Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the government’s effort to skill youth through apprenticeship programs has resulted in 9,577 candidates actively participating as apprentices. He also revealed that a total of 13,296 young individuals applied for registration on the state’s National Apprentice Portal, with 70% (9,577 candidates) successfully selected.
Sawant, who also serves as the Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, highlighted that apprentices receive stipends ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 13,000 per month. As of January 15, 4,118 candidates are undergoing apprenticeships with various government departments, while 5,459 candidates are placed in private companies.
While emphasising that apprenticeship training counts as experience for government jobs, Sawant clarified that there is no policy for regularising apprentices upon completing their training. He mentioned that 95% of government departments pay apprentices on time, although 5% experience delays due to department-specific issues.
Over the last three years, the state invested Rs 42 lakh in advertising to promote the apprenticeship scheme. Notably, various government departments, including electricity, transport, agriculture, dental college, FDA, forest, PWD, panchayats, and health, have engaged apprentices. In the private sector, companies like IFB Ltd, Crompton Greaves, hotels, casinos, and automobile dealers have also participated. The Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Policy for Government Establishment-2023 was officially notified on June 20, 2023. Under this policy, apprentices are entitled to 12 days of casual leave and 15 days of medical leave.
Sawant mentioned that the National Apprenticeship Portal remains open for registration without a time limit, as apprentices will be engaged based on opportunities created by various establishments over time. The state has implemented approximately nine schemes to skill and re-skill local youth, aiming to bridge the gap between demand and supply for skilled manpower.
