Gujarat’s new apprenticeship scheme, launched on June 23, 2025, aims to skill and employ 50,000 youth, offering stipends and training in private firms. Backed by the state’s Labour Department, it targets freshers, graduates, and diploma holders, boosting employability. The initiative aligns with Gujarat’s vision for youth empowerment and economic growth, fostering industry collaboration.
Gujarat’s Bold Step to Empower 50,000 Youth with New Apprenticeship Program
On June 23, 2025, the Gujarat government rolled out a transformative apprenticeship scheme targeting 50,000 youth, a significant move to address unemployment and skill gaps in the state. Announced by the Labour and Employment Department, the program builds on the success of the Mukhyamantri Apprenticeship Scheme, which previously aimed to benefit one lakh youth. This new initiative is designed to provide hands-on training and financial support to freshers, graduates, and diploma holders, equipping them for mainstream job markets.
The scheme offers stipends ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per month, depending on the candidate’s qualifications. Graduates and those with higher degrees receive ₹3,000, diploma holders get ₹2,000, and non-diploma holders are entitled to ₹1,500. The state will fund private companies to facilitate this training, incentivizing them to hire apprentices by covering a significant portion of the stipend costs. This financial support is capped at one year per candidate, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers.
Rajiv Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of the Labour and Employment Department, emphasized the government’s commitment to youth empowerment. “This scheme is a game-changer for Gujarat’s job market. By collaborating with private industries, we aim to create a robust ecosystem that not only trains but also employs our youth,” he said. The government has directed all departments to maximize apprenticeship opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, textiles, and MSMEs, which have high employment potential.
The initiative aligns with Gujarat’s broader vision of fostering economic growth through skill development. According to recent data, Gujarat’s unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above was 3.1% in 2023-24, lower than the national average of 6.6%. However, urban areas have seen fluctuations, with unemployment peaking at 8.7% in 2022-23 before dropping to 2.3% in 2023-24. The new scheme aims to stabilize these figures by creating sustainable job opportunities.
Private firms are encouraged to participate through direct financial incentives, with payments verified via digital modes to ensure transparency. The state has set up a streamlined process for companies to claim subsidies, reducing their training costs and motivating them to onboard more apprentices. Sectors like urban development, power, health, and agriculture have been instructed to collaborate with private entities to amplify the scheme’s reach.
The program also integrates with national initiatives like the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), which reported a 26% jump in enrollments in 2023-24, with Gujarat registering 83,611 apprentices. By leveraging such frameworks, the state aims to create a skilled workforce ready to meet industry demands. The government is also exploring tie-ups with global capability centers and AI-driven training programs to modernize the skillset of its youth.
This ambitious scheme is expected to generate both short-term and long-term employment opportunities. With Gujarat’s focus on startups, MSMEs, and tourism—evidenced by 18.63 crore tourist visits in 2024—the apprenticeship program positions the state as a hub for skilled manpower. As the initiative unfolds, it promises to reshape the employment landscape for Gujarat’s youth, making them key contributors to the state’s economic ascent.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from government announcements, official statements, and reports available on platforms like The Times of India, Skill Reporter, and Gujarat’s official portals. Data is accurate as of July 6, 2025, and subject to change based on official updates.