Visakhapatnam Port Authority Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026

VPA is looking for recently-certified ITI tradespeople ready for on-the-job apprenticeship in a high-security maritime environment. Each trade has 4 vacancies, so candidates should apply only for the trade in which they hold an ITI pass certificate. The apprenticeship is a formal stepping stone to permanent or extended contract roles within the port.

If you passed ITI in 2024 or 2025 and are under the age cap after relaxation, you qualify immediately. Use the age calculator to confirm your exact eligibility, as age relaxation varies by category and the cut-off date is the application deadline (23 September 2026).

• Welder: ₹8,344.60 monthly (basic apprentice stipend).
• Electrician, Fitter, Motor Mechanic, Electronics: ₹9,387.67 monthly each.
• Apprenticeship duration: typically 6–12 months depending on trade; non-pensionable position during apprenticeship.

The salary shown is a stipend during apprenticeship, not a permanent post salary. After successful completion and evaluation, candidates may be offered semi-skilled or skilled worker roles on contract or permanent basis with higher pay scales. Estimated in-hand after 10% NPS deduction: ₹7,500–₹8,450 per month. This is significantly below private shipyard and manufacturing fitter rates (₹15,000–₹25,000), but government apprenticeships offer structured training, provident fund accumulation, and a clearer path to permanent employment. Use the salary calculator to model the financial impact over 12 months and beyond. Career progression typically leads to Semi-Skilled Worker (SSW) or Skilled Worker (SW) positions with corresponding pay levels in the Indian Port Service (IPS).

• Wrong ITI trade selected: Ensure you apply only for the exact trade in which you hold an ITI pass. Applying for Electronics Mechanic when your certificate is in Electrician will be rejected at verification.
• Photograph not white-background: VPA strictly enforces white-background requirement. Blurred, coloured, or off-white backgrounds result in rejection. Resize and verify before upload.
• ITI certificate not scanned clearly: Upload a high-contrast, readable copy. Faded or tilted scans cause verification delays or rejection.
• Missing caste certificate for SC/ST applicants: Even if SC/ST, certificate must be uploaded in prescribed government format. Unsigned or undated certificates are rejected.
• Applying after age limit: Age as on 23 September 2026 (application close date) is final. Birth date in form must match original certificate. Mismatches trigger rejection.
• Incomplete form submission: Submitting without downloading acknowledgement forfeits your reference number; you cannot track status. Always save and record the application number.

After your name appears in the final merit list, you will receive a joining notification with date and reporting instructions. Typically, this is within 1–2 months of DV completion. You must report to the VPA Human Resources office in Visakhapatnam with original certificates, medical reports, and two sets of passport-size photos. The port will issue apprentice identity card, assign you a work section (workshop, electrical bay, or motor pool depending on your trade), and assign a supervisor/trainer.

Apprenticeship typically runs 6–12 months as per NCVT norms for your trade. During this period, you will work under guidance, maintain a logbook, and undergo practical assessments monthly. Upon completion, you will appear for a final trade test (if required by ITI Board) and receive an apprenticeship completion certificate. Based on performance and port requirement, you may be offered a semi-skilled or skilled worker position on contract (2–5 years renewable) or permanent status. The total timeline from application to joining is 2–3 months; from joining to potential permanent role offer is another 12–18 months.

Visakhapatnam Port Authority, established in 1988 and operated as a major port under India's Ministry of Shipping, handles over 70 million tonnes of cargo annually and ranks among India's top three ports by volume and revenue. The port operates container terminals, liquid cargo berths, dry bulk facilities, and general cargo sheds across 43 sq km, employing over 2,500 permanent and temporary staff. VPA's mandate includes safe, efficient, and sustainable port operations serving regional industries in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha as well as national maritime trade.

As an employer, VPA is known for professional management, adherence to international safety standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 certified), and employee welfare schemes including medical, housing, and training allowances. The port's apprenticeship programme is recognized under the NCVT and offers candidates genuine skill advancement in modern port machinery, welding technology, electrical systems, and vehicle maintenance applicable across maritime and heavy industries globally.

Trade Apprentices at VPA work in port operations workshops, electrical substations, and machinery maintenance units. Welders repair and fabricate steel structures on cargo handling equipment and ship mooring fittings. Electricians maintain high-voltage systems, lighting, and SCADA (port control) infrastructure. Fitters assemble, install, and service cranes, pulleys, and cargo gears. Motor Mechanics service port vehicles, forklifts, and backup generators. Electronics Mechanics maintain control panels, sensors, and automation systems in cargo handling equipment. All roles involve shift work, outdoor exposure, and safety-critical environment discipline.

The work is hands-on, non-desk, and requires physical fitness and attention to detail. Dress code is safety uniform (helmet, safety boots, high-visibility vest, gloves). No direct public interaction, but frequent coordination with crane operators, supervisors, and other trades. The role builds expertise transferable to shipyards, oil platforms, manufacturing plants, and defence establishments — making it a springboard for broader skilled employment.