Centre raises FY27 apprenticeship target by 40%

Summary

New Delhi: The Centre has raised its apprenticeship target under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) by 40% to 600,000 students in 2026-27 from 428,000 a year ago, according to two people aware of the development. The overall unemployment rate for people aged 15 and above stood at 5.5% in June 2026, unchanged from May , according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), India's official employment survey. "That is why it introduced initiatives such as the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme and various skilling programmes. The challenge, however, is ensuring that industries absorb apprentices and turn training into long-term employment,” he said. Apprenticeships can play a key role in addressing the skills gap while strengthening the micro, small, and medium enterprises workforce, said Vinod Kumar, president of the India SME Forum. A February NITI Aayog report described apprenticeships as a vital bridge between education and employment by equipping young people with industry-relevant skills through structured workplace training. The policy think tank recommended creating a National Apprenticeship Mission and a unified digital portal to integrate the country's fragmented apprenticeship ecosystem. He has also been a recipient of a fellowship in international trade from the National Press Foundation, which has further strengthened his coverage of global trade dynamics and their implications for India.<br><br>Kumar is known for breaking complex policy developments into clear, accessible stories. His reporting focuses on uncovering under-reported trends, explaining policy shifts, and helping readers stay informed about developments that shape India’s economic landscape. Stay updated with the latest Trending , India , World and US news.