CURRICULUM

FOR THE TRADE OF

MICRO FINANCE APPRENTICE

UNDER

APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SCHEME

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT& ENTREPRENEURSHIP
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF TRAINING

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 CONTENTS

Sl. No. Topics Page No.

1. Background 3-4
1.1 Apprenticeship Training under Apprentice Act 1961
1.2 Changes in Industrial Scenario
1.3 Reformation
2. Rationale 5
3. Job roles: reference NCO 6
4. General Information 7
5. Course structure 8
Syllabus 9-18
6.1 Basic Training
6.1.1 Detail syllabus of Professional Skill & Professional
Knowledge - Block – I

6. 6.1.2 Employability Skill (General Information)

6.1.2.1 Syllabus of Employability skill - Block – I

6.2 Practical Training (On-Job Training)

6.2.1 Broad Skill Component to be covered during on-job
training- Block – I
Assessment Standard 19-21
7.1 Assessment Guideline
7.
7.2 Final assessment-All India trade Test (Summative
assessment)
8. Further Learning Pathways 22
9. Annexure-I – Tools & Equipment for Basic Training 23
Annexure-II – Tools & Equipment for Practical Training/On-Job 24
10.
Training
11. Annexure-III - Guidelines for Instructors & Paper setter 25

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 1. BACKGROUND

1.1 Apprenticeship Training Scheme under Apprentice Act 1961

The Apprentices Act enacted in 1961 with the objective of regulating the program of
training of apprentices in the industry by utilizing the facilities available therein for
imparting on-the-job training. The Act makes it obligatory for employers in specified
industries to engage apprentices in designated trades and in optional trades to impart
Apprenticeship Training on the job in industry to school leavers, graduates/diploma
and person having National Trade Certificate(ITI pass-outs) issued by National Council
for Vocational Training (NCVT) to develop skilled manpower for the industry. There are
five categories of apprentices namely; trade apprentice, graduate, technician,
technician (vocational) apprentices and optional trade apprentice.
Qualifications and period of apprenticeship training of trade apprentices and optional
trade apprentices vary from trade to trade. The apprenticeship training for trade
apprentices and optional trade apprentices consists of basic training followed by
practical training. At the end of the training, the apprentices are required to appear in a
trade test conducted by NCVT and those successful in the trade tests are awarded the
National Apprenticeship Certificate.

1.2 Changes in Industrial Scenario

Recently we have seen huge changes in the Indian industry. The Indian Industry
registered an impressive growth during the last decade and half. The number of
industries in India have increased manifold in the last fifteen years especially in
services and manufacturing sectors. It has been realized that India would become a
prosperous and a modern state by raising skill levels, including by engaging a larger
proportion of apprentices, will be critical to success; as will stronger collaboration
between industry and the trainees to ensure the supply of skilled workforce and drive
development through employment. Various initiatives to build up an adequate
infrastructure for rapid industrialization and improve the industrial scenario in India have
been taken.

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1.3 Reformation

The Apprentices Act, 1961 has been amended and brought into effect from 22nd
December, 2014 to make it more responsive to industry and youth. Key amendments
are as given below:

• Prescription of number of apprentices to be engaged at establishment level instead

of trade-wise.

• Establishment can also engage apprentices in optional trades which are not
designated, with the discretion of entry level qualification and syllabus.

• Scope has been extended also to non-engineering occupations.

• Establishments have been permitted to outsource basic training in an institute of

their choice.

• The burden of compliance on industry has been reduced significantly.

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 2. RATIONALE
[Need for Apprenticeship in Micro Finance Apprentice

a. It will enhance the ability to find out risk associated with various products.
b. It will enhance the ability to understand the types of micro finance products and their
features offered to the potential customers
c. Will be able to understand type of customer and their suitability for the products offered
to them
d. It will enhance the ability to understand the different products offered by other financial
providers, money lenders etc.
e. It will enhance the ability to digitally update the customer details
f. It will enhance the ability to know the loan disbursement procedure, methods to
calculate interest and principal amounts for loan repayment
g. It will enhance the ability to verify and validate the application documents and
maintaining a record for them.
h. It will be able to independently access and understand various digital platforms
i. It will be able to independently fill and guide the filling of loan application forms
j. It will enhance the ability to independently grade the financials of a client and generate
a credit score and generate and interpret a CIBIL score
k. It will enhance the ability to independently access and understand the MIS system and
generate accurate customer profile in the system
l. It will be well versed with the virtual system and software to analyze and generate a
credit score.
m. Will be aware of the standard procedures for transferring customer documents in the
system.
n. It will enhance the ability to resolve customer complaints by investigating problems;
developing solutions; preparing reports; making recommendations to the management.

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 3. JOB ROLES: REFERENCE NCO

Brief description of Job roles:

Micro Finance Apprentice –

The Micro Finance Executives are responsible for identifying potential areas to develop the
business, building awareness through financial literacy, sourcing potential or prospective
customers. Further they are responsible to the customer in effectively guiding them through
the various processes like application, sanction disbursement, collection etc. that enable the
customers to enjoy the benefits of micro-financial services that include, micro loans, micro-
savings, micro-insurance, micro-pensions etc.

ALIGNED TO: NCO-2015/ NIL

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 4. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Name of the Trade : Micro Finance Apprentice

2. Job Role Code : App/BFSI/09

3. Duration of Apprenticeship Training : 14 months

(Break up of Apprenticeship Training)
3.1 For Fresher’s (For 12th pass):-
(i) Duration of Basic Training : 02 months

(ii) Duration of Practical Training/ : 12 months

On -job Training)

3.2 For Graduates–

(i) Duration of Basic Training : Nil
(ii) Duration of Practical Training/ : 12 months
On -job Training)

4. Entry Qualification : Passed 12th class examination

under 10+2 system of
education.

5. Selection of Apprentices : The apprentices will be selected

as per Apprentice Act,1961
amended time to time.

Note: Industry may impart training as per above time schedule, however this is not fixed. The
industry may adjust the duration of training considering the fact that all the components
under the syllabus must be covered. However the flexibility should be given keeping in
view that no safety aspect is compromised and duration of industry training to be
remain as 1 year.

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 5. COURSE STRUCTURE

Training duration details: -

Time 1-2 3-14

(in months)
Basic Training Block– I -----

Practical Training ---- Block – I

(On - job training)

Components of Training Duration of Training in Months

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Basic Training Block– I
Practical Training Block - I

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 6. SYLLABUS

6.1 BASIC TRAINING

(BLOCK – I)

DURATION: 2 MONTHS

GENERAL INFORMATION

1) Name of the Trade : Micro Finance Apprentice

2) Hours of Instruction : 250 Hrs.
3) Batch size : 30
4) Power Norms : N.A.
5) Space Norms : 400 Sq. ft.
6) Examination : The internal assessment will be held on
completion of the Basic Training.
7) Instructor Qualification :

i) Degree/Diploma in bachelor of commerce/business administration /retail

management from recognized university/Board with one/two year post qualification
experience respectively in the relevant field.

8) Tools, Equipment’s& Machinery required : - As per Annexure – I

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 6.1 DETAIL SYLLABUS OF BASIC TRAINING

6.1.1 DETAIL SYLLABUS OF BASIC TRAINING

Block –I
Basic Training

Sr. Module Key Learning Outcomes Hours

No.
1 Financial Inclusion • Describe Financial Inclusion/ Exclusion 10
• Describe Role of Women in Economic up liftmen of
families; Reasons for FI, Latest Schemes of Government
like PMJDY, Atal Pension Yojana
2 RBI Guidelines • Knowledge of latest RBI Guidelines- NBFC-MFI (RBI) 10
Directives 2015
3 Deposit and Credit • Explain deposit products offered by MFIs, types of 10
Products customers who can avail of these products, features,
application process.
• Explain retail loans, MSME loans, Agri Loans, micro loans,
features of each type of loan.
4 KYC and • Open client Accounts in banks 20
Application • Apply KYC norms in account opening process
• Learn nuances of PMLA, 2002
• Perform the KYC process and verify requirements
5 Reading, Writing & • Filling the Application Forms, legible, error free and 20
Analytical Skills - accurate information. Skills to read, understand and write
Form Filling required information field by field in Application Forms.
6 Back Office • Knowledge of the process involved in Organization to 20
Process for appraise the proposal submitted.
Sanctioning - As • Knowledge on reasons for Rejection
per Company
Norms
7 Loan • Required Documents for loan sanction, terms and 20
Documentation conditions.
and Disbursement • Branch Confirmatory Meetings, Documents checking,
obtaining signatures in relevant documents and
disbursement of loan - process involved.
8 Accounting and • Settlement process, updating of MIS records, accounting 10
Settlement for loans, review and follow up
9 Basics of Selling • Need Creation 20
• Importance of benefits on the customer and the sale
• Various methods of probing
• Distinguish the difference between doubts and objections
• Various methods to handle doubts & objections
10 Understanding • Identify and fulfill client needs 10
Client needs • Ascertain and determine the appropriate product for a
specified client
11 Tele calling • Understand the basics of opening a call 10
Process • Be aware of standard opening greetings to open a call for
– Opening a call building a relationship

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 • Understand how to sell your product and avoid common
mistakes of tele-calling

12 Tele calling Script • Know the basics of a tele calling script 10

• Add value to your script by following specified guidelines
for formulating a cold tele calling script
13 Greeting a • Understand the importance of greeting a customer in a 10
customer correct way
• Be aware of standard opening greetings
• Learn the best practices of greeting a client – the manner
of speech, using the tone of your voice etc.
14 Understanding and • Understand the importance of in-depth knowledge of the 20
pitching Products product you intend to sale
• Learn the basics of pitching your insurance product, from
your audience’s perspective
• Determine the right content for your pitch
• Practice the script for pitching products
15 Handling • Learn the importance of effective handling of objections 20
objections • Know the various objections raised by customers
• Learn specific techniques of negotiation
• Practice handling objections in sales by addressing the
client’s concern
16 Closing a call • Understand the strategies for closing a call 20
• Utilize fallback positions and select appropriate techniques
to deliver the close
• Practice calls end to end
17 Asking for referrals • Understand referrals 10
• Know how to ask for referrals effectively to increase your
client base
• Practice asking for a referral
Total 250

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 6.1.2 EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

GENERAL INFORMATION

1) Name of the subject : EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

2) Applicability : Basic Training - Mandatory for fresher

only

3) Hours of Instruction : 110 Hrs.

4) Examination : The internal assessment will be held on

completion of the Basic Training.

5) Instructor Qualification :

i) MBA/BBA with two years’ experience or graduate in commerce with two

years’ experience.
And

Must have studied in English and Basic Computer at 12th / diploma level

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 6.1.2.1 SYLLABUS OF EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
A. Block – I
Employability Skills

Topic Topic Duration

No. (in hours)
English Literacy 15
1 Pronunciation :
Accentuation (mode of pronunciation) on simple words, Diction (use of word and
speech)
2 Functional Grammar
Transformation of sentences, Voice change, Change of tense, Spellings.
3 Reading
Reading and understanding simple sentences about self, work and environment
4 Writing
Construction of simple sentences Writing simple English
5 Speaking / Spoken English
Speaking with preparation on self, on family, on friends/ classmates, on know,
picture reading gain confidence through role-playing and discussions on current
happening job description, asking about someone's job habitual actions. Cardinal
(fundamental) numbers ordinal numbers. Taking messages, passing messages on
and filling in message forms Greeting and introductions office hospitality,
Resumes or curriculum vita essential parts, letters of application reference to
previous communication.
I.T. Literacy 15
1 Basics of Computer
Introduction, Computer and its applications, Hardware and peripherals, Switching
on-Starting and shutting down of computer.
2 Computer Operating System
Basics of Operating System, WINDOWS, The user interface of Windows OS,
Create, Copy, Move and delete Files and Folders, Use of External memory like
pen drive, CD, DVD etc., Use of Common applications.
3 Word processing and Worksheet
Basic operating of Word Processing, Creating, opening and closing Documents,
use of shortcuts, Creating and Editing of Text, Formatting the Text, Insertion &
creation of Tables. Printing document.
Basics of Excel worksheet, understanding basic commands, creating simple
worksheets, understanding sample worksheets, use of simple formulas and
functions, Printing of simple excel sheets
4. Computer Networking and INTERNET
Basic of computer Networks (using real life examples), Definitions of Local Area
Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet, Concept of Internet (Network
of Networks),
Meaning of World Wide Web (WWW), Web Browser, Web Site, Web page and
Search Engines. Accessing the Internet using Web Browser, Downloading and
Printing Web Pages, Opening an email account and use of email. Social media
sites and its implication.
Information Security and antivirus tools, Do's and Don'ts in
Information Security, Awareness of IT - ACT, types of cyber-crimes.

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 Communication Skill 25
1 Introduction to Communication Skills
Communication and its importance
Principles of Effective communication
Types of communication - verbal, non-verbal, written, email, talking on phone.
Nonverbal communication -characteristics, components-Para-language
Body - language
Barriers to communication and dealing with barriers.
Handling nervousness/ discomfort.
Case study/Exercise
2 Listening Skills
Listening-hearing and listening, effective listening, barriers to effective
listening guidelines for effective listening.
Triple- A Listening - Attitude, Attention & Adjustment.
Active Listening Skills.
3 Motivational Training
Characteristics Essential to Achieving Success
The Power of Positive Attitude
Self-awareness
Importance of Commitment
Ethics and Values
Ways to Motivate Oneself
Personal Goal setting and Employability Planning.
Case study/Exercise
4 Facing Interviews
Manners, Etiquettes, Dress code for an interview
Do's & Don'ts for an interview
5 Behavioral Skills
Organizational Behavior
Problem Solving
Confidence Building
Attitude
Decision making
Case study/Exercise
Entrepreneurship skill 15
1 Concept of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship- Entrepreneurship - Enterprises:-Conceptual issue
Entrepreneurship vs. Management, Entrepreneurial motivation. Performance &
Record, Role & Function of entrepreneurs in relation to the enterprise & relation to
the economy, Source of business ideas, Entrepreneurial opportunities, The
process of setting up a business.
2 Project Preparation & Marketing analysis
Qualities of a good Entrepreneur, SWOT and Risk Analysis. Concept &
application of Product Life Cycle (PLC), Sales & distribution Management.
Different Between Small Scale & Large Scale Business, Market Survey, Method of
marketing, Publicity and advertisement, Marketing Mix.
3 Institutions Support
Preparation of Project. Role of Various Schemes and Institutes for self-
employment i.e. DIC, SIDA, SISI, NSIC, SIDO, Idea for financing/ non financing
support agencies to familiarizes with the Policies /Programs& procedure & the
available scheme.

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4 Investment Procurement
Project formation, Feasibility, Legal formalities i.e., Shop Act, Estimation &
Costing, Investment procedure - Loan procurement - Banking Processes.
Productivity 10
1 Productivity
Definition, Necessity, Meaning of GDP.
2 Affecting Factors
Skills, Working Aids, Automation, Environment, Motivation
How improves or slows down.
3 Comparison with developed countries
Comparative productivity in developed countries (viz. Germany, Japan and
Australia) in selected industries e.g. Manufacturing, Steel, Mining, Construction
etc. Living standards of those countries, wages.
4 Personal Finance Management
Banking processes, Handling ATM, KYC registration, safe cash handling,
Personal risk and Insurance.
Occupational Safety, Health & Environment Education 15
1 Safety & Health
Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health importance of safety and health at
workplace.
2 Occupational Hazards
Basic Hazards, Chemical Hazards, Vibro-acoustic Hazards, Mechanical Hazards,
Electrical Hazards, Thermal Hazards. Occupational health, Occupational hygienic,
Occupational Diseases/ Disorders & its prevention.
3 Accident & safety
Basic principles for protective equipment.
Accident Prevention techniques - control of accidents and safety measures.
4 First Aid
Care of injured & Sick at the workplaces, First-Aid & Transportation of sick person
5 Basic Provisions
Idea of basic provision of safety, health, welfare under legislation of India.
6 Ecosystem
Introduction to Environment. Relationship between Society and Environment,
Ecosystem and Factors causing imbalance.
7 Pollution
Pollution and pollutants including liquid, gaseous, solid and hazardous waste.
8 Energy Conservation
Conservation of Energy, re-use and recycle.

9 Global warming
Global warming, climate change and Ozone layer depletion.
10 Ground Water
Hydrological cycle, ground and surface water, Conservation and Harvesting of
water
11 Environment
Right attitude towards environment, Maintenance of in -house environment
Labour Welfare Legislation 5
1 Welfare Acts
Benefits guaranteed under various acts- Factories Act, Apprenticeship Act,
Employees State Insurance Act (ESI), Payment Wages Act, Employees Provident
Fund Act, The Workmen's compensation Act.

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 Quality Tools 10
1 Quality Consciousness :
Meaning of quality, Quality Characteristic
2 Quality Circles :
Definition, Advantage of small group activity, objectives of quality Circle, Roles
and function of Quality Circles in Organization, Operation of Quality circle.
Approaches to starting Quality Circles, Steps for continuation Quality Circles.
3 Quality Management System :
Idea of ISO 9000 and BIS systems and its importance in maintaining qualities.
4 House Keeping :
Purpose of Housekeeping, Practice of good Housekeeping.
5 Quality Tools
Basic quality tools with a few examples

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 6.2 PRACTICAL TRAINING (ON-JOB TRAINING)
(BLOCK – I)
DURATION: 12MONTHS

GENERAL INFORMATION

1) Name of the Trade : Micro Finance Apprentice

2) Batch size : a) Apprentice selection as per
Apprenticeship Guidelines

b) As per NAPS Guidelines

3) Examination : a) The internal assessment will be held

on completion of the block
4) Instructor Qualification :

i) Degree/Diploma in bachelor of commerce/business administration /retail management

from recognized university/Board with one/two year post qualification experience
respectively in the relevant field.

5) Infrastructure for On-Job Training : - As per Annexure – II

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 6.2.1 BROAD SKILL COMPONENT TO BE COVERED DURING ON-JOB TRAINING

BLOCK – I
1. Sourcing of customers
2. Assistance with application process
3. Loan Disbursement
4. Collection and Follow-up

DURATION: 12 MONTHS (52 WEEKS)

SL LIST OF PRACTICAL SKILLS TO BE COVERED DURING ON JOB TRAINING
NO
1 • The organizations vision, mission and organization structure, background and
history.
• Types of Products available, their features and services offered to potential
customers
• Standard operating procedure and guidelines to perform their function Risk
compliance and risk associated with various products
• Types of customers segments and their suitability for the products offered
• Understanding Code of Conduct with customers and security procedures for
handling sensitive customer information and safe guarding their information
• Understanding the Products offered by other financial providers, money lenders etc.
• Procedure for digitally updating customer details, if required
• Factors that impact the creditworthiness of the customer Basic economic,
accounting and financial concepts such as interest rates, profit/loss etc.
2 • The roles and responsibilities of the job – the Company’s expectation of the role
• List of supporting documents required with specifics
• Procedure for assisting customers with application forms and processes
• The organizations’ policy of privacy & discretion when dealing with customer’s
personal information
• All relevant legal procedures involved in application Methods to format data and
information required for reporting on customer base
3 • Escalation matrix or deviation approval process, in the case application is rejected.
• All relevant legal procedures involved in application
• The regulatory system that governs banks and their impact on procedures.
• Requirements for KYC Norms, acceptable options of identity & address proof,
supporting documents required and other identification procedures.
• Methods to calculate interest & principal amounts for loan repayment.
• Modes of payment available to the customer.
• Basic IT skills and operating procedures to update status of loans sourced,
Disbursed, Total loan details.
• Factors that impact the creditworthiness of the customer.
• Basic economic, accounting and financial concepts such as interest rates, profit/loss
etc.
• Basic accounting techniques for recording transactions if required.
4 • Company policy for collection
• Dispute and redress mechanism
• Update change of customers' information, providing and maintaining MIS report,
reviewing of collection feedback on daily, Weekly & Monthly basis, etc.
• Recommend legal actions for non-recoverable cases and follow up with the Legal
Cell for the closure of the cases

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19
 ASSESSMENT STANDARD

7.1 Assessment Guideline:

Appropriate arrangements should be made to ensure that there will be no artificial barriers
to assessment. The nature of special needs should be taken into account while
undertaking assessment. Due consideration to be given while assessing for team work,
avoidance/reduction of scrape/wastage and disposal of scarp/wastage as per procedure,
behavioral attitude and regularity in training.

The following marking pattern to be adopted while assessing:

a) Weightage in the range of 60-75% to be allotted during assessment under following

performance level:

For this grade, the candidate with occasional guidance and showing due regard for safety
procedures and practices, has produced work which demonstrates attainment of an
acceptable standard of craftsmanship.

In this work, there is evidence of:

• Good skill levels in the use of hand tools, machine tools and workshop equipment
• Many tolerances while undertaking different work are in line with those demanded by
the component/job.
• A fairly good level of neatness and consistency in the finish
• Occasional support in completing the project/job.

b) Weightage in the range of above75%- 90% to be allotted during assessment under

following performance level:

For this grade, the candidate, with little guidance and showing due regard for safety
procedures and practices, has produced work which demonstrates attainment of a
reasonable standard of craftsmanship.

In this work, there is evidence of:

• good skill levels in the use of hand tools, machine tools and workshop equipment
• The majority of tolerances while undertaking different work are in line with those
demanded by the component/job.
• a good level of neatness and consistency in the finish
• little support in completing the project/job

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c) Weightage in the range of above 90% to be allotted during assessment under following
performance level:

For performance in this grade, the candidate, with minimal or no support in organization
and execution and with due regard for safety procedures and practices, has produced
work which demonstrates attainment of a high standard of craftsmanship.

In this work, there is evidence of:

• High skill levels in the use of hand tools, machine tools and workshop equipment
• Tolerances while undertaking different work being substantially in line with those
demanded by the component/job.
• A high level of neatness and consistency in the finish.
• Minimal or no support in completing the project

7.2 FINAL ASSESSMENT- ALL INDIA TRADE TEST (SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT)

SUBJECTS Marks Sessional Full Pass Duration of

Marks Marks Marks Exam.

Practical 100 100 70 2 hrs.

Trade Theory 100 100 70 2 hrs.
Grand Total 200 200 -

Note: - The candidate pass in each subject conducted under all India trade test.

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 7. FURTHER LEARNING PATHWAYS

Employment opportunities:

On successful completion of this course, the candidates shall be gainfully employed in the
following industries:

1. Banks
2. Micro Finance Companies

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 ANNEXURE – I

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT FOR BASIC TRAINING

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PROFESSIONAL SKILL & PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE

TRADE:MICRO FINANCE APPRENTICE

LIST OF TOOLS & EQUIPMENTS FOR 30 APPRENTICES

A. General equipment’s:-

Sl. Quantity
Name of the items
No. (indicative)
1. White Board / Black Board 1
2. White Board Marker / Black Board Chalks
3. Projector 1
4. Laptop 1
5. Internet Access
6. Notepads & pens

Note: In case of basic training setup by the industry the tools, equipment and
machinery available in the industry may also be used for imparting basic
training.

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 ANNEXURE – II

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ON-JOB TRAINING

TRADE: MICRO FINANCE APPRENTICE

Actual training will depend on the existing facilities available in the establishments. However,
the industry should ensure that the broad skills defined against On-Job Training part (i.e. 12
months) are imparted. In case of any shortfall, the concern industry may impart the training in
cluster mode/ any other industry/ at ITI.

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 ANNEXURE-III

GUIDELINES FOR INSTRUCTORS AND PAPER SETTERS

1. Due care to be taken for proper & inclusive delivery among the batch. Some of the
following some method of delivery may be adopted:

A) LECTURE
B) LESSON
C) DEMONSTRATION
D) PRACTICE
E) GROUP DISCUSSION
F) DISCUSSION WITH PEER GROUP
G) PROJECT WORK
H) INDUSTRIAL VISIT

2. Maximum utilization of latest form of training viz., audio visual aids, integration of IT,
etc. may be adopted.

3. The total hours to be devoted against each topic may be decided with due diligence to
safety & with prioritizing transfer of required skills.

25