Apprenticeships: earn while you learn
An apprenticeship is training inside a real company. You learn the work by doing it, you are paid a monthly stipend, and you finish with a government certificate. For many young people, it is the surest road to a steady job.
What you get
A monthly stipend
The company pays you every month. Under the national scheme, the government also pays part of the stipend straight into your bank account.
Real experience
You work with real machines, customers and teams, guided by experienced staff. This is the experience employers ask for.
A certificate and a job chance
You receive a government apprenticeship certificate. Many companies keep their good apprentices as full-time staff.
A government-backed evaluation found that about 7 in 10 apprentices got full-time jobs after training. Stipend rates are set by the government and revised from time to time; check the portal for current rates.
Which scheme is for me?
| You have | Scheme | Where to register |
|---|---|---|
| 8th, 10th or 12th pass | National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) — “optional trades” such as retail, office, hospitality, logistics, beauty and many more | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
| ITI pass (any trade) | NAPS — “designated trades” in your ITI trade, such as electrician, fitter, welder, mechanic | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
| Short skill course (PMKVY, JSS, etc.) | NAPS — apprenticeship in the same field | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
| Diploma in engineering | National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) | nats.education.gov.in |
| Degree (B.E., B.Tech, B.Com, B.Sc, BA, BBA, etc.) | NATS — graduate apprenticeship | nats.education.gov.in |
You must be at least 14 years old, and 18 for trades that involve hazardous work. Under NATS, you usually need to apply within a few years of passing, and only if you have not done an apprenticeship before. Read each opening’s conditions on the portal.
How to apply on the apprenticeship portal
- Go to apprenticeshipindia.gov.in (or nats.education.gov.in for diploma and degree holders) and register as a candidate with your Aadhaar, mobile number and email.
- Complete your profile: education, trade, certificates and the area where you want to work.
- Search openings by trade and district. Apply to several companies near home.
- Attend the company’s interview or test. If selected, the company sends you an apprenticeship contract on the portal. Accept it online.
- Make sure your bank account is linked with Aadhaar, so the government share of the stipend reaches you.
Other ways in
Apprenticeship melas
The Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela is held every month in many districts. Companies come to select apprentices on the spot. Bring your certificates and copies.
Your ITI or college
ITIs and polytechnics receive apprenticeship notices from companies, railways and public sector units. Ask the training officer or placement cell.
Government and public companies
Railways, ordnance factories, airports, power and oil companies take apprentices every year. Their notices appear on their own websites and in Employment News. Government jobs.
Large staffing firms
Some large firms help companies take apprentices under these schemes. Use only their official websites, and never pay them. Recruitment agencies.
During your apprenticeship
- Keep a copy of your apprenticeship contract and check that it shows on the portal.
- Come on time, follow safety rules and ask questions. Your supervisor’s report decides your future.
- Check every month that your stipend reached your bank. If it did not, ask the company’s HR and check your status on the portal.
- Finish the full period and take the final assessment, so you get your certificate. Workplace habits.
Stay safe
- Registering and applying for an apprenticeship is free. Never pay anyone for an apprenticeship seat.
- A real apprenticeship has a contract on the government portal. If there is no contract, it is not an apprenticeship.
- Never share your portal password, OTP or bank PIN.
Business owners: take one apprentice
If you run a workshop, shop, clinic or factory, register your business on apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and take one young person this year. The government shares part of the stipend, and you train someone who knows your work. For employers.
Register on the portal today. Apply to three companies near home this week.
SkilledMuslim.com is not a recruitment agency and never charges anyone. Always apply on the official government portals.