The Apprentices Act, 1961 was enacted to regulate and control the programme of training of apprentices and for matters connected therewith. The term 'apprentice' means "a person who is undergoing apprenticeship training in pursuance of a contract of apprenticeship".

The Act makes it obligatory on part of the employers both in public and private sector establishments having requisite training infrastructure as laid down in the act, except to those specifically notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette.

No person shall be engaged as an apprentice to undergo apprenticeship training in a designated trade unless such person or, if he is a minor, his guardian has entered into a contract of apprenticeship with the employer.

The apprenticeship training shall be deemed to have commenced on the date on which the contract of apprenticeship has been entered.

Every contract of apprenticeship may contain such terms and conditions as may be agreed to by the parties to the contract

To provide the apprentice with the training in his trade in accordance with the provisions of this Act, and the rules made there-under

If the employer is not himself qualified in the trade, to ensure that a person who possesses the prescribed qualifications is placed in charge of the training of the apprentice

To provide adequate instructional staff, possessing such qualifications as may be prescribed, for imparting practical and theoretical training and facilities for trade test of apprentices; and

To carry out his obligations under the contract of apprenticeship

Imprisonment for a term which may extend to 6 months or with fine or with both