The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme includes not only technical skills but also soft skills and workplace readiness, giving apprentices a well-rounded foundation, explains Dr A Sakthivel.
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), introduced by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in 2016, seeks to address the skills gap across industries, creating a workforce ready to meet sector-specific demands. With its focus on apprenticeship as a pathway to hands-on learning, the initiative has played a critical role in sectors like apparel, made-ups, and home furnishing. The Apparel Made-Ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) have been pivotal in tailoring apprenticeship training programs to meet the unique needs of this labour-intensive sector.
Understanding apprenticeship training programs
Apprenticeship training programs combines two critical components:
- Basic training, which provides theoretical and practical knowledge.
- On-the-Job Training (OJT), where apprentices gain hands-on experience in a workplace setting.
This dual approach ensures that apprentices develop a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making them immediately productive upon entering the workforce.
Objectives and benefits of NAPS
The core objective of NAPS is to expand the reach and effectiveness of apprenticeship training program across the country. By addressing skill shortages and enhancing employability, it creates a skilled workforce aligned with industry standards.
Key highlights of the scheme include:
- Encouraging establishments to adopt apprenticeship training programs, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- Making training more accessible and affordable for employers through cost-effective models.
- Extending apprenticeship opportunities to urban and rural areas, promoting balanced economic development.
Applicability in the apparel sector
Under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, establishments with 30 or more employees must engage apprentices, ranging from 2.5 per cent to 15 per cent of their workforce annually. For the apparel sector, which is labour-intensive and skill-centric, this mandate is particularly significant. The structured training provided under NAPS has been instrumental in equipping apprentices with expertise in sewing operations, textile finishing, quality control, and design processes.
The role of basic training
Basic training is a critical segment of apprenticeship training programs, particularly for fresher apprentices without prior skill training. It imparts theoretical and lab-based practical instructions, ensuring apprentices have a foundational understanding before progressing to OJT. For individuals with institutional training, such as ITI pass-outs or graduates of NSQF-aligned courses (e.g., PMKVY), this requirement is waived, enabling them to move directly to workplace training.
Importance of NAPS in the apparel sector
The apparel sector, known for its vast workforce requirements, benefits significantly from NAPS in bridging the skills gap. Apprenticeships under the scheme focus on practical training for high-demand roles like sewing machine operations, textile finishing, quality control, and design processes. This approach ensures that apprentices are equipped with industry-relevant skills, making them productive contributors from day one.
AMHSSC’s efforts in implementing NAPS have ensured that these apprenticeships address both immediate and long-term industry needs. By identifying emerging trends and workforce gaps, the council facilitates training programs that are aligned with real-world requirements, ensuring that the apparel sector remains competitive and agile in an evolving global market.
Expanding workforce inclusion
NAPS have extended skill development opportunities beyond urban centres, reaching youth in rural and semi-urban areas. These apprenticeships provide individuals from diverse backgrounds with access to structured training programs, contributing to balanced economic development. By empowering rural and underserved communities, the scheme also supports localized growth in regional industries.
AMHSSC’s role in shaping NAPS
AMHSSC plays a vital role in driving the success of NAPS in the apparel sector. Collaborating with industry stakeholders, the council ensures that apprenticeship training programs are both relevant and forward-looking. This includes not only technical skills but also soft skills and workplace readiness, giving apprentices a well-rounded foundation.
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme has emerged as a transformative initiative, fostering practical skill development and workforce readiness across India. In the apparel sector, AMHSSC’s active involvement has ensured that apprenticeships align closely with industry needs, preparing a new generation of skilled professionals. While the scheme’s focus is not primarily on financial incentives, its structured training framework and inclusive approach have laid the groundwork for sustainable growth in India’s manufacturing and service sectors.
About the author:
Dr A Sakthivel is the Chairman of the Apparel Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council. AMH SSC has been launched with a primary mandate of enhancing and to build a capacity in skill development. One of the salient features of the AMH SSC is designing of the training programmes, based on industry demands of different segments and to ensure that all successful trainees are certified through accredited assessment agency.