The Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has appointed Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Rajya Sabha member from the Aam Aadmi Party, as the vice chairman of the National Apprenticeship Council (NAC). This reconstituted council, headed by the Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, includes representatives from the central government and employers from both public and private sectors. The council’s mission is to enhance the apprenticeship model as part of India’s skill development efforts.
Apprenticeship Model for Skill Development
The National Apprenticeship Council aims to promote apprenticeships as a key tool for providing hands-on training to young people, improving their employability. According to a statement by Sahney, the apprenticeship programme will last for one year, offering participants valuable on-the-job experience. Apprentices will receive a stipend, with 50% of the cost reimbursed to employers by the government, making the program attractive to both industries and job seekers.
Benefits of the Apprenticeship Programme
Sahney highlighted the mutual benefits of the apprenticeship model. “Youth will receive essential hands-on experience that will significantly improve their employability, while industries will have the advantage of training a workforce on their premises, ensuring a more efficient and effective skill alignment with their operational needs,” he stated.
To kick-start the initiative, an apprenticeship mela was held across eight Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Punjab, with over 4,000 students registering for the programme. This large-scale participation underscores the growing interest among youth to gain practical skills and secure employment in their chosen fields.
Conclusion
The reconstitution of the National Apprenticeship Council, led by Vikramjit Singh Sahney as vice chairman, is a significant step in strengthening India’s skill development efforts. By offering industry-aligned training and government-backed incentives for employers, the programme creates a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved—boosting employability for youth and providing industries with a skilled workforce.
