ABSTRACT
Apprenticeship programmes are increasingly recognised as effective strategies for workforce development. In Meghalaya, the growing complexity of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) – particularly those involving advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drone-assisted remote sensing – has exposed a significant local skills gap. In response, the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) launched its Apprenticeship Training Programme in March 2022 to strengthen technical capacity and support the implementation of large-scale, technology-driven initiatives. This case study evaluates the programme's effectiveness using a mixed-methods approach. Findings indicate high employment absorption rates and significant gains in applied knowledge among apprentices, particularly in GIS, drone operations, finance, procurement and environmental management. Early results suggest strong potential for replication, though future improvements could include enhanced outreach, updated curricula and deeper industry collaboration. Continued research is needed to assess long-term impacts, scalability and integration of emerging technologies such as AI-enabled GIS and climate resilience planning.
