SRINAGAR: The Department of Skill Development, Jammu and Kashmir, has launched a Union Territory-wide campaign to boost registrations under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), with more than 15,000 young people registering on the apprenticeship portal across all 20 districts in the past few days.
More than 2,000 MSMEs, industrial establishments and other organisations have also joined the apprenticeship ecosystem, offering structured training opportunities with stipend support, according to the department.
The campaign seeks to expand industry-linked training and provide young people with practical workplace exposure alongside their academic or technical qualifications.
Under NAPS, apprentices receive on-the-job training and a stipend under the ‘Earn while You Learn’ model. Apprenticeships generally run for one to two years, allowing participants to develop industry-specific skills, workplace discipline and practical experience in real work environments.
District Skill Committees are coordinating with Government ITIs, polytechnics, MSMEs, industrial establishments and other stakeholders to identify available apprenticeship positions and assist eligible candidates with registration. Deputy Commissioners are monitoring the campaign in their respective districts and coordinating efforts among departments and field-level institutions.
The Department of Skill Development is also working with the Industries and Commerce and Labour and Employment departments to take registration and facilitation activities to industrial clusters. Camps are being held at industrial estates to help MSME owners and other establishments with registration, apprentice engagement, stipend support and other provisions under NAPS.
Industry stakeholders, trade bodies and Central Public Sector Undertakings, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and NHPC, are supporting awareness, registration and handholding initiatives.
The department is also targeting the hospitality and tourism sector, given its employment potential in Jammu and Kashmir. Private hotels and hospitality establishments are being encouraged to take on apprentices in areas including hospitality operations, food and beverage services, housekeeping and front office operations.
NAPS provides establishments with a framework to participate in skill development while accessing government financial support for apprenticeship training. For candidates, it offers an opportunity to complement formal qualifications with practical experience and recognised apprenticeship certification.
The department has called upon more industrial establishments, MSMEs, PSUs, hotels and other eligible organisations to create additional apprenticeship opportunities for youth.
Candidates and establishments can register through the official Apprenticeship Portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. Assistance is also available at the nearest Government ITI or polytechnic.
The department said the campaign would continue across all districts, with emphasis on increasing youth participation, expanding industry engagement and developing a sustainable apprenticeship ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
