Uttar Pradesh’s new apprenticeship scheme offers paid training to graduates, aiming to bridge the skill gap and boost employability. With stipends and hands-on experience, the program targets youth under 25, aligning with industry needs. Backed by government funding, it seeks to create a skilled workforce, addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth in the state.
Uttar Pradesh Launches Paid Apprenticeship Program for Graduates
In a significant move to enhance employability among young graduates, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out an ambitious apprenticeship scheme targeting diploma holders and college graduates below the age of 25. The initiative, designed to bridge the gap between academic education and industry requirements, provides paid training opportunities in both public and private sector companies across the state.
Under the scheme, apprentices receive a stipend, with the state government reimbursing a portion of the cost to employers, incentivizing participation. The program aligns with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), which has been operational since 2016, but introduces state-specific enhancements to cater to UP’s burgeoning youth population. According to recent data, Uttar Pradesh has over 68,000 young individuals already benefiting from similar skill development initiatives, with the government disbursing ₹2,751 crore under schemes like the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan.
The apprenticeship program mandates employers to engage apprentices at 2.5% to 10% of their workforce, ensuring practical exposure in real-world settings. Eligible candidates include graduates, diploma holders, and those who have completed courses under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) or other government-approved skill programs. The training duration ranges from six months to three years, combining basic training with on-the-job experience.
Industry experts have lauded the scheme for its potential to address the skill mismatch highlighted in reports like Ernst & Young’s ‘Future of Pay’, which noted that only one in ten graduates in India is employable. Sectors such as electronics, healthcare, and technology, which face persistent skill shortages, are expected to benefit significantly. The program also encourages small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate by offering full funding for apprentices aged up to 21, a move announced by the central government earlier this year.
The UP government has integrated digital platforms to streamline the process, with employers and apprentices registering on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. This ensures transparency in stipend disbursal, with payments linked to Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts. The state has also introduced mechanisms for regular monitoring and skill competitions to foster healthy competition among apprentices.
Challenges remain, including ensuring widespread awareness and participation among rural youth. Experts suggest that the government should collaborate with local educational institutions to promote the scheme. Additionally, the success of the program hinges on the quality of training provided and the willingness of industries to absorb trained apprentices into permanent roles.
The initiative comes at a time when youth unemployment remains a pressing issue. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users praising the scheme’s potential to provide practical skills, while others call for better implementation to avoid exploitation as cheap labor, a concern raised in discussions about apprenticeship systems.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from government announcements, official websites like labour.py.gov.in, apprenticeshipindia.gov.in, and posts on X. The data is current as of August 2025 and reflects ongoing schemes like NAPS and state-specific programs. Readers are advised to verify details through official portals for the latest updates.