A day long Apprenticeship Mela is being organized in over 400 locations today, that is, October 4, 2021 by Skill India with support from Directorate General of Training (DGT) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Skill Training Certificate holders, ITI students, diploma holders, graduates and even class V to XII pass students may apply at this fair.
The objective is to faciltiate hiring of nearly one lakh apprentices and assist employers in tapping the right talent and develop them further with training and practical skillsets. Participation from more than 2000 organisations operating in over 30 sectors is expected. Opportunities for apprenticeship will be available in various sectors, including retail, telecom, power, electronics, IT/ITES and automotive.
Additionally, the aspiring youth will have the opportunity to select from over 500 trades including that of welders, beauticians, electricians, housekeepers and mechanics.
The candidates must carry three copies of their resume, three copies of all the mark sheets and certificates (5th to 12th pass, skill training certificate, undergraduate and graduate (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, etc.) degrees, Photo ID (Aadhar card/Driving License etc.) and three passport size photographs to the venues.
More details are available on https://dgt.gov.in/appmela/ regarding the venues of the mela across the country, along with other information.
The National Policy of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship recognises apprenticeship as a means to provide gainful employment to skilled workforce. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has taken several efforts to increase the number of apprentices hired by enterprises in the country. The objective is to fill the gap in supply and demand for skilled workforce and help fulfil the aspirations of the Indian youth through on-the-job training and meaningful job opportunities.
BENEFITS OF THE APPRENTICESHIP MELA
They participants have a huge opportunity to land apprenticeship offers on the spot and receive direct exposure to the industry. They will receive monthly stipend as per the Government standards for developing new skills, along with an opportunity to earn while they learn. They will be presented certificates, recognised by National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), which will incease their employability after the training.
Establishments participating in the Apprenticeship Melas get an opportunity to meet the potential apprentices at a common platform and select the candidates on-the-spot. In addition, even small-scale industries with minimum four working members can also hire apprentices at the event.
Rajesh Aggarwal, secretary, MSDE, emphasised that apprenticeship training “is the most sustainable model of skill development when it comes to providing demand-driven skills and addressing the technical skill gaps faced by employers. It also gives the apprentice an opportunity to learn hands-on and at the same time earn a stipend”.
He is confident that “with such initiatives, we will be able to facilitate innovations in earn-while-learn-based learning systems. In countries such as the US, the UK and Germany, apprenticeship training is a proven and effective way to improve links between industry and training institutions.”
He pointed out that the success of the apprenticeship model lies in the fact that it “has the potential to formalise the education system through hands-on experience.”
Significant reforms to the apprenticeship rules by MSDE is hope to drive greater participation in the apprenticeship training in the country. The upper limit for engaging apprentices has been increased from 10 to 15 per cent. The size limit of an establishment with mandatory obligation to engage apprentices has been lowered from 40 to 30. Payment of stipend for the first year has been fixed, instead of linking it to minimum wages. A hike in stipend of 10% to 15% has been allowed to the apprentice for second and third year. The duration of apprenticeship training for optional trade can be six to 36 months. The industry has an option to design and implement their own apprenticeship training. Under National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), the establishments/industry can get reimbursement up to 25 per cent of the stipend paid to the apprentices.
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