New Delhi : In a decisive push to unlock the untapped
potential of India’s apprenticeship ecosystem, the Ministry of Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) today convened a high-level
Consultative Workshop on “Scaling Apprenticeship Uptake in Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).” The workshop reinforced apprenticeships as a
transformative pathway for building a future-ready workforce aligned with the
vision of Viksit Bharat and focused on translating India’s strong policy
framework into large-scale, on-ground adoption.
The workshop aimed to discuss on-ground
realities of MSME apprenticeship participation, including key barriers,
successful practices, and factors influencing employer engagement. It assessed
the feasibility of models such as cluster-based consortia,
earn-while-you-learn, and work-integrated learning.
While the National Apprenticeship Promotion
Scheme (NAPS) has witnessed robust growth, apprenticeship engagement continues
to remain concentrated among large and medium enterprises. Notably, 94% of MSME
apprentices are currently hosted within private sector
establishments—highlighting the need for solutions that are tailored to the
operational realities and constraints of the private MSME ecosystem.
Deliberations underscored that strengthening
MSME participation is critical to unlocking apprenticeship scale and improving
workforce absorption outcomes. Participants engaged in candid discussions on
persistent barriers, including low awareness and perceived complexity in
compliance processes.
Ms.
Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, said, “India’s
youth have immense potential, but for that potential to turn into real
opportunities, we need stronger connections between learning and work.
Apprenticeships help make that connection. MSMEs are the backbone of our
economy and also one of the biggest sources of employment. If we can make
apprenticeships simpler, more practical, and easier for small businesses to
adopt, we can create opportunities for lakhs of young people while helping
enterprises grow with skilled talent. This workshop is an important step
towards building solutions that work on the ground for both industry and youth.”
As a key outcome, stakeholders identified
priority challenges and actionable levers to accelerate MSME participation in
apprenticeships. The workshop also facilitated the co-design of near-term pilot
initiatives across select sectors and geographies, with clearly defined success
metrics. In addition, a focused set of policy and regulatory recommendations
was articulated for MSDE’s consideration, distinguishing between immediate
interventions and longer-term reforms.
The workshop also explored a range of
practical and scalable apprenticeship models. These included Group Training
Organizations (GTOs), where clusters of MSMEs can collectively host apprentices
under a common administrative anchor; the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme
(AEDP), enabling students to pursue UGC-approved undergraduate degrees while
working with MSMEs; and Work-Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP), which
combine formal education with structured on-the-job training leading to
recognized qualifications.
Through structured dialogue, participants
examined the feasibility of adapting these models within the Indian MSME
context and deliberated on targeted policy, regulatory, and financial
interventions required to make apprenticeships more accessible and attractive
for smaller enterprises. The consultation concluded with a clear action
roadmap, outlining roles, responsibilities, and timelines to ensure coordinated
implementation.
After the workshop, the meeting of the Sub‑Committee
on Promotion of Inclusion and MSME Participation in Apprenticeship Training,
constituted under the 38th Central Apprenticeship Council, was convened to
deliberate on key policy and implementation issues. The Sub‑Committee
reviewed its mandate of promoting inclusive apprenticeship opportunities for
women, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), SC/ST/OBC categories and individuals
from remote areas, while focusing on significantly enhancing the participation
of MSMEs.
Detailed discussions were held on agenda items
aimed at strengthening MSME engagement, expanding apprenticeship intake with
safeguards, and introducing targeted incentives and social security measures
under National Apprenticeship Scheme, discussion on the guidelines for
online/virtual apprenticeship, with a view to making apprenticeship training
more inclusive, accessible, and industry‑responsive.
The workshop was attended by Shri N.K.
Sudhanshu, Additional Secretary, MSDE, and Shri V.S. Arvind, Director, MSDE,
along with a diverse group of policymakers, industry leaders, practitioners,
and MSME stakeholders.