What is NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme)?

Definition

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is a government program administered by the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) under the Ministry of Education. NATS provides one-year practical training to graduate engineers, diploma holders (technicians), and degree/diploma holders in vocational courses, placing them in industries for hands-on experience.

Detailed Explanation

NATS focuses specifically on developing industry-ready professionals from the pool of engineering graduates and diploma holders produced by India's extensive technical education system. With over 3,500 engineering colleges and thousands of polytechnics producing millions of graduates annually, NATS bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry skills.

The scheme operates through four regional Boards of Apprenticeship Training (BOATs) located in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Kanpur, and two Boards of Practical Training (BOPTs) in the northeastern region. These boards coordinate between educational institutions and industry establishments to facilitate apprenticeship placements.

NATS covers three categories of apprentices: graduate apprentices (engineering degree holders receiving one year of training), technician apprentices (diploma holders receiving one year of training), and technician (vocational) apprentices (vocational course graduates). Apprentices receive stipends as prescribed by the government, which are shared between the employer and the government in a defined ratio.

The stipend structure under NATS provides government contribution toward the apprentice stipend. For graduate apprentices, the prescribed monthly stipend is INR 9,000, with the government reimbursing a portion to the employer. For technician apprentices, the stipend is INR 8,000 per month. These rates are revised periodically.

Employers benefit from NATS through access to technically qualified candidates, government-subsidized training costs, and a ready pipeline for converting successful apprentices into full-time employees. Studies indicate that apprentice-to-employee conversion rates in NATS programs can reach 40-60%, significantly reducing recruitment costs and time-to-productivity for participating organizations.

For graduates and diploma holders, NATS provides structured industry exposure, making them significantly more employable. Apprentices who complete the program receive a Certificate of Proficiency from the government, which carries recognition in both public and private sector employment.

Key Rules

• NATS is applicable to graduate engineers, diploma holders, and vocational course graduates
• Training duration is one year for all categories of apprentices
• Stipend rates are prescribed by the government and shared between employer and government
• Establishments must register with the relevant BOAT/BOPT to participate in NATS
• Apprenticeship contracts must be registered within prescribed timelines
• Employers must provide a qualified supervisor and adequate training facilities
• A Certificate of Proficiency is issued upon successful completion of the training period

How TMS Helps

TMS manages NATS programs for employers, handling BOAT registration, apprentice sourcing from engineering colleges and polytechnics, contract registration, stipend processing, and government claim management. We coordinate with educational institutions for candidate identification and with BOATs for program compliance. Our clients have successfully trained and converted hundreds of NATS apprentices into full-time employees.

Related Terms

• NAPS
• Apprenticeship
• GCC Recruitment
• Staff Augmentation