India is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to skill development through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). Launched in August 2016, this ambitious initiative has emerged as a game-changer, bridging the gap between formal education and industry demands while addressing the pressing issues of youth unemployment and underemployment.
The enrollment of apprentices has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few years. In the financial year 2018-19, the total number of enrolled apprentices stood at 35,333. The number of employees has increased significantly to 931,406 in the 2023-24 financial year, indicating a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 74.76% over the five-year period.
NAPS is a national initiative aimed at enhancing apprenticeship training across the country by providing stipends, enhancing capacity, and advocating for rapid growth. Its goals include fostering skilled manpower, incentivizing establishment participation, facilitating upskilling opportunities, and encouraging apprenticeship enrollment in underserved regions.
Compared to the previous financial year, 2022-23, the current year’s enrollment has seen a substantial 26.08% year-over-year increase. The total number of apprentices registered in the financial year 2022-23 was 738,704, while in the current financial year, 2023-24, the figure has reached 931,406. Leading this surge are states like Maharashtra (263,239), Tamil Nadu (101,519), Gujarat (83,611), Karnataka (78,497), and Uttar Pradesh (71,378), reflecting the scheme’s widespread impact across the nation.