Maharashtra is set to significantly boost its skill development initiatives by training one lakh youths annually through a home-district apprenticeship program. This ambitious scheme aims to provide young individuals with valuable on-the-job training, enhancing their employability and contributing to the state's economic growth. The program aligns with the broader goals of "Skilled Maharashtra, Employed Maharashtra," a vision the state has been pursuing through various skill training and innovative schemes since 2015.

The initiative focuses on offering apprenticeships within the trainees' home districts, ensuring accessibility and reducing the burden of relocation. This approach is designed to encourage greater participation and provide opportunities to those who may not have the resources to seek training elsewhere. By decentralizing the apprenticeship program, Maharashtra aims to reach a wider pool of talent and address skill gaps at the grassroots level.

The Maharashtra Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (MAPS), approved in 2021, underscores the government's commitment to increasing apprenticeship opportunities across the state. MAPS encourages government, semi-government, and private establishments to recruit apprentices by offering financial assistance. Under this scheme, the government reimburses 75% of the stipend payable to apprentices, up to a maximum of ₹5,000 per month. This financial support significantly reduces the cost burden on employers, incentivizing them to participate in the apprenticeship program and provide valuable training opportunities.

The state government has also modified the 'Mukhya Mantri Yuva Karyaprashikshan Yojana' to provide stipends to unemployed youths who have completed Class 12, HSC, diplomas, or degrees. Stipends range from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 per month, depending on the qualification of the apprentice. This modification broadens the eligibility criteria, allowing more young people to benefit from the scheme. The state will provide ₹6,000 to those who have passed class 12, ₹8,000 to those with ITI and diploma holders and ₹10,000 for those with a degree and post graduation as a stipend.

Maharashtra ITIs will introduce six new tech-driven courses including AI, EV Management, Robotics, 3D Printing, Drone Technology, and Solar Technician from 2025–26 to meet evolving industry demands. The state is also collaborating with Microsoft to provide skill and artificial intelligence training to 10,000 women through the Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skill University. These initiatives aim to equip the state's youth with the skills needed to thrive in emerging industries and contribute to the state's technological advancement.

The Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation has been actively implementing various skill training and innovative programs to achieve a skilled and employed Maharashtra. These programs include vocational training through industrial training institutes (ITIs), short and long-term skill development training, employment and self-employment guidance, job fairs, and startup support initiatives. To support these efforts, the World Bank and the Government of Maharashtra are jointly implementing the Development of Applied Knowledge and Skill for Human Development (DAKSH) project, with an estimated cost of ₹2307 crores.

Maharashtra has demonstrated strong participation in the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), with 2,63,156 youth joining the scheme. This highlights the state's capacity to nurture talent, enhance job readiness, and prepare young professionals for the workforce. To further improve the apprenticeship system, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has implemented reforms such as active stakeholder engagement, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under NAPS, and mandating companies with 30 or more employees to hire apprentices.

The state government is also focusing on industry-aligned skilling, developing programs that align with industry needs to ensure job placement and contribute to the state's economic growth. MITRA is working on skilling strategy development, promotion of industry-aligned skilling, quality assurance guidelines, innovative skilling programs support, and partnership promotion.