AICTE invites suggestions on guidelines on apprenticeship embedded degree, diploma programme for technical education

The Committee constituted by the Ministry of Education has framed draft guidelines on Apprenticeship Embedded Degree/Diploma Programme (AEDP) for Technical Education. There was no provision for extending benefits of apprenticeship training to the technical students pursuing degree/diploma till 2019.

However, due to certain amendments to the Apprenticeship Rules in 2019, ‘Degree Apprentice’ was introduced as an apprentice undergoing a course in order that he/she may hold a degree granted by any recognised institution or university and undergoing apprenticeship training as an integrated component of the curricula.'

In the year 2020, the National Education Policy 2020 suggested that different models of vocational education and apprenticeships will be experimented by higher education institutions to promote vocational Education. National Credit Frame work provided the scope of creditisation for Apprenticeships as "the total learning hours under apprenticeship can be creditised, subject to assessment/ evaluation of the same.

NCrF also recommended that Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) shall also be expanded for credits earned through apprenticeships, internships, project work etc."

Draft Guidelines of Apprenticeship Embedded Degree/Diploma Programme (AEDP) for Technical Education Objectives

To enhance the employability avenues of the technical student through work integrated technical degree/ diploma programme.

To bridge the skill gap in the industry through their active participation in creating and executing AEDP in partnership with institutes and BOATs/ BOPT.

All Degree/ Diploma programmes approved by AICTE are eligible for embedded apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship embedded Degree/ Diploma programme shall be treated at par with the regular Degree/Diploma programmes for all purposes including further education and recruitments.

Payment of Stipend

Minimum Prescribed stipend of Rs. 7000 per month for Diploma students and Rs. 8000 per month for Degree students or as approved by the Government of India from time to time with the approval of AICTE or not shall be paid with half of it being contributed by the Government of India subject to a matching contribution by the industry/ establishment.

Stipend will be paid for a maximum duration of 12 months as per Apprenticeship Act, 1961.