As one of the rapidly developing nations, India recognised the
potential of a growing workforce as an opportunity to boost
productivity. To meet these objectives, the Apprentices Act, 1961
(Act) enacted almost 63 years ago has gained steam.
The Act was primarily aimed at imparting training to unskilled
workforce with a view of meeting the requirements of skilled
manpower for the industry. The early years of the Act was marked by
an emphasis on the manufacturing industry. However, with the
advancement of technology and economic expansion, the service
sector paved the way for new opportunities for skilled force
development. Apprenticeship programs which were primarily focused
on the manufacturing industry became antiquated when the service
sector emerged as the largest employer in the country. The Act did
not enable the service industry to engage apprentices unless there
were notified designated trades within the establishments.
