This momentum didn’t happen overnight. It has been built through a mix of policy reform, industry partnerships, and deep community outreach. Take the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0)—over 1.63 crore youth have been trained, many in future-ready sectors like electronics, logistics, and healthcare. Likewise, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) has placed more than 8.7 lakh apprentices across 1.5 lakh businesses, reflecting a strong push toward practical, on-the-job learning.

A key strength of this movement has been the rising participation of women. Through the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme, over 5.05 lakh individuals have been trained—80% of them women. From tailoring and beauty services to digital skills, women across India are stepping into the workforce with growing confidence and capability.

To make apprenticeships more attractive, the government approved a 36% hike in stipends, now ranging from ₹6,800 to ₹12,300 per month, with adjustments every two years based on inflation. This practical support is helping reduce dropouts and making apprenticeships a more viable choice—especially for those from low-income households.

The transformation goes beyond individuals—it extends to institutions. Traditional ITIs are being upgraded with smart classrooms and updated curricula. A major leap came with the ₹60,000 crore National Scheme for ITI Upgradation, which will modernise 1,000 ITIs and establish five National Centres of Excellence. These are being designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

A big part of this shift is also digital. The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) has emerged as a powerful platform—over 1 crore users and 50 lakh course completions—offering skills in AI, drone technology, cloud computing, and more. The portal is now integrated with flagship schemes like PM Vishwakarma, JSS, and even Green Hydrogen training, bringing high-tech learning to the remotest parts of the country.

SIDH is also driving trust and transparency in certification. New NCVET-certified digital credentials now include QR codes, NSQF levels, photographs, and secure signatories—making certificates easier to verify and more useful for employers. The onboarding of JSS institutions onto SIDH using mobile OTP and Aadhaar e-KYC has made registration simple and scalable.

On the ground, the energy is visible at events like Kaushal Mahotsavs in Bijnor and Bharatpur. With 17,000+ registrations and 3,000+ placements on the spot, these events are not just about employment—they’re about creating hope at scale.
At a policy level, more doors are being opened. The Model Skill Loan Scheme was relaunched with a higher credit cap—₹7.5 lakh, up from ₹1.5 lakh—and now includes NBFCs and non-NSQF courses, allowing more youth to access high-quality training, even from private institutes.

Minister Jayant Chaudhary’s commitment to industry alignment has also strengthened public-private partnerships. Under PMKVY 4.0, collaborations with Air India SATS, Flipkart, and Swiggy are enabling co-pay skilling with guaranteed placements. And to future-proof this ecosystem, 8,000 new trainers are being trained under ToT programmes with HAL, ICT Academy, and NAC.

Institutional development continues apace. Two Indian Institutes of Skills (IIS)—in Mumbai and Ahmedabad—have begun operations, with the first batches graduated in October 2024. Another 200 ITIs are being upgraded as Centres of Excellence, with 800 more in a spoke-hub model. Pilot programmes like the AI Programming Assistant, now running in 19 NSTIs, offer a glimpse into tomorrow’s skill landscape.

India’s skill development efforts are also gaining global recognition. Renewed MoUs with Germany and Singapore, and the Ministry’s presence at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlight India’s increasing role in shaping the future of global workforce standards. One standout partnership is with Microsoft—the AI Careers for Women initiative will train 20,000 women in Tier II and Tier III towns, blending innovation with inclusion.

Across all these achievements, a quiet but clear narrative emerges—this isn’t just a year of activity; it marks the beginning of long-term transformation. Minister Jayant Chaudhary’s inclusive and reform-driven leadership has focused on making skills more accessible, market-relevant, and future-ready.

From policy reform to digital innovation, and from women-led progress to global collaboration, the Ministry’s work is no longer just about training—it’s about changing lives. And the journey, it seems, has only just begun.

The post Digital, Diverse, and Demand-Driven: India’s Skill Drive Hits New Milestones appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

India’s demographic dividend, which boasts around 65% working age population, presents a unique advantage for apprenticeships. But this potential can only be realised if the workforce is equipped with the right skills. Unfortunately, India lags behind other nations in apprenticeship adoption. Shockingly, only about 0.1% of the formal labour force in India is engaged in apprenticeships, compared to 4% in many developed countries. This disparity highlights the urgent need for businesses to incorporate apprenticeship programs into their growth strategies.

Recognising this, the Indian government has rolled out initiatives like the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) to increase industry participation and encourage companies to hire and train apprentices. These schemes provide financial incentives to companies, making it economically viable to train apprentices. These efforts, along with India’s expanding industrial base and initiatives like ‘Make in India,’ provide a fertile ground for apprenticeship programs to flourish. Additionally, global organisations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are actively supporting these efforts through campaigns such as Advantage Apprenticeship, which aims to connect young talent with businesses.

By adopting apprenticeship programs, companies not only develop a workforce tailored to their specific needs but also contribute to India’s economic growth.

Here are five key reasons why apprenticeships are crucial for business growth in India.

1. Addressing the Skills Gap

India’s education system often falls short of preparing graduates for the workforce. According to the India Skills Report 2023, only 47.2% of graduates are deemed employable in their respective fields. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by providing on-the-job training aligned with industry needs.
For example, Tata Motors’ apprenticeship program has been instrumental in creating a steady stream of skilled workers who meet the company’s rigorous standards. Similarly, in the IT sector, Infosys has utilised apprenticeships to train fresh talent in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing, ensuring they are ready to tackle real-world challenges from day one.

2. Cost-Effective Workforce Development

Hiring and training new employees is often a costly affair, especially in industries requiring specialised skills. Apprenticeships offer a more budget-friendly alternative. Under NAPS, businesses can recover up to 25% of an apprentice’s stipend, capped at Rs 1,500 per month, significantly reducing training costs. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., which trains around 5,000 apprentices annually, is a prime example. The company benefits from lower training expenses while building a skilled and loyal workforce, ready to contribute to its long-term goals.

3. Boosting Productivity and Innovation

Apprentices bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm, often leading to increased productivity and innovation. A study by Ernst & Young revealed that apprentices can boost workplace productivity by up to 15% within their first year. Startups, in particular, benefit from this youth energy. Zoho, an Indian software giant, has successfully integrated apprentices into its teams, leveraging their creativity to drive product innovation. This approach has helped Zoho maintain its competitive edge in the ever-evolving tech industry.

4. Building a Loyal Workforce, Reducing Attrition

Apprenticeships foster a strong sense of loyalty and belonging. Once apprentices transition to full-time roles, they are more likely to stay with the company. According to a study by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), companies with robust apprenticeship programs see attrition rates drop by as much as 30%. Bosch India exemplifies this, with over 70% of its apprentices staying on to build long-term careers within the company. This not only reduces hiring costs but also ensures a stable, experienced workforce.

5. Strengthening Industry Reputation and Compliance

Embracing apprenticeships enhances a company’s reputation as a socially responsible entity. It also ensures compliance with the labour laws. The Apprentices Act mandates that companies with a workforce comprising 30 or more employees, with ratios ranging from 2.5% to 15% of their total workforce.
By fulfilling these requirements, businesses also contribute to India’s Skill India mission while improving their public image. Larsen & Toubro, for instance, has earned a stellar reputation for its commitment to skill development through comprehensive apprenticeship programs.

Apprenticeships are more than just a tool for workforce development—they are a strategic investment in the future. By adopting apprenticeship programs, businesses can address the skills gap, reduce costs, boost innovation and foster loyalty, all while contributing to India’s economic growth. In a competitive market, companies that embrace apprenticeships will not only thrive but also play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s workforce of tomorrow.

Empower your business with skilled talent through apprenticeships. Build the workforce shaping the future. https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/establishment-registration

The post Boost Your Business with Apprentices: 5 Key Benefits You Can’t Ignore appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.