The Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI) and the Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC) jointly organised a webinar titled “Awareness Workshop on Apprenticeship Training” on September 12, 2023. The event aimed to educate FFFAI member organisations about apprenticeship training and its benefits.
Chaired by Shankar Shinde, Chairman of FFFAI, the webinar featured prominent panelists, including Sudhir Agarwal, Hony. Treasurer and OB In-charge of Skill Development Committee, FFFAI; Dushyant Mulani, Chairman-Elect of FFFAI; Tej Contractor, President of IIFF; Dr. T.C. Saravanabava, Head of Apprenticeship at LSC; and Anthony Coelho, Vice President of LSC. Vinod Sharma, Hony. Secretary of FFFAI, was also present.
The primary objective of the webinar was to promote apprenticeship training within FFFAI member organisations. Dr. T.C. Saravanabava emphasised the importance of apprenticeship training as a way to develop skilled manpower efficiently. He highlighted that the National Apprenticeship Act was enacted in 1959 and has been amended twice since then.
The Act provides for industry-led, practice-oriented training and covers various aspects, including health, safety, and welfare of apprentices. The recent amendments have made the Act more appealing for both industries and youth, with the introduction of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) to promote apprenticeship training in the service sector.
The Act also outlines the responsibilities of employers in engaging apprentices and complying with the Act’s provisions. Non-compliance may result in penalties. LSC, under the Ministry of Skill Development, Government of India, has been actively promoting apprenticeships in various sectors, including logistics.
Shinde expressed full support for the apprenticeship program and encouraged FFFAI members to register on the apprenticeship portal and implement apprenticeship training in their organisations. Sudhir Agarwal stressed the importance of filling the skill gap in the logistics industry through effective training programs.
The webinar highlighted the significance of apprenticeship training in bridging the skills gap and providing the logistics industry with well-trained professionals, ultimately benefiting both employers and employees.
