• It is an apex statutory body. It is tripartite by constitution with members from Government both Central and States/UTs, Employers etc.
  
• It advises the Government on laying down of policies and prescribing norms & standards in respect of apprenticeship training.
  

 Fields of apprenticeship training

 Apprenticeship training can be provided to apprentices both in designated and optional trades.

• Designated trade: Designated trade means any trade or occupation as notified by the Government.
  
• Optional trade: Optional trade means any trade or occupation decided by an employer.
  

Categories of apprentices

There are five categories of apprentices:

• Trade apprentices
  
• Graduate apprentices
  
• Technician apprentices
  
• Technician (Vocational) apprentices
  
• Optional trade apprentices
  

 Coverage

• It is obligatory on the part of employers having manpower strength 40 or more and having requisite training infrastructure as laid down in the Act, to engage apprentices.
  
• Employer shall engage of apprentices in a band of
  
• 2.5% to 10% of total manpower strength of the establishments including contractual staff.
  
• The total engagements of apprentices in the band with of 2.5 % to 10% include all categories of apprentices engaged by establishment.
  
• The establishments/Employers can decide the categories of apprentices and trade (s) in which the apprentices to be engaged depending upon the facility available with them for imparting on-the-job training/ practical training at his workplace.