One-time window to backdate apprenticeship contracts on NATS 2.0

The Board of Apprenticeship Training, has rolled out a significant one-time relaxation for establishments. With effect from 20 August 2025, employers can now createbackdated apprenticeship contracts on the NATS 2.0 portal, covering both reimbursement and non-reimbursement contracts, provided the apprentice’s date of joining is on or after 1 April 2025. This window is strictly time-bound and will close on 19 October 2025, after which the system will no longer accept any backdated entries. Establishments logging into the portal will see a system-generated pop-up reminding them of this limited opportunity. 

For employers, this announcement carries more weight than it may appear at first glance. Failure to create contracts in time has always been a compliance risk, potentially leading to complications under the Apprentices Act and impacting eligibility for stipend reimbursement. This relaxation therefore serves as a much-needed chance to regularise all pending apprenticeship records, ensuring they are legally recognised and aligned with statutory requirements.

By making use of this facility, employers can prevent future disputes, protect themselves from possible audit objections, and secure uninterrupted access to government reimbursements. This measure reflects the government’s attempt to balance flexibility with discipline: establishments are being given a fair chance to put their records in order.