Union Education Minister Launches NATS 2.0 to Democratize Apprenticeship Programs

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 portal. This initiative aims to widen apprenticeship opportunities, enhance employability skills, and provide a guaranteed monthly stipend. The scheme is set to benefit a large number of graduates and diploma holders across diverse sectors.

In a significant push to democratize apprenticeship opportunities, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday unveiled the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 portal. Alongside, Rs 100 crore was disbursed as stipends to apprentices via direct benefit transfer mode.

Speaking at the launch event, Pradhan emphasized the need for building competencies in a technology-driven age, urging educational institutions and industries to join the NATS 2.0 portal. He highlighted the importance of making apprenticeship a mass movement and focusing on employability skills in the course curriculum.

According to Ministry of Education officials, the portal is poised to become a crucial resource for young graduates and diploma holders, offering them a pathway to gain valuable skills and a guaranteed monthly stipend. Pradhan called upon all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy to maximize the country's demographic dividend.

(With inputs from agencies.)