To strengthen skill development and promote employment-oriented training, the Uttar Pradesh government has successfully placed 83,277 youths as apprentices across industrial and MSME units for the year 2025-26. The initiative is a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to transform its youth into a skilled and self-reliant workforce. This large-scale placement drive is part of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the Chief Minister Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (CMAPS), both of which aim to provide young trainees with hands-on industrial exposure and real-world learning opportunities. The schemes follow the government’s “earn while you learn” model that combines classroom knowledge with practical training.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Kapil Dev Agarwal highlighted that the initiative is a major step toward bridging the gap between education and employability. He explained that the programme not only equips youth with certification but also gives them real-world work experience. It will help them gain meaningful industry exposure and open avenues for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
“These efforts are improving employability by combining skill training with practical industrial exposure,” Agarwal said, emphasising that Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a hub of skilled manpower under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The apprenticeship programmes under NAPS and CMAPS are designed to create a strong linkage between industries and training institutions. They enable young people to work directly with industrial establishments, manufacturing units, and service providers, gaining practical knowledge and exposure to the latest technologies.
Officials stated that the schemes provide financial support and reimbursement facilities to both apprentices and participating industries. Establishments receive assistance to offset training costs, while apprentices get stipends during their training period. This ensures that financial constraints do not hinder the learning process. In addition to monetary incentives, the government is also providing continuous mentorship and monitoring to ensure that trainees receive quality training aligned with industry standards.
Over the past four years, Uttar Pradesh has seen a sharp rise in apprenticeship participation. According to officials, 795 new establishments have registered on the apprenticeship portal, significantly expanding training opportunities across districts.
Moreover, under the CMAPS initiative, 6,164 candidates have already benefited, gaining valuable industrial experience that improves their employability and confidence. The growing number of partnerships between industries, start-ups, and government agencies shows the increasing trust in the apprenticeship model as a sustainable employment solution. The government noted that sustained skill development initiatives over the past nine years have resulted in over four lakh trained youth securing employment in industrial establishments across the state. These efforts have contributed to Uttar Pradesh’s growing reputation as a centre for skilled human resources and an emerging industrial hub in North India.
This transformation has been driven by a combination of factors such as policy support, digital enablement, and collaboration with industries. Uttar Pradesh’s focus on vocational training and apprenticeships has created a workforce that is not only trained but also adaptable to changing industrial demands.
Officials added that the state is further working to strengthen digital platforms, make the process simple, and deepen coordination with industries, start-ups, and MSMEs to expand apprenticeship coverage. The introduction of online registration systems, transparent monitoring tools, and integrated feedback mechanisms has made it easier for both employers and trainees to participate in apprenticeship programmes. These digital initiatives have reduced paperwork, improved efficiency, and ensured the timely disbursement of stipends and reimbursements.
The government’s strategy focuses on creating a seamless apprenticeship ecosystem. One where industries can easily connect with potential trainees, training institutes can offer tailored courses, and youth can find opportunities that match their skills and career goals.
Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal reiterated that Uttar Pradesh’s vision is to create a skilled and self-reliant youth population that contributes to the overall economic growth of Uttar Pradesh. The emphasis is not just on employment but also on entrepreneurial development, enabling youth to start their own ventures with confidence and skill.
He said that by providing young people with real industrial experience and practical exposure, the apprenticeship schemes prepare them for long-term success in the job market. The model also supports the “Make in India” and “Skill India” missions by creating a steady pipeline of industry-ready professionals. Also, a major share of the apprenticeship placements has been made in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). By connecting youth with MSME units, the programme ensures that small businesses have access to trained manpower while simultaneously giving young trainees a platform to apply their skills.
