Gratuity Calculation For Apprentice Period

Dear Seniors
In our company we use to engage blue collar employees initially as “Apprentice” under our certified Standing Orders of the company for a period of 3 years (not as Trade Apprentice under the Apprentices Act, 1961).
On successful completion of apprenticeship period, they will be moved to regular employment category.
Now, the question is whether do we have to consider the 3 year Apprentice period at the time of calculating gratuity eligibility.
Regards
Ravichandran M

Dear Ravi,
As per my knowledge goes, you will not count these three years, since you are filing returns as per Apprenticeship Act, they are not your employee.

Dear Ravi,
As per my knowledge goes, you will not count these three years, since you are filing returns as per Apprenticeship Act, they are not your employee.
Attribution: https://www.citehr.com/424328-gratui...#ixzz233CeBI3X

If the period of apprenticeship is as per certified Standing Orders, then the period shall be treated as training period and need not be counted for gratuity calculation. On the other hand, in the absence of standing orders, such trainees will have the status of employees.
Madhu.T.K