NATS

The NATS Program is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, implemented through Regional Boards. This program provides skill training for Graduates, Diploma holders in Engineering & Technology pass-outs under The Apprentices Act, 1961.

The main aim is to make the engineering and non-engineering graduates, and engineering diploma holders employable by giving on-the-job training. From December 17, 2021, the scope of the NATS Program has been extended to include General Streams graduates, such as B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com. This aligns with the objectives of NEP 2020 to mainstream vocational education. NEP 2020 emphasizes the integration of general and vocational education to ensure vertical and horizontal mobility for students.

In support of this vision, draft guidelines have been issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and AICTE for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programs (AEDP), which will further strengthen the link between education and employability.

Stipend Payment to Apprentices

Organizations must pay a monthly minimum stipend to apprentices as per the qualifications stipulated in the apprenticeship curriculum during the training period, following the Apprenticeship Rules 2019. The stipend amount can exceed the minimum prescribed rates.