Software Development and Apprenticeship Trainees: Is It Mandatory and What Are the Criteria?

Dear All, We are in the software development sector. Is it compulsory for us to appoint apprenticeship trainees and provide training? We are covered by the designated trade definition as per the act. If yes, are there any criteria to decide the number of trainees to be appointed and the time period of company incorporation/operation? Please advise.

An apprenticeship trainee is typically in the industrial sector for those who have completed their ITI and Diploma but not in the software field. In the software industry, they are usually appointed as trainees for a period of 1 or 2 years, depending on the company's policy. After this period, they are confirmed as regular employees.

Thanks,
dgs.

Engagement of Apprentices in IT Companies

Any establishment where a training facility is available is supposed to engage apprentices under the Apprentice Act. In an IT company, there is scope for providing training to ITIs. Therefore, you are expected to engage apprentices. For that, the Apprentice Adviser attached to the Related Instruction Centre will come and submit a report after examining the facilities available, and he will decide how many apprentices should be engaged.

Earlier, apprentices were confined only to factories and related industries, but now it has been extended to almost all sectors. Even hotels and other establishments like media, press, etc., are supposed to engage apprentices. Non-ITIs can also be taken as apprentices and registered as apprentices under the aforementioned RI Centres and follow a training curriculum at the establishment. For them, the duration of training will be longer because the duration of the ITI course will also be under apprentice training in the establishment. Upon completion of such training, they can appear for the National Trade test.

Regards,
Madhu.T.K