Apprentices Act

What is Apprentices Act?

An apprentice in a company is someone who is undergoing training in a specific field or industry under an apprenticeship contract. The apprentice receives both theoretical and practical training to develop the necessary skills for a particular trade or occupation.

Apprenticeship training refers to a structured training program that includes:

  • Basic Training: Theoretical learning to gain foundational knowledge.

  • On-the-Job Training (OJT): Hands-on experience and practical training in the workplace to apply what’s been learned in theory.

The Apprentices Act, 1961 governs apprenticeship training in India. Its aim is to promote skill development by offering theoretical and practical training to enhance workforce capabilities. It mandates the regulation and control of apprenticeships across industries, helping bridge the skills gap and create a skilled workforce.

Applicability of the Act: It applies only to industries or sectors that are notified by the Central Government. It may also apply to special apprenticeship schemes, as specified by the government.

Eligibility Criteria: To become an apprentice, individuals must:

  • Be at least 14 years old.

  • Be physically fit.

  • Meet specific educational qualifications based on the industry or sector.

Is an Apprentice Considered a Worker? As per the Apprenticeship Act, an apprentice is a trainee, not a worker. This means apprentices are not entitled to the same rights and benefits as regular employees under labor laws, except for specific protections under certain acts like the Factories Act, Mines Act, and Employees’ Compensation Act for their welfare.

Get Started !

Schedule a demo with EasyHR to experience ease of use and how an enterprise payroll software could be simplified.