PSBs hire apprentices to boost rural outreach

Several public sector banks are hiring apprentices for the first time through their apprenticeship programmes to improve customer relations in semi-urban and rural areas, amid a gradual decline in the workforce over the years.

- ABHIJIT l.El.E & AATHIRA VARIER

Recently, Union Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, and Canara Bank announced that they would recruit 500, 550, and 3000 graduates, respectively, in FY25 under a year-long apprenticeship programme for a stipend of up to ₹15,000. According to executives from these banks, they are hiring apprentices for the first time.

Bank of India has also received board approval to recruit in a staggered manner 1,300 apprentices, who are likely to be deployed in customer relations, which, according to an executive from the lender, are becoming crucial, especially for liabilities mobilisation.