Jammu and Kashmir establishes apprenticeship council to monitor NAPS

The Jammu and Kashmir government has established the Union Territory Apprenticeship Council (UTAC) and a Union Territory Implementation Review Committee (UTIRC) to oversee the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).

As the apex advisory and coordination body, the 20-member UTAC will be chaired by the minister in charge of the Skill Development Department. The council aims to expand apprenticeship training, increase participation from MSMEs and emerging industries, and align vocational training with local employment needs. It will promote on-the-job training and dual systems of training through polytechnics, ITIs, and other eligible institutions.

The council includes representatives from various key departments, including finance, tourism, agriculture, and higher education, alongside members from the National Skill Development Corporation and the Directorate General of Training. Its mandate includes monitoring apprenticeship targets, completion rates, and the successful transition of trainees into permanent employment.