Apprenticeship Workshop to Empower Youth Organised

20 November 2025, Kochi

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi, hosted a dynamic Apprenticeship Awareness Workshop today, aimed at empowering unemployed individuals and plus-two qualified youth, opening doors to employment opportunities in the fisheries and food processing sectors. The event, organized in collaboration with the Zonal Technology Management & Agribusiness Incubation (ZTM-ABI) Centre and the Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI), working under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, focused on familiarizing participants with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).

Dr. M.P. Remesan, Director In-Charge, ICAR-CIFT delivered the presidential address.

The workshop, inaugurated by Shri. M.R. Premachandra Bhat, Regional President of SEAI, Seafood Exporters Association of India Kerala, emphasized the importance of apprenticeship in boosting workforce competency and creating job opportunities.

The event featured expert sessions providing insights into NAPS implementation, financial incentives, and industry-specific skill development, and programme featured felicitations by Dr. Ram Mohan M.K., Director, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Shri Ravi Shanker, Joint Director (Tech), Export Inspection Agency (EIA).

The interactive session offered attendees from startups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and educational institutions, the chance to clarify queries on apprenticeship registration and job placements.

Ms. Preeti Sharma, representing FICSI, concluded the session, reinforcing the significance of industry-academic collaboration in driving job creation.

This initiative provided valuable resources to bridge the skills gap, particularly for unemployed individuals with Plus-Two qualifications, encouraging their participation in structured apprenticeship programs that directly lead to employment in vital industries.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi)