SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Department of Skill Development has launched a Union Territory-wide awareness and registration campaign under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), with more than 15,000 youth and over 2,000 industrial and business establishments registering within the first week, officials said on Saturday.
The campaign aims to improve youth employability by expanding apprenticeship opportunities and strengthening links between educational institutions and industry requirements.
According to the department, registrations have been recorded across all 20 districts of the Union Territory, while more than 2,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), industrial units and other organisations have joined the apprenticeship ecosystem to offer training opportunities with stipend support.
NAPS, launched by the Government of India to promote apprenticeship training, provides industry-based, on-the-job learning opportunities while offering financial support to apprentices and participating establishments. Under the scheme, apprentices receive workplace training and stipends while gaining practical experience and industry-relevant skills.
Officials said apprenticeship programmes generally run for one to two years and are designed to help young people acquire practical skills, workplace exposure and recognised certification.
The department said District Skill Committees are working with government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, MSMEs and industrial establishments to identify apprenticeship opportunities and facilitate registration of eligible candidates. Deputy Commissioners are monitoring the campaign at the district level.
Registration and facilitation camps are also being organised in industrial estates to assist employers with enrolment, apprentice engagement and information on stipend support available under the scheme.
Officials said departments including Industries and Commerce and Labour and Employment are coordinating efforts to expand industry participation. Several trade bodies, Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and organisations, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), have joined awareness and registration drives.
The department has also reached out to private hotels and hospitality establishments to increase apprenticeship opportunities in the tourism sector. Officials said a number of hotels have expressed willingness to engage apprentices in areas such as hospitality operations, food and beverage services, housekeeping and front-office management.
The department has appealed to more industries, MSMEs, public sector organisations and hospitality establishments to participate in the programme and create apprenticeship opportunities for youth.
Interested candidates and establishments can register through the official Apprenticeship India portal, officials said.
