Kolkata, September 05, 2026: The Board of Practical Training, Eastern Region, BOPT(ER), Kolkata, an organisation under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, commemorated Regional Apprenticeship Day 2026 in Kolkata today. The event was organised around the theme “Empowering MSMEs through NATS: Catalyzing Regional Growth via Structured Apprenticeships” and focused on highlighting the importance of apprenticeship training and the role of the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) in creating job opportunities, building skills and empowering youth for a future-ready workforce. The programme also highlighted the role of structured apprenticeships in supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and contributing to regional growth, in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Prof. Dr. Sadhan Chandra Ray, FIE, Kolkata; R. N. Lahiri, Hon’ble BoG Member, BOPT (ER); Dibakar Chandra Deka, Vice Chancellor, Mizoram University; Prof. Dr N K Agarwal, Director, Department of Higher Education, Government of Bihar; 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 were present on the occasion and addressed the media.
BOPT(ER) has been working towards strengthening apprenticeship opportunities for graduates and diploma engineers through NATS, enabling them to gain practical industry exposure and improve their employability. During FY 2025-26, BOPT(ER) trained 1,45,449 apprentices under the NATS programme, of these, 1,15,193 apprentices secured employment after completing their apprenticeship, accounting for around 79% of the total apprentices trained.
“Regional Apprenticeship Day celebration intends to mobilize graduates and diploma engineers to come forward and get their skill honed to meet the current industry demand and improve their employability. It is observed that 1,15,193 apprentices are either absorbed in the same industries or secured employment in other establishments post completion of their training”, added by Dr S.M. Ejaz Ahmad, Director, Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region), Ministry of Education, Government of India.
For FY 2026-27, BOPT(ER) has set a target of training around 1.5 lakh apprentices under the NATS programme. This is part of the overall target of training around 6 lakh apprentices across all BOATs/BOPTs during the financial year. The initiative is aligned with the theme “Empowering MSMEs through NATS: Catalyzing Regional Growth via Structured Apprenticeships”, with a focus on strengthening apprenticeship opportunities and supporting MSMEs through a skilled and industry-ready workforce.
As per the NILERD report, around 79% of apprentices secure permanent employment after completing their apprenticeship under NATS each year. The findings highlight the role of apprenticeship training in providing practical workplace exposure and improving employment opportunities for graduates and diploma engineers.
The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) provides practical training opportunities to graduates and diploma engineers across industries and establishments. The programme enables apprentices to gain hands-on experience and develop industry-relevant skills, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace requirements.
BOPT(ER) has also been conducting Apprenticeship-cum-Job Melas throughout the year to connect students and graduates with industries and establishments offering apprenticeship and employment opportunities. These initiatives are aimed at creating a direct link between skilled youth and industry requirements.
The Regional Apprenticeship Day 2026 also emphasised the alignment of apprenticeship training with the vision of NEP 2020, particularly its focus on skill development, vocational education, practical learning and improving the employability of young people. The initiative seeks to encourage more students, graduates and diploma engineers to take up apprenticeship opportunities and develop skills that are relevant to the evolving employment landscape.
