The PM National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) was organized at Government ITI Leh and Government ITI Kargil on November 10 as part of the nationwide initiative mandated by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India. The mela is held monthly across all States and Union Territories to promote apprenticeship training and enhance youth employability.

The objective of the mela is to encourage apprenticeship training under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), create awareness about the Apprentices Act, 1961, and increase industry participation in on-the-job training opportunities for young people.

At Government ITI Leh, the event was graced by Bhanu Prabha (IAS), Administrative Secretary, Technical Education and Skill Development Department, UT of Ladakh.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary Bhanu Prabha encouraged candidates to take full advantage of the skill training and apprenticeship opportunities available under NAPS. She also urged establishments to engage more apprentices and actively contribute to developing a skilled workforce in Ladakh.

Representatives from several departments and organizations participated in the mela, including SNM Hospital Leh, Mechanical Division Kargil, Animal Husbandry Department Leh, PHE Department Leh, Industries & Commerce Department Kargil, and Maruti Suzuki ARENA (Druk Auto Zone) Leh.

Various establishments that have already engaged apprentices shared their experiences, noting that the scheme enables them to train manpower aligned with industry requirements, while providing students with hands-on, practical training within their hometowns and chosen industries.

Currently, 26 candidates in Ladakh have been trained under the PMNAPS, with several others presently undergoing apprenticeship training. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and job seekers, reflecting the growing interest in skill-based employment opportunities across the Union Territory.