National Apprenticeship Melas today in 28 states, UTs to boost career opportunities

NEW DELHI: The ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship (MSDE) is organizing Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAM) today, October 10, 2022, across 280 locations in 28 states and union territories. The PM National Apprenticeship Melas is being organised as a part of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Skill India Mission to boost career opportunities and practical training.

Interested youths can register for the mela by visiting apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. To be eligible to apply, the students must have a Class 5-12 pass certificate, a skill training certificate, an ITI diploma, or a graduate degree to participate. Those who have already enrolled have to carry relevant documents to reach the venue.

Apprenticeship melas (fair) will be hosted in the country every month, wherein selected individuals will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with government criteria for gaining new skills. More than 22 lakhs active apprentices have been engaged till date.

“Several local businesses have been invited to be part of the Mela to provide local youth with the opportunity to shape their careers through apprenticeship training. Participating companies will have the chance to meet potential apprentices on a single platform and choose applicants on the spot,” the ministry said in a statement.

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“Apprenticeship melas are held on the second Monday of each month to increase the employability of India’s youth. Following the completion of the programmes, the company which is providing the training is likely to hire the student as an employee,” it said.

Expressing his views on the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela, Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship, said that the “Apprenticeship training facilitates ‘learning by earning’ and ‘learning by doing’, combining formal education with hands-on experience and improving links between industry and training institutions. Moreover, the Apprenticeship Melas have a significant impact on the expanding numbers of apprenticeships and their successful execution across the country.”

He also added that upgrading the Apprenticeship Act 1961 not only ensured that the programmes provide additional job opportunities for talented individuals, but also there is a smooth transition from school to work life for young adults, who join the workforce.

The government is aiming to train 1 million youth annually through apprenticeship training. The scheme also provides awareness to the youth on various opportunities existing across the participating companies.