to invest in talent development and expand their workforce. Engaging apprentices contributes to increased productivity by introducing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas to the workplace. This infusion of new talent can lead to improved efficiency across different departments. Furthermore, employers save on statutory compliances such as EPF, ESI, PT, and Bonus payments during the apprenticeship tenure, leading to substantial cost savings compared to hiring regular employees. Moreover, Employers fulfilling their apprenticeship quota demonstrate their commitment and compliance with government initiatives. Stipend, training charges and service charges paid to TPA over and above 2.5% up to 15% can be considered as CSR expenses, this helps build positive relationships and enhances the organization’s reputation as a responsible employer invested in skill development.
NAPS presents a valuable opportunity for both employers and apprentices, by fostering partnerships between industry and academia, it promotes inclusive growth, enhances employability, and supports the development of a skilled workforce. For employers, it offers a strategic approach to talent development, while apprentices gain practical experience and propel their careers forward to sustainable employment. Yashaswi is the number one third-party aggregator in implementing and providing apprenticeship programs, we connect potential individuals with the industry as apprentices and shape a skilled, productive workforce for the future driving economic growth and sustainable development.