INFOTEP to launch tobacco industry training school in Santiago

Tamboril, Santiago.- The National Institute for Technical and Professional Training (INFOTEP) will establish a training school for the tobacco industry to meet the growing demand for skilled labor in this crucial sector. This initiative is part of a collaboration with the Association of Cigar Producers of the Dominican Republic, Inc. (ProCigar). Rafael Santos Badía, INFOTEP’s general director, announced that the school will be set up in Tamboril, Santiago, a key area for tobacco production. The goal is to provide formal training and certification for artisans, many of whom have previously gained skills through informal means.

ProCigar president Litto Gómez emphasized the importance of this training in maintaining the international competitiveness and quality of Dominican tobacco products. He noted that investing in skilled labor not only supports the industry’s efficiency but also contributes to the economic development of local communities.

The tobacco industry in Santiago is a major economic contributor, generating over 110,000 jobs and adding more than $400 million to the economy in the first four months of the year, according to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs. The new training school aims to further enhance the industry’s capabilities and support its continued success.