National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) aims to promote apprenticeship training throughout the country. Initially launched in August 2016, the scheme is currently being continued under its second phase, NAPS-2.
Under NAPS-2, to encourage greater participation from establishments in apprenticeship training, the Ministry has simplified processes through multiple Office Memorandums (OMs), upgraded the apprenticeship portal, and revised NAPS guidelines. Larger establishments can now provide basic training in-house, and centralized establishments may register under a single RDSDE.
The Ministry is actively engaging CPSUs with dedicated meetings held to explore expansion under NAPS-2. Monitoring mechanisms have been strengthened through a three-tier system involving central, regional, and state-level advisors to boost industry participation, ensure compliance, and drive apprenticeship engagement. Regular zonal review meetings with states are being held, and underperforming TPAs are being monitored and removed.
Application Programme Interface (API) integration with state and central portals is underway to streamline processes and data sharing. A digital awareness campaign was launched in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Policy changes, like increased stipends and the introduction of Certificate of Proficiency, further aim to make apprenticeship more attractive for establishments and as well as apprentices. Further, Pilot initiative for special intervention for promotion of apprenticeship in North Eastern Region (NER) focuses towards increased establishment participation as well as apprentices of NER.
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS‑2)—launched in 2016 and revamped under Skill India—offers apprentices structured, paid on-the-job training across traditional and emerging sectors, with financial incentives for the benefit of the trainees directly through stipend support. Apprenticeships empower youth in tech-driven fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), green energy, and healthcare—by providing industry-aligned, hands-on experience that boosts employment or entrepreneurial success.