The Indian job market is seeing renewed opportunities for fresh graduates with the announcement of two significant apprenticeship recruitment programs: one from the Union Bank of India and another by United India Insurance Co. Ltd. These programs, geared toward young professionals, are part of broader efforts to provide practical training and work experience.
The Union Bank of India has released notification for the recruitment of apprentices under the Apprentices Act of 1961, inviting applications from eligible Indian citizens for 2,691 apprenticeship positions across various states. The application process is set to commence on February 19, 2025, and will close on March 5, 2025, with online applications being accepted through the bank's official website.
It's important for interested candidates to understand the temporary nature of this opportunity; the apprenticeship is strictly for one year and does not guarantee permanent employment with the bank. Eligible candidates, who meet the education and experience criteria, will receive a monthly stipend of ₹15,000 during their training period, but no additional employee benefits will be provided.
The eligibility criteria specify candidates must hold a graduation degree from any recognized university, with the graduation completed on or after April 1, 2021. There are age limitations as well, with applicants needing to be between 20 and 28 years old as of February 1, 2025. Relaxation of age limits is available for reserved categories; SC/ST candidates can receive up to five years of age relaxation, OBC candidates up to three years, and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PWBD) applicants can receive up to ten years.
To apply for the apprenticeship program, candidates first need to register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. They will be required to undergo multiple stages of selection, starting with an online examination, which will account for 100 marks. Following this, proficiency in the local language relevant to the state of application must be proven, and finally, candidates must pass a medical examination to confirm fitness for the role. This thorough selection process ensures candidates are well-prepared for their apprenticeship.
On the other hand, United India Insurance Co. Ltd. (UIIC), one of India’s leading public sector general insurance companies, has also announced its apprentice recruitment for 2025. This program is open to eligible engineering and non-engineering graduates and offers 105 apprentice positions across several states including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The application window opened on February 17, 2025, and will remain open until March 10, 2025.
The apprenticeship at UIIC is aimed at recent graduates who completed their degrees between 2021 and 2024, providing them with practical industry exposure. Just like the Union Bank program, those who have already completed apprenticeship training or have one year or more of work experience post-graduation are not eligible to apply.
Eligible UIIC apprenticeship candidates must be aged between 21 and 28 years as of February 14, 2025, and the selection process will focus on academic performance, with the Board of Apprenticeship Training overseeing the shortlisting based on academic records. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via their registered email for document verification, which will take place at regional offices of UIIC.
Applicants need to provide several documents for the application process, including their graduation degree certificate and mark sheets, along with various forms of identification and any necessary caste or disability certificates. Notably, the application process for UIIC's apprenticeship does not require any application fee, ensuring all eligible graduates can apply without incurring costs.
Both of these apprenticeship programs from the Union Bank of India and UIIC highlight the commitment to integrating young talent within the workforce and enhancing professional skills through structured training programs. They present valuable opportunities for fresh graduates to gain hands-on experience and lay the groundwork for their future careers.