The National Employability Through Apprenticeship Program (NETAP), established in 2014 as a fully employer-funded Public-Private Partnership (PPP), was designed to address the challenges of the Apprenticeship Act, 1961. Launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and TeamLease Skills University in Gujarat, NETAP aligns with the National Employability Enhancement Mission (NEEM) of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). With plans to hire two lakh apprentices annually for the next decade, this program, when operating at full capacity, is set to become the world’s largest apprenticeship initiative.
Objectives and Potential Impact of NETAP
NETAP aims to equip unemployed youth with practical skills through a combined approach of learning by doing and earning while learning. This program seeks to facilitate smooth transitions from school to work and to remedy the skill-gap in the workforce.
About the National Employability Enhancement Mission (NEEM)
Launched in 2013, NEEM is a joint initiative by AICTE and the Government of India. Offering practical training to individuals pursuing or discontinuing graduation/diploma in any technical or non-technical stream, NEEM targets aspirants aged between 16 to 40 years and having a minimum education up to class X. Encompassing a wide variety of industries such as automobile, pharmaceuticals, electronics & hardware, food processing, healthcare services, and the financial sector, NEEM is projected to place at least 10,000 students per annum in registered companies or registered industries for training.
Key Findings of the 2021 Apprenticeship Outlook Report
In India’s apprenticeship ecosystem, around 41% of employers are interested in hiring apprentices, with 58% of enterprises aiming to expand their apprenticeship intake this year. Chennai is the most apprentice friendly city, while Ahmedabad and Nagpur lead among non-metro cities. Preferred sectors for apprenticeships include manufacturing, automobiles and ancillaries, and retail. Moreover, the preference for women apprentices has seen a hike of 10% from the previous half year, especially in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
Significance of Apprenticeship in India
The increasing working-age population in India demands a higher rate of job creation, making apprenticeships a critical solution. With around 3% of children dropping out after grade 5th and 8th due to economic challenges, apprenticeships could ensure continued skill development and employability.
Other Initiatives to Promote Apprenticeships
Several other initiatives are in place to promote apprenticeships, including the Apprenticeship Act of 1961 (along with its amendments), Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement Scheme, YuWaah Youth Skilling Initiative, and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
