Visakhapatnam Port Authority Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 20 Posts
Visakhapatnam Port Authority has released the VPA Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification for 20 Trade Apprentice placements under the Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Department. Candidates who have passed ITI in the relevant trade can apply online through the Apprenticeship India portal from 24 August 2026 to 23 September 2026.
The apprenticeship is for the 2025–2026 training year and covers Welder, Electrician, Fitter, Motor Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), and Electronics (Mechanic) trades. Each selected apprentice will undergo one year of training.
VPA Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) |
| Department | Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Department |
| Post | Trade Apprentice |
| Total Placements | 20 |
| Training Period | 1 Year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 24 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 23 September 2026 |
| Job Location | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Minimum Age | 14 years as on 31 August 2026 |
The official notification is dated 21 August 2026 and invites applications under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, as amended.
Visakhapatnam Port Authority Apprentice Vacancy 2026
VPA has notified 20 placements across five designated ITI trades. Four placements are available in each trade.
| Trade | No. of Placements | Training Period |
| Welder | 4 | 1 Year |
| Electrician | 4 | 1 Year |
| Fitter | 4 | 1 Year |
| Motor Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | 4 | 1 Year |
| Electronics (Mechanic) | 4 | 1 Year |
| Total | 20 | 1 Year |
VPA Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
Applicants must have passed ITI in the relevant trade from a recognised institute. The qualification must correspond to the trade for which the candidate applies.
| Trade | Required ITI Qualification |
| Welder | ITI in Welder trade |
| Electrician | ITI in Electrician trade |
| Fitter | ITI in Fitter trade |
| Motor Mechanic | ITI in Motor Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) trade |
| Electronics | ITI in Electronics (Mechanic) trade |
Age Requirement
Candidates must have completed a minimum age of 14 years as on 31 August 2026.
VPA Apprentice Stipend 2026
The monthly stipend differs for Welder and the other four trades.
| Trade | Monthly Stipend |
| Welder | ₹8,344.60 |
| Electrician | ₹9,387.67 |
| Fitter | ₹9,387.67 |
| Motor Mechanic | ₹9,387.67 |
| Electronics | ₹9,387.67 |
These amounts are stated in the VPA notification under the trade-wise qualification and stipend details.
VPA Apprentice Selection Process 2026
The VPA Apprentice Recruitment 2026 does not use a written examination for selection. Engagement will be made purely on the basis of merit calculated from the aggregate marks obtained in ITI. Candidates shortlisted on merit will then be called for certificate verification.
The notification also contains a specific preference arrangement for children of VPA employees. Preference is given in a 4:1:1 ratio for VPA, CHD and outsiders, with a further 2:1:1 sub-ratio within the VPA employee-children category for children of deceased employees, medically invalidated and superannuated employees, and serving employees respectively.
Trade allotment will be decided at the discretion of the Head of the Department. Therefore, candidates should not assume that selection automatically guarantees allotment of their preferred trade.
Important Dates for VPA Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
| Notification Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 24 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 23 September 2026 |
The application window is available through the Apprenticeship India portal during the dates specified in the notification.
How to Apply for VPA Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates should apply through the Apprenticeship India/NAPS portal by following the procedure given in the notification:
- Visit the Apprenticeship India portal.
- Register on the NAPS Apprentice Portal if you are not already registered.
- Go to the option to find an apprentice opportunity and search for the opportunity.
- Select the relevant trade.
- Choose the course type as Designated.
- Select Andhra Pradesh as the location.
- Search for the establishment “Visakhapatnam Port Authority.”
- Select the applicable opportunity and click Apply.
- Complete the online application process before 23 September 2026.
Preparation Tips for VPA Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Since VPA is selecting candidates using aggregate ITI marks rather than a written test, applicants should first verify that their ITI trade exactly matches the designated trade they intend to apply for. A candidate applying for Fitter, for example, should ensure that the qualification recorded in the application is ITI Fitter and that the supporting certificate details are accurate.
Candidates should also review their ITI marks and registration information before submitting the application because merit is central to the selection process. If shortlisted, the candidate must be prepared to produce the relevant certificates for verification.
Applicants who may fall under the VPA employee-children preference should pay particular attention to the notification’s documentation requirements. The VPA notice specifically asks for certified supporting documentation through the concerned Section Officer for the applicable deceased, medically invalidated, superannuated or serving employee categories; otherwise, such applications may be rejected.
Important Instructions for VPA Apprentice Applicants
Candidates should keep the following points in mind before applying:
- VPA will call only the candidates shortlisted on merit for certificate verification.
- VPA will not pay TA or DA for attending certificate verification.
- No boarding or lodging expenses will be provided.
- Trade allotment rests with the Head of the Department.
- Completion of apprenticeship training does not guarantee employment with Visakhapatnam Port Authority.
The official notification also states that VPA is not liable to provide employment after completion of apprenticeship training.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing an ITI trade that does not match the designated trade.
- Entering ITI marks or qualification details incorrectly when merit is based on aggregate ITI marks.
- Searching for the wrong establishment instead of selecting Visakhapatnam Port Authority on the Apprenticeship India portal.
- Missing the 23 September 2026 application deadline.
- Failing to carry the required certificates for verification if shortlisted.
- Claiming VPA employee-child preference without the supporting certification specified in the notification.
Visakhapatnam Port Authority Apprentice Important Links
| Purpose | Official Link |
| Apply Online | Apprenticeship India Portal |
| Official Notification PDF | VPA Trade Apprentice Notification PDF |
| Official Website | Visakhapatnam Port Authority |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Trade Apprentice placements are available at Visakhapatnam Port Authority?
Visakhapatnam Port Authority has notified 20 Trade Apprentice placements, with four placements each in Welder, Electrician, Fitter, Motor Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), and Electronics (Mechanic).
What is the qualification for VPA Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must have passed ITI in the relevant trade. The notified trades are Welder, Electrician, Fitter, Motor Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), and Electronics (Mechanic).
What is the minimum age for VPA Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Candidates should have completed 14 years of age as on 31 August 2026.
What is the last date to apply for VPA Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submitting the online application is 23 September 2026.
How will VPA select Trade Apprentices?
Candidates will compete based on their aggregate ITI marks. VPA will call shortlisted candidates for certificate verification.
Is there a written examination for VPA Trade Apprentice recruitment?
The notification specifies merit-based engagement using aggregate ITI marks and certificate verification; it does not prescribe a written examination.
What is the training period?
The training period is one year for each of the five notified trades.
Does completing the apprenticeship guarantee a job at VPA?
No. The notification expressly states that Visakhapatnam Port Authority is not liable to provide employment after completion of the apprenticeship training.
Conclusion
The VPA Apprentice Recruitment 2026 provides 20 one-year Trade Apprentice placements for eligible ITI candidates in five technical trades. Because selection is based on ITI merit, applicants should ensure that their trade, marks and registration details are accurate before applying through the Apprenticeship India portal.
Candidates should complete the online application by 23 September 2026 and carefully follow the certificate-verification requirements stated in the official notification.
