Struggling to Retain Freshers in Electronics? Exploring Apprenticeship Options and Procedures

Regarding Apprenticeship

We are hiring freshers for our electronics department. They are leaving the company within 3 to 4 months. In order to retain them, we are planning to implement an apprenticeship.

So, clarifications:

1. In an apprenticeship, what are the procedures to be followed?
2. Can we have an apprenticeship for 2 years?
3. Is PF/ESI applicable?
4. Can we have a trainee concept instead of an apprentice (like if the employee performs well, then he can be confirmed)?

Thanks

Dear Jayalatheesh, if you wish to hire apprentices, refer to the "Apprenticeship Training Act, 1961" of your state. On Google, I found an amendment issued in 2017. You may click here to refer to it.

To know the procedure to hire apprentices, you may approach the Employment Exchange of your area. They will guide you.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Apprenticeship Employment Guidelines

Apprentices can be employed only upon the approval of the apprentice advisor, and they must have specific qualifications from specified colleges/courses. They are typically employed for a period of 1 year in most cases and are subject to the regulations under the act. Therefore, if you are recruiting directly for regular work, this approach will not be suitable.

Graduate Apprentices

If your standing orders permit, and there is a separate classification for it in the standing orders, you can employ them as apprentices. These are commonly referred to as 'Graduate Apprentices' in many companies to differentiate them from traditional apprentices.

Regulations and Benefits

In the first scenario, PF (Provident Fund) does not apply, but ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) is mandatory. However, you cannot require them to work overtime; they must be given specific working hours/holidays, etc. In the second scenario, both minimum wages and PF/ESIC will apply.

Graduate apprentices have the freedom to leave at any time they wish, and your classification will not affect this decision.