Skill Development Department collaborates with Yuvashakti Foundation on Apprentice Awareness
Gangtok, September 11 (IPR): The Yuvashakti Foundation, an approved third-party aggregator for apprenticeship in Sikkim, in collaboration with the Skill Development Department, Government of Sikkim, organised an Apprentice Awareness Workshop at Ranka, today.
Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation and Commerce and Industries Departments, Mr Tshering Thendup Bhutia, attended the programme as the Chief Guest, with MLA-cum-Advisor of Skill Development and Transport Department, Mr Madan Cintury as the Guest of Honour.
The Minister, in his address, lauded the department for organising the programme that contributes to the development of youth and the state. He stated that under the leadership of the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, the Government of Sikkim has placed emphasis on youth empowerment, skill development, and industry engagement. He described the youth of the state as an asset, who can contribute to the nation and beyond if provided with skills, experiences, and opportunities.
He stated that apprenticeship bridges classroom learning and field reality by providing a platform to apply theoretical knowledge. He said it enhances technical skills, builds confidence, discipline, and adaptability. He added that state policy ensures industries receive skilled manpower, which helps attract investment and supports sustainable growth.
He said industries face shortage of skilled manpower, while youth seek employment but lack practical exposure. He explained that apprenticeship addresses this gap. He referred to the central government’s reforms, which made apprenticeship more industry-friendly and accessible. He mentioned the benefits of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) for both youth and industry.
He reaffirmed that the Government of Sikkim is committed to implementing these schemes, as apprenticeship is a legal mandate under the Apprentices Act, 1961. He urged industry partners to comply with the laws and gazette notifications issued by Government of Sikkim. He said apprentices in Sikkim can receive additional support of up to ₹3,000/-. He appealed to all stakeholders to work together for the growth of apprenticeship in the state, contributing to industrial growth, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
Mr Madan Cintury, in his address, stated that apprenticeship bridges the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. He mentioned that the State Government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, has taken steps to strengthen skill development initiatives so that the youth of the state can secure employment. He urged industries to collaborate with the government in implementing apprenticeship schemes and assured them of support and facilitation. He encouraged young participants to make use of opportunities like NAPS and NATS, which provide financial assistance and career opportunities. He stated that the success of apprenticeship depends on partnership between the government, industries, training providers, and youth.
Secretary of Skill Development Department, Ms Tashi Cho Cho, in her address, explained about NAPS and NATS. She stated that under the Apprenticeship Act, establishments with a workforce of 30 or more must undertake apprenticeship programmes ranging from 2.5% to 15% every year, and non-compliance attracts penalty. She explained that under NAPS, 50% of the stipend paid to apprentices is reimbursed, while under NATS, industries receive reimbursement of 25% of the stipend along with the cost of basic training. She mentioned that apprentices of the Northeastern region receive an extra ₹1,500 per month, in addition to ₹1,500 per month support from the Ministry of Skill Development.
She presented data compiled with third-party aggregators and NAPS, conducted in ITIs across the state. A total of 37 industries and 433 candidates participated, of which 16% were shortlisted, 4% were recognised as apprentices, and 9% were given placement. She said establishments under the Apprentices Act must register with the Skill Development Department. She further stated that administrative departments such as Tourism and Civil Aviation and Commerce and Industries should issue or renew licences only to establishments holding a registration certificate from the Skill Development Department. She appealed to stakeholders to work towards Viksit Sikkim se Viksit Bharat 2047.
Director, Yuvashakti Foundation, Dr Satish Pawar, spoke on the role of third-party aggregators under both NAPS and NATS. He gave a presentation on Yuvashakti Skill India, which equips youth with employable skills. He informed that the foundation was empanelled with the Skill Development Department, Government of Sikkim, last year to strengthen apprenticeship across the state. He stated that the workshop aimed to increase the number of apprentices in optional trade, designated trade, and graduate apprenticeship. He explained the benefits for both apprentices and industries and appealed to strengthen the apprenticeship ecosystem in the state and the nation.
General Manager, Apprenticeship, NSDC, Mr Vasu Sharma, spoke on the NAPS scheme. He presented topics including overview of apprenticeship, its evolution, the Apprentices Act, NAPS benefits for establishments and candidates, differences between apprenticeship and internship, achievements of the apprenticeship scheme, state- and sector-wise engagement, yearly assessments, proposed policy amendments, the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP), and success stories. He concluded with a survey on training delivery and absorption under NAPS.
Deputy Director, RDSDE Assam, Mr Rohan Patil (IES), shared a presentation on the Apprenticeship Training landscape, the Apprentices Act 1961, the mandatory minimum stipend, the apprenticeship lifecycle, benefits for employers and apprentices, guidelines for NAPS 2, the NAPS-DBT launch roadmap, checklist for DBT implementation, pilot initiatives for apprenticeship promotion in the Northeast, and concluded with the apprenticeship portal.
Assistant Director, Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region) (NATS), Mr Chandra Mouli, presented topics including the role of the Board of Practical Training, benefits of NATS, and the progress flow for establishments, which includes:
• Registration of the Establishment
• Engagement of Apprentices
•Creation of the Contract of Apprenticeship
• Apprenticeship Training
•Assessment/Record of Progress (RoP)
• DBT Payment
• Issuance of Certificate of Proficiency
The programme began with a Maruni dance performance showcasing Nepali culture and heritage.
Apprentice certificates were distributed to six candidates:
• Kirana Kambang
• Muskan Rai
• Sameer Kumar
• Sameer Rana
• Sumit Sarki
• Adrish Bauri
The President, Yuvashakti Foundation, Mr Eknath Pawar, delivered the welcome address, while Deputy Director, Skill Development Department, Mr Dharmadas Sharma, proposed the vote of thanks.
The event also had the presence of SDM (HQ) Gangtok District Mr Abhijeet R Patel, Labour Commissioner Labour Department Mr KR Limboo, senior officials of Skill Development Department, officials from various departments, industry representatives, and other stakeholders.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK