Dr A. Sakthivel, Chairman,
Apparel Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council
In order to close the skills gap across industries and provide a workforce prepared to fulfill sector-specific demands, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in 2016. With its emphasis on apprenticeship as a means of gaining practical experience, the program has been significant in industries such as clothing, cosmetics, and home furnishings. In order to adapt apprenticeship training programs to the particular requirements of this labor-intensive industry, the Apparel Made-Ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) has played a crucial role.
Understanding Apprenticeship Training Programs
Apprenticeship training programs combines two critical components:
- Basic Training, which provides theoretical and practical knowledge.
- On-the-Job Training (OJT), where apprentices gain hands-on experience in a workplace setting.
With this dual approach, apprentices are certain to gain a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which will enable them to contribute right away when they join the industry.
Objectives and Benefits of NAPS
NAPS’s primary goal is to increase the nationwide reach and efficacy of apprenticeship training programs. It produces a competent workforce in line with industry requirements by addressing skill shortages and improving employability.
Key highlights of the scheme include:
- Encouraging establishments to adopt apprenticeship training programs, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- Making training more accessible and affordable for employers through cost-effective models.
- Extending apprenticeship opportunities to urban and rural areas, promoting balanced economic development.
Applicability in the Apparel Sector
Under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, establishments with 30 or more employees must engage apprentices, ranging from 2.5% to 15% of their workforce annually. For the apparel sector, which is labor-intensive and skill-centric, this mandate is particularly significant. The structured training provided under NAPS has been instrumental in equipping apprentices with expertise in sewing operations, textile finishing, quality control, and design processes.
The Role of Basic Training
Basic training is a critical segment of apprenticeship training programs, particularly for fresher apprentices without prior skill training. It imparts theoretical and lab-based practical instructions, ensuring apprentices have a foundational understanding before progressing to OJT. For individuals with institutional training, such as ITI pass-outs or graduates of NSQF-aligned courses (e.g., PMKVY), this requirement is waived, enabling them to move directly to workplace training.
Importance of NAPS in the Apparel Sector
The apparel sector, known for its vast workforce requirements, benefits significantly from NAPS in bridging the skills gap. Apprenticeships under the scheme focus on practical training for high-demand roles like sewing machine operations, textile finishing, quality control, and design processes. This approach ensures that apprentices are equipped with industry-relevant skills, making them productive contributors from day one.
AMHSSC’s efforts in implementing NAPS have ensured that these apprenticeships address both immediate and long-term industry needs. By identifying emerging trends and workforce gaps, the council facilitates training programs that are aligned with real-world requirements, ensuring that the apparel sector remains competitive and agile in an evolving global market.
Expanding Workforce Inclusion
NAPS has extended skill development opportunities beyond urban centers, reaching youth in rural and semi-urban areas. These apprenticeships provide individuals from diverse backgrounds with access to structured training programs, contributing to balanced economic development. By empowering rural and underserved communities, the scheme also supports localized growth in regional industries.
AMHSSC’s Role in Shaping NAPS
The success of NAPS in the clothing industry is greatly influenced by AMHSSC. The council works with industry stakeholders to make sure apprenticeship training programs are up to date and future-focused. This gives apprentices a well-rounded foundation by incorporating soft skills and workplace readiness in addition to technical skills.
In India, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme has become a game-changing program that promotes the development of employable skills and workforce preparedness. Through its active participation, AMHSSC has made sure that apprenticeships in the garment industry closely match industry demands, thereby preparing a new generation of highly qualified workers. Although financial incentives are not the scheme’s main focus, its inclusive approach and organized training framework have set the stage for long-term growth in India’s manufacturing and service industries.
