VPT Trade Apprentice 2026: Visakha Port Authority Trade Apprentice 2026, Apply Now: Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 20 Welder, Electrician, Fitter, Motor Mechanic & Electronics Posts
Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification has been officially released by the Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Department under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961 (amended in 1973, 1986 and 2019). VPA is inviting online applications from eligible ITI-qualified candidates to engage as Trade Apprentices for the year 2025-2026 in five designated trades — Welder, Electrician, Fitter, Motor Mechanic and Electronics (Mechanic) — for a total of 20 vacancies.
Candidates who have passed ITI in the respective trade and completed a minimum age of 14 years as on 31-08-2026 can apply through the NAPS Apprenticeship India portal from 24-08-2026 to 23-09-2026 for VPT Trade Apprentice 2026. This article gives you complete details of VPA Apprentice Recruitment 2026 including vacancy details, eligibility criteria, age limit, selection process, stipend, how to apply online, important dates and FAQs.
VPA Trade Apprentice 2026 – Overview / Summary Table
Before going into the detailed eligibility and application process, here is a quick summary of the VPA Trade Apprentice Notification 2026 for easy reference.
| Particulars | Details |
| Organisation Name | Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) |
| Department | Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Department |
| Notification No. | IM&EE/MOF/E-1/C/676/2025-26, Dt. 21.08.2026 |
| Post Name | Trade Apprentice (Welder, Electrician, Fitter, Motor Mechanic, Electronics) |
| Total Vacancies | 20 (Twenty) |
| Apprenticeship Year | 2025-2026 |
| Training Period | 1 Year |
| Mode of Application | Online through NAPS Apprenticeship India Portal |
| Application Start Date | 24-08-2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 23-09-2026 |
| Minimum Age as on 31-08-2026 | 14 Years (completed) |
| Selection Basis | Merit of aggregate marks in ITI |
| Official Website | www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
| Contact Number | 08912873262 |
VPT Trade Apprentice 2026 Vacancy Details – Trade Wise Posts
Visakhapatnam Port Authority has notified a total of 20 Trade Apprentice vacancies for the year 2025-2026 across five trades. The trade-wise vacancy distribution, training period and monthly stipend are given in the table below.
| Sl. No. | Trade | No. of Placements | Period of Training | Qualification Prescribed | Monthly Stipend (Rs.) |
| 1 | Welder | 04 | 1 Year | Passed ITI in the trade of Welder | 8,344.60 |
| 2 | Electrician | 04 | 1 Year | Passed ITI in the trade of Electrician | 9,387.67 |
| 3 | Fitter | 04 | 1 Year | Passed ITI in the trade of Fitter | 9,387.67 |
| 4 | Motor Mechanic | 04 | 1 Year | Passed ITI in the trade of Motor Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | 9,387.67 |
| 5 | Electronics | 04 | 1 Year | Passed ITI in the trade of Electronics (Mechanic) | 9,387.67 |
| Total | 20 | Twenty Placements | |||
VPT Trade Apprentice 2026 Age Limit
Candidates applying for the VPA Trade Apprentice posts 2026 should have completed a minimum of 14 (fourteen) years of age as on 31-08-2026. The notification does not mention any upper age limit; however, candidates are advised to check the NAPS Apprenticeship portal at the time of registration for any updated age-related guidelines, since apprenticeship engagement is generally governed by the eligibility norms fixed under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
VPT Trade Apprentice 2026 Educational Qualification
The basic educational qualification required for all the five trades is passing of ITI (Industrial Training Institute) course in the respective trade from a recognized institution. Candidates must possess the specific trade certificate matching the post they wish to apply for:
| Trade Applied For | Required ITI Qualification |
| Welder | ITI Certificate in Welder Trade |
| Electrician | ITI Certificate in Electrician Trade |
| Fitter | ITI Certificate in Fitter Trade |
| Motor Mechanic | ITI Certificate in Motor Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) Trade |
| Electronics | ITI Certificate in Electronics (Mechanic) Trade |
Candidates should ensure that the trade name mentioned in their ITI marks memo/certificate exactly matches the trade for which they intend to apply, as engagement is purely trade-specific.
Reservation Policy for VPT Trade Apprentice 2026
Reservation of training placements for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) will be provided as per the Rule of Reservation applicable on the basis of the total number of placements in terms of the Apprentices Act, 1961. Candidates belonging to reserved categories are advised to keep their valid caste certificates ready at the time of certificate verification.
VPT Trade Apprentice 2026 Selection Process
The engagement of Trade Apprentices under this VPA recruitment will be carried out through the following process, as mentioned in the official notification:
| Step | Selection Stage | Description |
| Step 1 | Merit List Preparation | Engagement of Trade Apprentices will be made purely on the merit basis of aggregate marks obtained by the candidates in ITI. |
| Step 2 | Preference Ratio | Preference is given to children of VPA employees in the ratio of 4:1:1, i.e., 4 for VPA employees’ children, 1 for CHD and 1 for outsiders. Out of the 4 VPA slots, a sub-ratio of 2:1:1 is followed for children of deceased employees, medically invalidated & superannuated employees, and serving employees respectively. |
| Step 3 | Shortlisting | Candidates shortlisted based on merit of marks secured in the qualifying ITI exam will only be called for certificate verification. |
| Step 4 | Certificate Verification | Shortlisted candidates must appear for certificate verification with original documents. |
| Step 5 | Trade Allotment | The trades will be allotted to candidates at the discretion of the Head of the Department. |
Note: There is no written examination or interview mentioned in this notification. Selection is entirely based on ITI merit marks and the reservation/preference ratio explained above.
VPT Trade Apprentice 2026 Salary / Stipend Details
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend as fixed under the Apprentices Act during their 1-year training period. The stipend amount differs slightly for the Welder trade compared to the other four trades:
| Trade | Monthly Stipend |
| Welder | Rs. 8,344.60 |
| Electrician / Fitter / Motor Mechanic / Electronics | Rs. 9,387.67 |
VPA Apprentice Application Fee 2026
The official notification has not mentioned any application fee for VPA Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026. Registration and application on the NAPS Apprenticeship India portal is generally free of cost. Candidates are advised to confirm the fee details, if any, at the time of online registration on the official portal.
How to Apply Online for VPA Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Interested and eligible candidates should apply for engagement as Trade Apprentices only through the online mode. Applications through offline/postal mode are not accepted. Follow the step-by-step process given below to apply successfully:
| Step | Process |
| Step 1 | Visit the official NAPS Apprenticeship India portal – www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
| Step 2 | Register as a candidate on the NAPS Apprentice Portal (if not already registered) |
| Step 3 | Log in and click on “Find an Apprentice Opportunity” |
| Step 4 | Select “Opportunity (Trade)” and choose Course Type as “Designated” |
| Step 5 | Select Location as “Andhra Pradesh” |
| Step 6 | Search Establishment as “Visakhapatnam Port Authority” |
| Step 7 | Click “Apply” and fill in all required personal, educational and ITI trade details |
| Step 8 | Upload necessary documents/certificates as prompted by the portal |
| Step 9 | Submit the application before the last date and save/print the confirmation for future reference |
Documents Required for VPA Apprentice Certificate Verification
(The following documents checklist is not explicitly listed in the official notification and has been compiled based on standard apprenticeship certificate verification practice. Candidates are advised to carry all original and photocopies of the below documents while attending certificate verification, and to reconfirm the exact list with VPA before the scheduled date.)
| Sl. No. | Document |
| 1 | ITI Pass Certificate and Marks Memo (in the applied trade) |
| 2 | 10th Class / SSC Certificate (Date of Birth proof) |
| 3 | Aadhaar Card / Valid Photo ID Proof |
| 4 | Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates) |
| 5 | NAPS/NCVT/SCVT Registration Number Proof |
| 6 | Passport size photographs |
| 7 | Proof of employment/relation certificate (for VPA/CHD employees’ children, along with retirement/superannuation/death certificate where applicable) |
| 8 | Local Residence/Domicile proof of Andhra Pradesh, if applicable |
VPT Trade Apprentice 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 21-08-2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 24-08-2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 23-09-2026 |
| Minimum Age Reckoning Date | 31-08-2026 |
Important Points to Remember – TA/DA and Boarding
Candidates must note the following important conditions clearly mentioned in the official notification:
- Travel Expenses: TA & DA will not be paid by VPA for attending certificate verification.
- Boarding/Lodging: No boarding or lodging expenses are admissible to candidates.
- VPA is not liable to provide any employment to candidates on completion of their Apprenticeship Training.
- Trade allotment will be at the sole discretion of the Head of the Department.
About Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA)
Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) is one of the premier Major Ports of India, functioning under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. Located on the east coast of Andhra Pradesh, VPA plays a vital role in the country’s maritime trade under the Sagarmala initiative. The Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Department of VPA regularly engages ITI-qualified Trade Apprentices to provide hands-on industrial training under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, helping young technical talent from the region gain practical exposure in a major port environment.
Why Choose VPT Trade Apprentice 2026?
For ITI-qualified job seekers in Andhra Pradesh, engaging as a Trade Apprentice at Visakhapatnam Port Authority offers several practical benefits that go beyond the monthly stipend:
- Hands-on Industrial Exposure: Trainees get to work directly under experienced engineers in the Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Department of a Major Port.
- Recognized Government Organisation: VPA functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, adding credibility to the apprenticeship certificate.
- Skill Certification: On successful completion of the 1-year training, apprentices receive a certificate recognized under the Apprentices Act, 1961, which strengthens future job applications.
- Structured Monthly Stipend: A fixed monthly stipend ranging from Rs. 8,344.60 to Rs. 9,387.67 is paid throughout the training period.
- Fair and Transparent Selection: Selection is based purely on ITI merit marks with a clearly defined reservation and preference structure, ensuring transparency for all applicants including outside candidates.
While VPA has clarified that it is not obligated to offer permanent employment after training, the practical experience gained at a major port establishment is highly valuable for candidates seeking similar apprenticeship or job opportunities in other PSUs, ports, and private industries across Andhra Pradesh and India.
FAQs – VPA Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026
1. What is the total number of vacancies in VPA Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 20 vacancies are notified across Welder, Electrician, Fitter, Motor Mechanic and Electronics trades, with 4 posts each.
2. What is the minimum qualification required for VPA Apprentice posts?
Candidates must have passed ITI in the respective trade (Welder, Electrician, Fitter, Motor Mechanic, or Electronics).
3. What is the age limit for VPA Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Candidates should have completed a minimum of 14 years of age as on 31-08-2026.
4. What is the last date to apply for VPA Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply online is 23-09-2026. Applications open from 24-08-2026.
5. How can I apply for VPA Trade Apprentice posts?
Applications must be submitted online through the NAPS Apprenticeship India portal at www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
6. What is the monthly stipend for VPA Trade Apprentices?
Welder trade gets Rs. 8,344.60 per month; Electrician, Fitter, Motor Mechanic and Electronics trades get Rs. 9,387.67 per month.
7. What is the training period for VPA Trade Apprenticeship?
The training period is 1 (one) year for all trades.
8. Will VPA provide a job after completion of apprenticeship training?
No. VPA has clearly stated it is not liable to provide any employment to candidates on completion of their apprenticeship training.
9. Will VPA pay TA/DA for attending certificate verification?
No. TA & DA and boarding/lodging expenses will not be paid by VPA for attending certificate verification.
10. What is the selection process for VPA Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Selection is purely merit-based on aggregate ITI marks, followed by a preference ratio for children of VPA/port employees, and final certificate verification and trade allotment.
VPT Trade Apprentice 2026 – Official Important Links
| Link Purpose | Details |
| Apply Online | www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in (NAPS Apprentice Portal) |
| Official Notification Reference | No. IM&EE/MOF/E-1/C/676/2025-26, Dt. 21.08.2026 |
| Helpline / Contact Number | 08912873262 |
| Conducting Authority | Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Department |