New Delhi, Aug 8 (KNN) The amendments being brought about in the Apprentices Act, 1961 will enable small industries to aggregate apprentices through approved third parties, and also to outsource basic training.

The bill to amend the law was introduced by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to help fully utilise the existing infrastructure available in the industry to develop skilled human resources. It is important for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.

The amendments are based on the recommendations of the Inter Ministerial Group (IMG) and the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC).

“The Bill aims to attract more youth to join apprenticeship training. It will enable establishments to set up apprenticeship programmes faster and those which are more effective for the industry,” said an official release.

Some of the major amendments are allowing industries to undertake new courses (other than designated trades) which are demand based, including of non-engineering graduates and diplomas, making compliance portal based and providing a band of 2.5 per cent to 10 per cent at establishment level to help providing flexibility to industry.

The amendments will also lead to a larger number of seats in the apprenticeship programmes so that more unemployed youth can get benefits of training, it said.

At present, there are 2.82 lakh apprentices undergoing apprenticeship training against 4.90 lakh seats. (KNN/ST)