One-Day Initiative Focuses on Job Readiness and Skill Development for Emerging Talent
In a significant push to bridge the gap between education and employment, the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, conducted a one-day apprenticeship drive on September 6, 2025. The event, held under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), aimed to boost vocational training, job readiness, and industry linkage among the youth of Northeast India.
This initiative marks another step forward in the government’s broader effort to enhance youth employability, particularly in underrepresented and remote regions.
Why the Apprenticeship Drive Matters
Addressing Skill Gaps in the Northeast
The Apprenticeship Drive Guwahati 2025 was more than just a placement fair—it served as a platform to connect aspiring youth with industry leaders, skilling institutions, and apprenticeship providers.
“This event is vital to align local youth potential with national employment opportunities,” said Dr. Lalit Sharma, Director of IIE.
Key highlights:
- Over 500 students and job seekers attended
- Participation from 15+ companies across IT, retail, construction, hospitality, and MSMEs
- On-the-spot registration for the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
Role of the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE)
Championing Skill Development in the Northeast
The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, headquartered in Guwahati, has long been a driver of entrepreneurial training, startup incubation, and workforce readiness in the Northeast.
With backing from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, IIE aims to:
- Create regional employment linkages
- Empower youth with industry-relevant certifications
- Promote MSME development and entrepreneurship culture
IIE’s Focus Areas:
- Skill development for women and tribal youth
- Rural entrepreneurship
- Digital and green economy readiness
- Apprenticeship outreach in remote districts
Companies & Sectors Participating in the Drive
Real-World Opportunities for Real-World Skills
The Apprenticeship Drive Guwahati 2025 featured employers across diverse industry verticals, eager to hire apprentices for on-the-job training programs.
Participating companies included:
- Tech startups from Assam and Meghalaya
- National hospitality chains (OYO, Ginger Hotels)
- Retail leaders (Reliance Retail, Big Bazaar)
- Local MSMEs and logistics firms
In-demand job roles:
- Digital marketing assistants
- Retail sales executives
- Electricians and technicians
- Hotel management trainees
- Data entry operators
These apprenticeships offered stipends ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000/month, with the potential for full-time absorption post-training.
Government Support and Schemes
Empowering Youth through National Apprenticeship Programs
The event was aligned with national schemes like:
- National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
- Skill India Mission
- PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana)
Under NAPS, employers receive financial incentives for hiring apprentices and offering certified training. The scheme ensures that young job seekers gain real industry exposure without bearing the training cost.
Youth Testimonials and Real Impact
Voices from the Ground
For many attendees, the event was a life-changing experience.
“I’m from a village near Silchar. I never thought I’d get a job opportunity with a tech company in Guwahati,” said 22-year-old Ananya Das, a recent diploma graduate.
Others expressed appreciation for:
- Guidance on resume writing and interview prep
- Counseling booths for course and job mapping
- Real-time help with NAPS registration
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Apprenticeship Drives in the Northeast?
Scaling Vocational Training Across the Region
With the success of the Guwahati event, IIE plans to expand the model to other Northeastern states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura by early 2026.
Future plans include:
- Digital job-matching platforms for apprentices
- State-funded skill development centers
- Industry-specific skilling (agriculture, textiles, tourism)
“Our goal is to make apprenticeships a mainstream choice—not just a backup option,” added Dr. Sharma.
Start Your Apprenticeship Journey Today
Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or school dropout, there’s a place for you in India’s skill ecosystem. The Apprenticeship Drive Guwahati 2025 shows that with the right guidance and opportunity, youth from the Northeast can compete nationally and globally.
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