Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) is a government initiative aiming to boost the employability of recent graduates in India by offering apprenticeship opportunities in various industries. It brings together the efforts of the Ministries of Human Resource Development, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Labour & Employment. Graduates leaving in April 2019 can benefit from schemes like NAPS, access services like NCS, and pursue specialized BA/BSc/BCom (Professional) courses in higher education institutions.
About the Scheme
- Three ministries, HRD, Skill Development, and Labor & Employment, collaborated on SHREYAS, a special program.
- Three key initiatives are in place: the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), the National Career Service (NCS), and the implementation of BA/BSc/BCom (Professional) courses in colleges and universities.
- SHREYAS is designed to support students pursuing degree courses, particularly those in non-technical fields.
- The main aim of SHREYAS is to incorporate practical job skills into the academic curriculum, encourage students to take up apprenticeships alongside their studies, and merge government employment support efforts with the education system.
- By doing this, the program aims to provide clear pathways to employment for students both during and after their graduation.
Objectives
- Enhancing students job prospects by integrating practical relevance into their higher education journey.
- Fostering a strong, lasting connection between academia and various industries and service sectors.
- Equipping students with sought-after skills in a way that adapts to evolving market needs.
- Introducing a “learn as you earn” model within higher education.
- Assisting businesses in recruiting high-quality talent.
- Bridging students with government initiatives aimed at facilitating employment opportunities.
Operation of the Scheme
- The main plan will work alongside the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), ensuring that up to 10% of the workforce in each business or industry consists of apprentices.
- Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), starting with areas like Banking Finance Insurance Services (BFSI), Retail, Health care, Telecom, Logistics, Media, Management services, ITeS, and Apparel, will oversee the scheme’s implementation.
- Additional sectors will gradually be incorporated based on emerging demand for apprenticeships and necessary curriculum adjustments.
Significance of the Scheme
Education should prioritize skills to meet current demands. SHREYAS aims to equip degree students with practical abilities, making them more employable and aligned with the economy. This ensures their contribution to national progress while securing meaningful employment.
Read also: Lokniti- CSDS Survey of Youth
