INFOTEP and Supérate join forces to train 80,000 Dominicans annually

Santo Domingo.- In a groundbreaking move aimed at fostering inclusion and economic growth, the National Institute of Technical Professional Training (INFOTEP) and the Supérate Program have partnered to train 80,000 Dominicans annually in key technical skills and trades. This initiative, set to begin in January 2025, represents a major commitment to uplifting vulnerable populations and expanding opportunities for personal and professional advancement across the country.

The agreement, signed by Rafael Santos Badía, Director General of INFOTEP, and Gloria Reyes, Director General of Supérate, is designed to equip thousands of Dominicans with the skills necessary to access better-paying jobs and to start their own businesses. By focusing on high-demand sectors such as cybersecurity, data analysis, and healthcare, this partnership underscores the importance of modern technical training in creating a competitive and empowered workforce.

Rafael Santos Badía emphasized that this collaboration is a strategic investment in the future of the nation, particularly for its youth. “The goal of this project is to strengthen beneficiaries’ capabilities, facilitate their inclusion in the labor market, and foster their autonomy. We are committed to the economic development of our communities,” he stated. He added that this initiative marks a crucial moment for the Dominican Republic, as the country strives toward greater prosperity and a more equitable distribution of opportunities.

By training 80,000 individuals per year, this initiative not only addresses the immediate need for employment but also lays the groundwork for long-term economic stability and development. The project directly aligns with national efforts to reduce poverty, bolster productivity and close the skills gap in various industries.

Empowering through education

Gloria Reyes, Director General of Supérate, highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership. She explained that beyond conventional fields like beauty, sewing, and cooking, this agreement is committed to breaking traditional career paradigms, particularly for women, by offering training in fields traditionally dominated by men. These include mechatronics, business administration, and agricultural technology.

Reyes underscored the importance of education in fighting poverty: “We understood that the key to overcoming poverty is training and productivity. To promote the autonomy of women and men in poverty, we focus on training at all levels, and INFOTEP has always been a first-rate ally in this work.”

This initiative is particularly important for fostering gender equity, as it provides women with access to fields that have historically been less accessible to them, opening up new career paths and enabling them to participate more fully in the economy.

The project, titled “Strengthening the Capacities of Supérate Program Beneficiaries,” will span three years, with the option to renew. It will have a national reach, aiming to improve the lives of young people across the Dominican Republic. One of the key features of the initiative is its focus on provincial needs assessments. By tailoring training to the specific demands of each region, the program ensures that beneficiaries receive the skills most relevant to their local job markets.

Additionally, practical work experience will be a cornerstone of the program. Supérate will help graduates gain hands-on experience in real work environments, ensuring that they not only receive training but are also prepared to thrive in their chosen fields.

A blueprint for economic progress

This partnership between INFOTEP and Supérate is a significant step toward addressing some of the Dominican Republic’s most pressing social and economic challenges. By providing technical training to 80,000 individuals annually, the initiative serves as a blueprint for creating sustainable economic progress, reducing poverty and empowering future generations.

In a world where technical skills are increasingly essential for economic success, this agreement represents a forward-thinking approach to development, one that emphasizes education, gender equity and the power of inclusion. With its focus on modern, high-demand industries and a commitment to fostering both personal and professional growth, the INFOTEP-Supérate partnership is poised to make a lasting impact on the Dominican Republic’s future.