Navigating the Apprentices Act: Can Our Trainees Be Considered Apprentices and What Steps Should We Take?

Dear Seniors, I work with an IT company. We received a letter from the Board of Apprenticeship to implement the Apprentices Act. I have the following queries on that; it will be really helpful if you can guide me:

1. Our company strength is 200. At any time, we have more than 10 employees working with us as trainees in various departments. These are B.Sc., BE, BCA candidates. Can they be considered as apprentices?

2. Our trainees' salary is more than the minimum prescribed (at least triple). Will that be fine?

3. Do we have to register our company on http://www.apprenticeship.gov.in/Pag...istration.aspx and then on http://www.apprenticeship.gov.in/Pag...ctivation.aspx?

4. Do we need to upload their details on any portal?

5. Can we claim 50% of the prescribed minimum stipend for them?

Thank you very much in advance.

Regards, Pranali Location: Mumbai, India

Apprenticeship Act Implementation Guidance

Yes, the B.Sc., BE, and BCA candidates working as trainees in your company's various departments can be considered as apprentices under the Apprentices Act.

If your trainees' salary exceeds the minimum prescribed amount (at least triple the minimum), it is acceptable. However, ensure compliance with all other statutory requirements related to apprenticeship stipends.

To adhere to the requirements, you need to register your company on the http://www.apprenticeship.gov.in/Pages/Apprenticeship/EstablishmentRegistration.aspx and subsequently on the http://www.apprenticeship.gov.in/Pages/Apprenticeship/EstablishmentActivation.aspx for Apprenticeship Training Registration with NCVT MIS.

Upload the necessary details of the apprentices on the designated portal as required for compliance with the Apprentices Act regulations.

You can claim up to 50% of the prescribed minimum stipend for the apprentices as per the guidelines. Ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with stipulated regulations to benefit from this provision.

By following these steps and ensuring full compliance with the Apprentices Act, your company can effectively implement apprenticeship training programs for the trainees in line with the regulatory framework.