India’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) has emerged as a formidable force in fueling inclusive growth and addressing the nation’s skill development challenges. Launched in August 2016, NAPS has witnessed a staggering surge in enrollment, reflecting its pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and industry demands. Enrollment figures reveal a remarkable trajectory of growth. From a modest 35,333 apprentices in FY 2018-19, the program has seen an exponential rise, with a current enrollment of 931,406 in FY 2023-24. This represents an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 74.76% over five years.
Key states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh have led this surge, showcasing the scheme’s widespread impact across the nation. NAPS’s success lies in its ability to foster mutually beneficial relationships between businesses and aspiring professionals. By providing practical on-the-job training, the program not only addresses the pressing issues of unemployment and underemployment but also fuels innovation within industries.
The scheme’s transformative impact is evident in the stories of individuals like Ranjana, Vishal, and Shivam, whose journeys from diverse backgrounds to successful careers exemplify NAPS’s potential to break barriers and foster inclusive growth. As India strides towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, NAPS-2, an extension of the original scheme, further strengthens the commitment to skill development. With its focus on capacity building and stipend support, NAPS-2 aims to create a workforce that is future-ready and adaptable to industry demands.
