The process of training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training is called the Apprenticeship. This training enables practitioners to gain a license to practice in a regulated occupation. Apprenticeship is very vast in nature and covers a broad spectrum of sectors, professions, roles and cultures.
This apprenticeship system first developed in the later Middle Ages and came to be supervised by craft guilds and town governments. At that time, to employ young people as an inexpensive form of labour in exchange for providing food, lodging and formal training in the craft, a master craftsman was entitled.
In India, the Apprentices Act was established in 1961 which is responsible for regulating the programme of training of apprentices in the industry. This Act also defines and regulates the syllabi and period of training etc. As per the Central Apprenticeship Council, the facilities available in industry for imparting practical training with a view to meeting the requirements of skilled manpower for industry is very necessary.
However, this Apprentices Act was enacted in 1961 but implemented effectively in 1962. Later, Act was amended in 1973 to include training of graduate and diploma engineers as “Graduate” & “Technician” Apprentices. Also, the Act was further amended in 1986 to bring within its purview the training of the 10+2 vocational stream as “Technician (Vocational)” Apprentices.
For Trades Apprentices (ITI-Passed/Fresher) : For implementation of the Act in respect of Trade Apprentices in the Central Govt. Undertakings & Departments, DGE&T is responsible. This is done by six Regional Directorates of Apprenticeship Training located at Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur and Faridabad. While State Apprenticeship Advisers are responsible for implementation of the Act in respect of Trade Apprentices in State Government Undertakings/ Departments and Private Establishments.
For Graduate, Technician (Polytechnic Diploma holder) and Technician (H.S Vocational-Passed) Apprentices: Ministry of Education is responsible for implementation of this Act through four Boards of Apprenticeship Training located at Chennai, Kanpur, Kolkata and Mumbai.
