Apprenticeship Training Scheme(ATS)

Aim and Objective

• Acquisition of skills supplemented by training in the actual world of work.
• To maintain steady flow of skilled manpower to Industry.
• Utilize the facilities available in the Industries for imparting practical skill training.
• The National Apprenticeship Scheme was launched in 1959, initially on voluntary basis.
• The Apprentices Act 1961 was enacted in the Parliament during 1961 and was implemented with effect from 1.1.1963.

Implementing Authority

• Overall responsibility with the Directorate General of Employment & Training (DGE&T), Ministry of Labour, Government of India.
• State Apprenticeship Advisers responsible for implementation of the Act in respect of Trade Apprentices in State.
• Skill standards prescribed and monitored by Central Apprenticeship Council and NCVT.

Procedure for Implementation

• The Central / State Apprenticeship Adviser shall make arrangement to locate the industries to be covered under the Apprentice Act with the assistance of various associations of industries like Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Chamber of Commerce & Govt. department such as industries, employment Exchange, Local Body etc.

Coverage

• The Apprentices Act makes it obligatory on the part of employers both in public and private sector industries to engage trade apprentices according to the ratio of apprentices to workers other than unskilled workers in designated trades prescribed under the Rules. In order to locate facilities for apprenticeship training, the training places are identified on the basis of the findings of surveys conducted in the industrial establishments.
• 39 specific groups of industries, comprising 252 designated trades have been included.

Engagement Session

• There are two engagement session during the year to recruit the trade apprentices i.e.1st February to 15th April and 1st August to 15th October.
• But even though apprentices can be engaged in any organization during the whole year.

Qualifications for being engaged as an apprentice

• A person shall not be qualified for being engaged as an apprentice to undergo apprenticeship training in any designated trade, unless he is not less than fourteen years of age, and (b) Satisfies such standards of education and physical fitness as may be prescribed.
• Class VIII pass to XII class pass persons can avail the benefits of Scheme in 252 designated trades within 39 trade group. (GoI Level).
• In Gujarat training imparted in 136 trades. Period of training varies from 6 months to 4 years.

Selection mode

• Passed out trainees of ITI (Ex-ITI) eligible for rebate of corresponding period of training undergone by them in I.T.I out of the total duration prescribed under the Act.
• Freshers possessing minimum educational qualifications as per Act.

Sources:

Engagement of Apprentices from the following sources

• ITIs wherever existing.
• Nearest Employment Exchanges.
• Office of Apprentice Advisor.
• Advertisement through press.

Syllabus

• The syllabi for different trades are prepared and finalized by the respective Trade Committees Comprising trade experts from industry.
• Training comprises basic training, Practical Training and related instructions as per prescribed syllabus for each trade.

Relevant ITI Trade & Rebate allowed in Apprenticeship Training

• Apprenticeship training is linked with Craftsmen Training Scheme (different trades in ITIs).
• Passed out trainees in the particular trade of NCVT pattern designated by D.G.E. & T. as well as GCVT pattern designated by D.E.T. is also allowed for rebate in the duration of Apprenticeship Training.

Reservation of training places for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes

• Reservation for ST, SC and OBC as per rule in Gujarat State.

Stipend:

• The rates of stipend payable to the apprentice under this scheme are:

Sr. no.	Duration of training	Rates of Stipend(Rs.) per month
01	First year	2100
02	Second year	2400
03	Third  year	2800
04	Fourth year	3100

Testing and Certification of Trade apprentices

• At the end of training, Successful candidates awarded, National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) recognized Nationally & internationally.
• NAC is recognized for employment under Govt. /Semi-Government departments/ organizations.

Gujarat scenario

• Apprentice scheme in Gujarat covers, 187 Talukas out of 226 Talukas.
• Gujarat stands second in India having 5,800 establishments under the Act followed by Maharashtra (7520).
• Presently, 42,341 seats have been allotted in 5,800 Industrial Establishments in Gujarat under ATS scheme which are bifurcated within 12 major high growth sectors. Among them 30,764 seats are utilized (73% utilization of allotted seats).
• Percentage of successful apprentices is 87.67 % in 2012.
• Average allotted seats per industrial establishment in Gujarat are more than 8 seats.
• 136 designated trades are covered out of 252 designated trades within 39 trade group. These trades are as per N.C.O.
• Government of Gujarat has announced Rs. 1500/-per month as an incentive stipend to apprentices candidates.

Initiatives by CET to strengthen ATS:

To contribute to the profitability and growth of the corresponding sector by recruiting, training and developing youth for carrier in the sector, following initiatives have been taken by department:-

• To carry out Apprentice Survey and to plan Survey in systematic Manner, data was collected from various department, Skill mapping of each Taluka , Systematic & Scientific planning for field survey and to cover more industries.
• Special drive to identify new apprentice seats from 1st.February, 2013 to 31st. August, 2013, 9000 new apprentice seats have identified.
• To emphasize "Apprenticeship Training Scheme" with the Industries of Gujarat, an MoU for Popularizing "Apprenticeship Training Scheme" for effective implementation of the Act by active involvement of Industrieshas been entered between CII and Commissionerate of Employment and Training, Gandhinagar on Thursday, 23 May 2013.
• Commissionerate of Employment and Training, Gandhinagar (GoG) is organizing workshops with industries at various places in the State.
• To popularizing Apprenticeship Training Scheme, Minister level seminars at regional level where organised.
• From signature of Chief Secretary, wrote D.O. letter to State Government / Public Service units to fill up existing seats and enhancement of new seats.

ATS Trade:

• ATS Trade List