IREL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 30 Posts

IREL (India) Limited, a distinguished Miniratna Category-I Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, has released an exciting opportunity for young graduates, diploma holders, and ITI-certified individuals through its Apprenticeship Recruitment Notification for the year 2026. Through Advertisement Number IREL/RED/HRM/Apprentices Engagement/2026-27/01, the corporation has announced 30 apprentice positions at its Rare Earths Division located at Udyogamandal, Kochi, Kerala. IREL (India) Limited plays a crucial role in India's nuclear fuel cycle and rare earths industry, being involved in mining, mineral separation, and production of rare earth compounds, titanium dioxide, and other strategic minerals. The Rare Earths Division at Udyogamandal is one of the largest rare earth processing facilities in Asia, utilizing advanced chemical and metallurgical processes to extract and refine rare earth elements from beach sand minerals. This apprenticeship program, conducted under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 (as amended in 2025), provides a structured training platform for candidates to develop industry-relevant skills while working in a technologically advanced environment. The 30 positions are distributed across three major categories: Graduate Apprentices (for engineering and non-engineering graduates), Technician Apprentices (for diploma holders in engineering streams), and Trade Apprentices (for ITI-certified candidates in various technical trades). The disciplines covered under this recruitment include Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science/IT, Commerce (Finance & Accounts), Human Resources, Personnel Management & Industrial Relations, Chemistry, and various ITI trades such as Electrician, Fitter, Instrument Mechanic, Turner, Machinist, Welder, Electronics Mechanic, and Computer Operator. Selected apprentices will receive monthly stipend as per the Apprentices Rules, 1992 and government notifications, along with an additional food coupon worth Rs. 1,500 per month, making this one of the most attractive apprenticeship programs among PSUs in the atomic energy sector. The training period will be for one year, during which apprentices will work under experienced professionals and mentors, gaining hands-on experience in plant operations, maintenance, quality control, laboratory work, administration, and other functional areas depending on their specialization. The online application process is conducted through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal for graduate and technician apprentices and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal for trade apprentices. Importantly, candidates must also submit a scanned copy of their complete application along with all supporting documents via email to the address specified in the official notification. The application window opens well in advance and remains open until 15th March 2026, providing ample time for interested candidates to prepare and submit their applications. The selection process is merit-based, with candidates being shortlisted based on their academic performance in the qualifying examination. The age limit for this recruitment is 18 to 25 years with relaxation available for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates as per government norms. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, candidates will be awarded a National Apprenticeship Certificate, which is recognized throughout India and valued by both public and private sector employers. While there is no assurance of direct employment after apprenticeship, IREL has a good track record of considering well-performing apprentices during regular recruitment drives, making this an excellent stepping stone for a career in the nuclear energy and rare earths industry.