Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, officially launched the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal in New Delhi, marking a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to enhance the employability of youth through structured apprenticeship programs. Alongside the portal’s launch, the government disbursed ₹100 crore in stipends to apprentices via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode, benefiting those undergoing training in sectors such as IT/ITeS, manufacturing, and automobiles.
Key Features of the NATS 2.0 Portal:
- Comprehensive Apprenticeship Management: The NATS 2.0 Portal is designed as a centralized platform to manage all stages of the apprenticeship lifecycle, including student registration, vacancy advertisements, contract creation, certification, and stipend disbursal. Developed by the Ministry of Education with support from AICTE and BoATs/BoPT, the portal serves as a one-stop solution for students, industries, and educational institutions.
- Wider Reach and Increased Accessibility: The portal is expected to be utilized by a large number of beneficiaries, making apprenticeship opportunities more accessible. Establishments and industries can leverage the portal to manage their vacancies and contracts, thereby expanding the scope of opportunities available to young graduates and diploma holders.
- Stipend Disbursement via DBT: To ensure timely and transparent delivery of stipends, the government has implemented the DBT mechanism, directly transferring the stipend to apprentices’ bank accounts.
Focus on Skill Development and Employability:
The NATS 2.0 initiative aligns with the government’s broader focus on skilling and employability, as highlighted in the budget speech by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The initiative aims to equip 25,000 students annually with the skills needed for the job market, democratizing access to apprenticeships and widening the reach of skill development programs.
Panel Discussions and Recognitions:
The launch event featured panel discussions on the future of apprenticeships, focusing on topics such as Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programs (AEDP), industry and higher education collaboration, and leveraging technology for DBT and e-governance. Top industry players like Cognizant Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Infosys Ltd., and Tech Mahindra Pvt. Ltd. were recognized for their contributions to the apprenticeship ecosystem.
Minister’s Vision for the Future:
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, in his address, emphasized the significance of NATS 2.0 in bridging skill gaps and preparing the youth for future job markets. He stressed that in the technology-driven age, it is crucial to focus on building competencies rather than merely attaining degrees. The Minister called for a collective effort to make apprenticeship a mass movement, urging educational institutions and industries to actively participate in the NATS 2.0 portal.
Alignment with NEP 2020:
The NATS 2.0 initiative is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to integrate vocational education with general education, eliminating barriers between different educational streams. The policy emphasizes vertical and horizontal mobility for students, and draft guidelines have been issued by UGC and AICTE for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programs (AEDP).
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