Over 1,000 young aspirants attend third aeronautical job fair in the Dominican Republic

Punta Caucedo, DR.- The Dominican Republic’s aeronautical industry soared to new heights on December 6 as the Third Aeronautical Sector Job Fair welcomed over 1,000 young professionals and job seekers from across the nation. Hosted by the Superior Academy of Aeronautical Sciences (ASCA) at the Norge Botello Aeronautical Complex, the event connected aspiring professionals with career opportunities in one of the country’s most dynamic sectors.

This year’s fair brought together 25 private companies and public institutions from the Dominican aviation ecosystem, offering a range of job openings tailored to young talent eager to join the industry.

Bridging talent and opportunity

Miguel Mejía, Deputy Director of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) and Director of Sustainable Development, represented IDAC’s General Director, Igor Rodríguez Durán. Speaking alongside Clara Fernández, Director of ASCA, Mejía lauded the event’s impact, emphasizing its importance as a platform for professional growth and economic empowerment.

“This event is more than a job fair; it’s a meeting point for young talent and the aeronautical industry, a key sector driving our nation’s economic and social development,” said Mejía.

Fernández noted that the initiative continues to exceed expectations year after year, with over 80% of applicants securing positions across participating organizations. She highlighted that many of these successful candidates are ASCA graduates, underscoring the academy’s pivotal role in cultivating a skilled workforce for the aviation sector.

Miguel Mejía, Deputy Director of IDAC, representing the Director General, Igor Rodríguez Durán; Yildis Almonte, Director of Planning and Development; Maribel López, Director of Human Resources; Clara Fernández, Director of ASCA; Juana Iris Rodríguez, Director of Transparency and Citizen Services; and Yeymi Portes Perdomo, Legal Director. (Photo: IDAC)

Inspiring and preparing the next generation

In addition to job interviews, attendees participated in ASCA Talks, a series of motivational and practical sessions designed to enhance their professional readiness, including “Becoming the Candidate Companies Want to Hire,” presented by Maribel López, Director of Human Resources at IDAC; “Fostering a Culture of Workplace Inclusion,” led by Rafael Tejada, a facilitator from the National Disability Council; and “Aviation: The Calling That Gave Me Purpose,” delivered by Alvin Monegro, Operational Safety Manager at Punta Cana International Airport.

ASCA’s records show a steady increase in successful placements, with 243 candidates securing jobs in 2022 and 273 in 2023, totaling 519 hires over two years. Companies participating in this year’s fair included industry giants such as ARAJET, Sky High, and Grupo Punta Cana, alongside organizations like CESAC, IDAC, and DR From The Sky.

The fair was part of the Dominican Aviation Week 2024, which featured training sessions, special recognitions, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Altar de la Patria, and a Thanksgiving Mass. These activities culminated in a celebration of International Civil Aviation Day on December 7, established by the United Nations in 1996 to highlight the importance of aviation and promote its sustainable development.

With its resounding success, the Third Aeronautical Sector Job Fair reinforced its position as a cornerstone event for the Dominican Republic’s aviation industry, empowering the next generation of aviation professionals to take flight.