NAPS
VSkill Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeship
NAPS VSkill Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeship
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a Government of India initiative aimed at strengthening apprenticeship engagement across industries. The scheme integrates Basic Training with On-the-Job Practical Training, enabling apprentices to acquire industry-relevant skills directly at the workplace. As per the Apprenticeship Act, 1961 (amended in 2014) and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, organizations employing more than 30 individuals are required to engage apprentices equivalent to 2.5%–15% of their total workforce.
VSkill is a prominent workforce and skill development organization supporting industries nationwide in the effective implementation of NAPS. Authorized as an Establishment and Third-Party Aggregator (TPA) under the scheme, VSkill facilitates apprenticeship engagement for both employers and candidates across sectors.
Key Highlights of NAPS:
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Government financial assistance under NAPS covers 25% of the prescribed stipend, subject to a maximum of ₹1,500 per apprentice per month.
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Participating industries can achieve estimated monthly savings of ₹2,000–₹3,500 per apprentice on statutory expenses such as PF, ESI, bonus, leave with wages, and gratuity, as apprentices are not governed by conventional labor laws.
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Apprentices may be engaged for a duration of 6 to 12 months, based on the qualification and skill category.
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Apprentices engaged under NAPS are not eligible to join worker unions, helping organizations maintain workforce continuity.
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The structured apprenticeship model supports lower attrition rates and reduced recruitment and onboarding costs for industries.
The Centre of Excellence will oversee NAPS implementation and provide strategic and operational support to VSkill teams across India, leveraging a strong knowledge base and resource network to ensure seamless program execution.
NATS
VSkill Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeship
NATS VSkill Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeship
The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India focused on enhancing the employability of technically qualified youth through structured, industry-led training. The program combines hands-on workplace exposure with guided learning, enabling apprentices to gain practical skills relevant to their respective domains. Apprentices receive training directly at organizational worksites, supported by experienced managers and standardized training modules that ensure effective and timely skill acquisition.
During the apprenticeship period, candidates are paid a stipend, of which 50% is reimbursed to the employer by the Government of India. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices are awarded a Certificate of Proficiency by the Government, which is recognized as valid work experience and can be registered at employment exchanges across India. Apprentices are placed with Central, State, and Private sector organizations that offer robust training infrastructure and learning environments.
VSkill is a leading workforce and skill development organization supporting industries across India in implementing apprenticeship programs under NATS. Authorized as an Establishment and Third-Party Aggregator (TPA), VSkill facilitates end-to-end apprenticeship engagement for both industries and apprentices.
Key Benefits under NATS:
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Financial assistance from the Government through NATS, covering 50% of the prescribed stipend, subject to a maximum of ₹4,500 per month for Graduate Apprentices and ₹4,000 per month for Diploma Apprentices, for a period of one year.
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Participating industries can achieve monthly savings of approximately ₹3,500–₹4,000 per apprentice on statutory costs such as PF, ESI, bonus, leave with wages, and gratuity, as apprentices are not governed under standard labor laws.
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Candidates who have completed their qualifications between 2018 and 2023 are eligible to register under the NATS program.
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Industries may engage apprentices for a duration of 12 to 24 months, depending on the candidate’s educational qualification.
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Apprentices engaged under NATS are not eligible to join worker unions, helping organizations maintain workforce stability.
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This model supports lower attrition rates and reduced recruitment and training costs for employers.
The Centre of Excellence will oversee the NATS framework and provide strategic and operational support to VSkill teams across India, leveraging a strong knowledge base and shared resources to ensure effective program execution.