Skill Surge: How West Bengal Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme Is Powering Bengal’s Youth Into the Future

West Bengal Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme – West Bengal has launched a bold initiative to bridge the gap between education and employment- The West Bengal Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (WB-APS). With a vision to empower youth, energize industries, and redefine workforce development, WB-APS is more than just a stipend, it’s a strategic leap toward inclusive growth.

1. What Is WB-APS and Why It Matters

The West Bengal Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, rolled out in March 2024, is a flagship program under the Department of Technical Education, Training & Skill Development, implemented by Paschim Banga Society for Skill Development (PBSSD). It aims to:

• Promote apprenticeship training across sectors
• Provide financial incentives to youth undergoing training
• Encourage industries to onboard apprentices without long-term liabilities

This scheme is aligned with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) but adds a state-level boost by offering ₹1,500/month to eligible apprentices via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Key Benefits:

• Youth Empowerment: Hands-on experience in real work environments
• Industry Incentives: No mandatory ESI/EPF contributions or recruitment obligations
• CSR Alignment: Establishments can count apprenticeship engagement toward CSR goals
• Skill Ecosystem: Strengthens Bengal’s position as a skill development hub

2. Who Can Apply: Eligibility & Target Groups

WB-APS is inclusive and targets a wide spectrum of learners and job seekers:

Eligible Candidates Include:

• Students from Vocational Training Centers in schools and madrasas
• Graduates from ITI and Polytechnic Institutes
• Registered youth under the Yuvashree Scheme
• Non-technical candidates with minimum 5 years of schooling from West Bengal-affiliated institutions

Key Conditions:

• Must be a resident of West Bengal
• Should not be receiving any other government apprenticeship stipend
• Must be registered on the Apprenticeship India portal

This wide eligibility net ensures that both technical and non-technical youth can benefit, making the scheme a game-changer for Bengal’s employment landscape.

3. How to Register: Step-by-Step Guide for Candidates, Establishments & Stipend

To streamline participation, WB-APS integrates with the Apprenticeship India portal. Here’s how each stakeholder can register:

A. Registration for Apprenticeship (Candidates)

1. Visit: https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
2. Click on “Candidate Registration”
3. Fill in:
   • Personal details (Name, DOB, Aadhaar, etc.)
   • Educational qualifications
   • Skill preferences and location
4. Upload documents:
   • Aadhaar card
   • Educational certificates
   • Bank account details
5. Submit and verify via OTP
6. Once approved, browse available apprenticeship opportunities and apply

Tip: Candidates should ensure their profile is 100% complete to be eligible for stipend disbursement.

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B. Registration for Establishments (Employers)

1. Visit: https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
2. Click on “Establishment Registration”
3. Provide:
   • Company PAN and GST details
   • Industry type and location
   • Authorized signatory details
4. Upload:
   • Trade license
   • CSR documentation (if applicable)
5. Submit and await verification
6. Post apprenticeship openings and onboard candidates

Note: Establishments are not required to offer permanent jobs post-apprenticeship, making it ideal for MSMEs and startups.

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C. Registration for Monthly Stipend (WB-APS DBT)

Once apprenticeship begins, candidates must register for the WB-APS stipend via PBSSD:

1. Visit: https://pbssd.gov.in
2. Navigate to WB-APS Stipend Registration
3. Enter:
   • Apprenticeship ID (from Apprenticeship India portal)
   • Bank account details (linked to Aadhaar)
   • Training establishment details
4. Upload:
   • Joining letter
   • Attendance sheet (monthly)
5. Submit and track status via dashboard
6. ₹1,500/month is credited directly to the candidate’s bank account

Stipend Timeline: Disbursed monthly upon verification of attendance and training logs.

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4. Strategic Impact: Building Bengal’s Skill Economy

WB-APS isn’t just a welfare scheme—it’s a strategic investment in Bengal’s future. By integrating education, industry, and government support, it creates a feedback loop of skill development and employment.

For Youth:

• Real-world experience
• Increased employability
• Financial independence

For Industries:

• Access to trained manpower
• Reduced hiring costs
• CSR and compliance benefits

For Government:

• Lower unemployment rates
• Stronger industrial growth
• Enhanced skill infrastructure

With over 10,000+ apprenticeships expected in the first year, WB-APS is poised to become a national model for state-led apprenticeship promotion.

Final Thoughts

The West Bengal Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme is more than a policy, it’s a promise. A promise to Bengal’s youth that their skills matter, their future is worth investing in, and their journey from classroom to career will be supported every step of the way.

Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or employer, WB-APS is your gateway to growth.

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