In 1971, National Apprentice Board was established to co-ordinate and regulate enterprise based apprenticeships.

With the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme and International Labor Organization, NAB acquired and developed the following competencies related to apprenticeship training.

In 1981 NAB established the Apprenticeship Training Institute with the assistance of the Federal Republic of Germany.

In 1984 Technical Training Institute was established with the assistance of UNDP & ILO.

In 1989 Automobile Engineering Training Institute was established with the assistance of JAPAN.

In 1990 the National Apprentice & Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) was established with a wider mandate as the successor to NAB, under the TVE Act. No. 20 of 1990.

Objectives of NAITA:

• Planning, organizing and providing vocational training
  
• Specifying standards in relation to vocational training
  
• Conducting of examinations and issuing of certificates and other awards in relation to vocational training
  
• Conducting National Trade Tests
  
• Preparation and delivery of related instruction
  
• Conducting research and development in vocational training
  
• Holding of competitions to promote the development of various skills
  
• Developing the training capacities of establishments and other institutions providing vocational training
  
• Advising the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission in regard to vocational training
  
• Forming links with institutions in Sri Lanka and abroad having similar objects and to equating and or
• Validating Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in allied subjects and courses