Apprenticeship Models in India

The Apprenticeship system in India is a cornerstone for skill development and workforce readiness, governed primarily by the Apprentices Act, 1961. Over the decades, the framework has expanded to include Designated Trades, Optional Trades, and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), covering learners from primary education levels to doctoral qualifications. Despite strong policy support, significant challenges persist, including low awareness among eligible students and reluctance from small-scale industries to participate. This paper reviews the models, compares their structures, and proposes recommendations to strengthen implementation and outreach.