Can Employers Discipline Apprentices for Misconduct Under the Apprentice Act? Seeking Clarity

Can the principal employer take disciplinary action against the apprentice if the apprentice is engaged under the Apprentice Act for misconduct mentioned under Section 24 of the Standing Orders Act? Please enlighten me on this matter.

Regards,
Sacheein

Disciplinary Action Against Apprentices

Normally, standing orders are applicable to employees and not apprentices. The status of an apprentice is not that of an employee. However, there is no bar on initiating disciplinary action against an apprentice. A copy of the letter asking him to show cause should be sent to the Apprentice Adviser under whom the apprentice is registered. The decision of termination of the contract of apprenticeship shall also be taken after hearing from him only.

Regards,
Madhu T.K

It is not necessary that all apprentices should be governed, covered, or engaged under the Apprentices Act. If the applicable standing orders permit apprentices, then the company could engage them.

Regards.