7B. Number of apprentices for designated and optional trade.
- [(1) The employers having four or more workers shall only be eligible to engage apprentices and engagement of apprentices by establishment having thirty or more number of workers shall be obligatory.] [Substituted by Notification No. G.S.R. 686(E), dated 25.9.2019 (w.e.f. 16.3.2001).](2)The strength of workers shall be calculated on the basis of average strength in the preceding financial year.(3)[ Within a financial year, each establishment shall engage apprentices in a band of 2.5 per cent. to 15 per cent. of the total strength of the establishment including contractual staff, subject to a minimum of 5 per cent. of the total to be reserved for fresher apprentices and skill certificate holder apprentices.(4)In no month, number of apprentices should be less than 2 per cent. of the total strength of the establishment and more than 18 per cent. of the total strength of the establishment subject to the condition that he shall fulfill apprentice months corresponding to minimum 2.5 per cent. obligation in a financial year.] [Substituted by Notification No. G.S.R. 686(E), dated 25.9.2019 (w.e.f. 16.3.2001).](5)Every employer shall disclose their intention of engagement of apprentices both in designated and optional trade on portal site as well as establishment's portal-site (if existing) as per quarters given below: -(a)the 1st April to the 30th June;(b)the 1st July to the 30th September;(c)the 1st October to the 31st December;(d)the 1st January to the 31st March.
