Since the pre-independence era, the special apprenticeship scheme existed in the public and private sector industries in Sri Lanka. Each organization followed its own schedule of training in disciplines applicable to their business. With the opening of the Ceylon Technical College, Special apprentices were given short theoretical courses to supplement their practical training. The Special Apprentice Scheme continued in this manner until about 1975, when the National Apprenticeship Board (NAB) took over the functions. This resulted a radical change in the administration of the special apprenticeship scheme and a certain degree of uniformity in training functions of the apprentice. However, the scheme had been hampered by a severe dearth of essential training facilities.