The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has introduced the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) to encourage apprenticeship training among young candidates across various sectors. The disparity between theoretical and practical skills is greater in a competitive economy. However, the NAPS scheme helps bridge the skills gaps in the Indian workforce by offering industry-relevant, on-the-job training to candidates. It is required to make India a hub for professional workers and improve youth employment by increasing apprenticeship opportunities. Under NAPS, participants get opportunities to receive theoretical and practical knowledge while working in an industry-specific setting. This essential component of the Skill India Mission aims to upskill youth and boost employability. The NAPS scheme benefits employers and candidates and requires the active participation of training providers (TPAs), also named third-party aggregators. These professional agencies help ensure that apprenticeship training is delivered effectively.
What Are TPAs for Apprenticeships?
Under the NAPS program, the government permits TPAs to provide apprenticeship training. These TPAs are essential to the apprenticeship program's execution since they ensure that training complies with industry standards for skill development and business needs. These skill development organizations or corporate entities have the infrastructure and expertise to deliver training. The government accredited and authorized these agencies to offer apprenticeships in specific industries, ensuring uniformity and quality in training.
Role of TPA in Apprenticeship Training
The role of authorized TPAs is unaccountable for the effective functioning of the NAPS scheme. The involvement of these agencies ensures that both employees and employers benefit from high-quality training. Here, we have key roles of TPAs in apprenticeships and training under NAPS.
Curriculum Delivery and Development
- Industry-Relevant Training: Government apprenticeship programs are responsible for developing training curricula to fulfill the company's requirements. The professionals from TPA companies help design curricula in collaboration with firms to ensure that apprentices acquire the skills and knowledge for business requirements.
- Blended Learning Approach: TPA experts ensure that participants get theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience through practical exposure. With a dual approach, candidates gain a well-rounded understanding of their chosen trade and stream.
Apprentice Hiring and Selection
- Source Talent: TPA services for apprenticeship help find suitable candidates for companies. These professionals help create a roadmap for selecting the best apprentices by conducting skill assessments and offering guidance on hiring.
- Recruitment Services: Authorized TPA for NAPS helps place apprentices with companies. From finding to recruitment, they help streamline the staffing process.
Monitoring and Mentorship
- Ongoing Support for Candidates: Trainers of TPAs help provide continuous support to candidates throughout their training. By ensuring mentorship and helping them address potential changes, these agencies play a pivotal role.
- Monitor Performance: They regularly monitor the apprentice's progress to ensure that training is effective and the candidate meeting industry standards. The process includes conducting assessments and evaluations of candidates both practically and theoretically.
Training Infrastructure and Resources
- Providing Facilities: TPAs in apprenticeship and training under NAPS manage accessibility to modern training facilities and resources, including equipment, classrooms, and industry-standard tools. It is crucial to ensure that apprentices gain the required experience.
- Technological Integration: In the growing digital world, TPAs use modern technology to offer apprentices using the latest tools and techniques in their respective industries.
Certification and Evaluation
- Certification of Skills TPAs: TPAs are involved in assessing apprentices' abilities and making sure they fulfill certification requirements. TPAs assist in granting certifications accepted by the government and industry stakeholders after completing apprenticeship.
- Assessment and Testing: Assessments are carried out regularly to gauge apprentices' development. TPAs assist in determining the areas in which apprentices require more training and ensure evaluations with industry standards.
How TPAs Contribute to Skill Development and Employment
Reducing Skill Gaps in the Workforce: TPAs guarantee that apprentices gain the skills that employers most require by offering training tailored to their industry. It helps address skill shortages in several companies and increases the employability of youth across the country.
Increasing Industry Productivity: TPAs' training programs boost industry production by providing apprentices access to the latest techniques, tools, and technology. As they develop industry experience, apprentices assist their employers in being more effective and productive.
Promoting Economic Growth and Job Creation: NAPS facilitates the production of job-ready candidates who are ready to begin working immediately with the assistance of TPAs. The economy benefits from industries having easier access to trained workers, which increases the demand for apprenticeships and new job positions.
Conclusion
TPAs play a pivotal and indispensable role in the success of the NAPS by facilitating high-quality training, ensuring certification, fostering industry, and offering mentorship collaboration. With their hard work, credible TPA service providers help bridge the skill gap, contribute to economic growth, and create job opportunities. To run NAPS successfully, the active participation and continuous development of TPAs are essential. Vision India Services is a renowned company that has worked as a TPA for years. Companies help address challenges such as lack of awareness, industry-specific needs, and limited infrastructure. Contact us to know more!