A seminar focusing on leveraging government schemes for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) was held recently at the “Hall of Excellence” in the Telangana State Cooperative Urban Banks Federation office in Hyderabad.
The event, which centered on maximizing the benefits of the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) for UCBs, was attended by CEOs and HR Managers from various Urban Cooperative Banks across Telangana.
The seminar was attended by industry experts Sri Soumya Ranjan, Chief Operating Officer of BFSI Sector Skill Council of India, and Sri V. Rama Krishna, CEO and Chief Coach of the Hyderabad School of Banking and Finance (HSBF). Both speakers provided valuable insights into various government schemes that can significantly benefit UCBs, particularly in the areas of recruitment, economic performance, and access to new budgetary benefits.
A key highlight of the seminar was the emphasis on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) and its potential to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands.
The scheme, under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961, and amended in 1973, offers practical, on-the-job training opportunities for graduates, diploma holders, and vocational certificate holders. The training duration ranges from six months to one year, providing participants with hands-on experience in banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI).
The speakers highlighted the importance of these apprenticeship programs in developing a skilled workforce, enhancing employability, and addressing the evolving needs of the BFSI sector in India.
The seminar also touched on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), launched by the Government of India in August 2016, which provides financial support to establishments undertaking apprenticeship training.
Eligibility criteria for these apprenticeship programs were discussed, with emphasis on the opportunities available for 10th and 12th-grade students, graduates, postgraduates, and diploma holders in relevant fields such as finance, commerce, or business administration. The experts advised aspiring professionals to review specific program guidelines and take advantage of the skilling opportunities offered by NATS and NAPS.
Vemireddy Narasimha Reddy, President of TESCUB Federation and Director of NAFCUB, along with other distinguished officials, conveyed their appreciation for the seminar. They encouraged participants to fully utilize the benefits of NATS and NAPS to strengthen their organizations. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by the Federation’s CEO.
