In a major boost to youth employability, Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme 2.0 (NATS 2.0) portal today in New Delhi. The launch featured the distribution of ₹100 crore in stipends to apprentices across sectors including IT/ITes, manufacturing, and automotive industries.
Key Features of NATS 2.0
The NATS 2.0 portal aims to streamline the apprenticeship process by enabling a large number of beneficiaries to register and apply for apprenticeships. It will also assist establishments and industries in managing their vacancies and contracts. This initiative is aligned with the Government’s focus on enhancing the employability of youth through skill development.
Event Highlights
The event featured two-panel discussions on the future of apprenticeships, covering topics like the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program and industry collaborations. Eminent dignitaries, including Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Prof. T G Sitharam, and Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, participated in these discussions. Top establishments like Cognizant Technology Solutions, Infosys, and Tech Mahindra were recognized for their contributions.
Minister Pradhan’s Address
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that the NATS 2.0 portal represents a significant effort to democratize apprenticeship opportunities, bridge the skills gap, and make youth future-ready. He highlighted the importance of focusing on employability skills in curricula and called for a comprehensive strategy to harness the country’s demographic dividend. Pradhan also urged educational institutions and industries to embrace the NATS 2.0 portal to make apprenticeship a widespread initiative.
Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) Implementation
The scheme includes a Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) mechanism to ensure timely and transparent stipend payments directly to apprentices’ bank accounts. This move aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of stipend disbursements.
Portal Functionality
Developed in-house by the Ministry of Education with AICTE and BoATs/BoPT, the NATS 2.0 portal manages the entire apprenticeship lifecycle, including student registration, vacancy advertisement, application processing, contract creation, certification, and stipend disbursement.
Alignment with NEP 2020
The initiative aligns with NEP 2020, which seeks to integrate vocational education with general education to provide students with vertical and horizontal mobility. Draft guidelines for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) have also been issued in this regard.
For ongoing updates on the NATS 2.0 portal and related initiatives, stay tuned to official announcements and news sources.
