India is set to witness a sharp slowdown in population growth in the next two decades. Although it will enjoy the ‘demographic dividend’ phase, some states will start transitioning to an ageing society by 2030. Although the age composition will keep changing, India’s working-age population will continue to increase through 2041, rising by 96.5 million during 2021-31 and by 41.5 million during 2031-41. This will have major implications on the required rate of job creation in the economy. FICCI has been providing policy related support to Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) for development of Apprenticeship and NAPS framework and guidelines under the DFID Technical Assistance project ‘Skills for Jobs’. FICCI has closely worked with MSDE to develop the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and worked with Directorate General of Training in creating awareness about Apprenticeship by engaging with the industry across India. FICCI team has also developed a comprehensive 360-degree communications strategy along with targeted industry engagement plan. More than 25 workshops across cities were organised to harmonize the quality view of stakeholders, mainly the Industry. However, adoption of apprenticeship in true spirit by the industry and the youth of the country remains a challenge.

This study is an attempt to understand the prevailing best practices of apprenticeship models in select countries, current level of apprenticeship adoption in India and the various interventions and reforms needed to improve and simplify the adoption process by the industry. Through in-depth secondary research and several rounds of consultations with all the key stakeholders, this report suggests recommendations for the Government, Industry and Academia.