Regional Apprenticeship Day 2026 was observed in Kolkata by the Board of Practical Training, Eastern Region BOPT(ER), Kolkata, an organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The event’s theme, “Empowering MSMEs through NATS: Catalyzing Regional Growth via Structured Apprenticeships,” emphasized the value of apprenticeship training and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme’s (NATS) role in generating employment opportunities, developing skills, and empowering young people for a workforce ready for the future. In keeping with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the program also emphasized the function of structured apprenticeships in assisting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and fostering regional development.

Prof. Dr. Sadhan Chandra Ray, FIE, Kolkata; Shri R. N. Lahiri, Hon’ble BoG Member, BOPT (ER); Shri Dibakar Chandra Deka, Vice Chancellor, Mizoram University; Prof. Dr N K Agarwal, Director, Department of Higher Education, Government of Bihar; Shri Sandipan Chakraborty, Ex-chairman BOPT(ER) & Tata Motors Logistics Ltd.; Dr. Ratna Sinha, HR Advisor, Kolkata & Dr S.M. Ejaz Ahmad, Director, Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region), Ministry of Education, Government of India graced the occasion. 

Through NATS, BOPT(ER) has been working to increase apprenticeship opportunities for graduates and diploma engineers so they can improve their employability and obtain real-world industry experience. Approximately 79% of the 1,45,449 apprentices trained by BOPT(ER) under the NATS program in FY 2025–2026, 1,15,193 found employment after completing their apprenticeship.

BOPT(ER) has set a goal to train approximately 1.5 lakh apprentices under the NATS program for FY 2026–2027. This is a component of the overall goal for the fiscal year, which is to train about 6 lakh apprentices across all BOATs and BOPTs. With an emphasis on expanding apprenticeship opportunities and assisting MSMEs with a trained and prepared workforce, the initiative is in line with the theme.

Approximately 79% of apprentices who finish their apprenticeship under NATS each year find permanent employment, according to the NILERD report. The results emphasize how apprenticeship training helps graduates and diploma engineers gain real-world experience in the workplace and increase their employment prospects.

Graduates and diploma engineers from various industries and establishments can receive hands-on training through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). The program helps close the gap between academic learning and workplace demands by giving apprentices practical experience and industry-relevant skills.

In order to link students and graduates with businesses and organizations that provide apprenticeship and employment opportunities, BOPT(ER) has also been holding Apprenticeship-cum-Job Melas all year long. The goal of these programs is to directly connect young people with the skills needed by the industry.

The Regional Apprenticeship Day 2026 also highlighted how apprenticeship training aligns with NEP 2020’s vision, specifically its emphasis on skill development, vocational education, hands-on learning, and enhancing young people’s employability. The initiative aims to increase the number of students, graduates, and diploma engineers who take advantage of apprenticeship opportunities and acquire skills pertinent to the changing job market.

Priyanka Dutta