INFOTEP graduates over 3,500 skilled technicians in national ceremony

Santo Domingo.- The National Institute of Technical and Professional Training (INFOTEP) held its 2025 National Graduation Ceremony, awarding diplomas to over 3,500 skilled technicians ready to enter the workforce and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.

The ceremony, held at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center’s Volleyball Pavilion in Santo Domingo, was attended by graduates from across the country, business leaders, and labor representatives and was led by First Lady Raquel Arbaje and INFOTEP Director General Rafael Santos Badía.

Investing in knowledge and employability

During her speech, First Lady Raquel Arbaje emphasized the crucial role of technical education in strengthening economies and societies by enhancing employability, fostering innovation, and increasing workforce capabilities.

“Education is the greatest wealth a person can have. Do not settle for what you have achieved so far. INFOTEP itself offers you the opportunity to continue advancing and expanding your knowledge,” she encouraged the graduates.

INFOTEP Director Rafael Santos Badía highlighted the institute’s impact on workforce training, employment generation, and entrepreneurship in the Dominican Republic.

“The INFOTEP model is a success story. It has become a national brand and the top reference for young people looking to learn a trade and secure employment,” he said.

Santos Badía also noted that under President Luis Abinader’s administration, INFOTEP has expanded significantly, growing from eight training centers in 2020 to 54 locations nationwide, making technical education more accessible to communities.

Cutting-edge and traditional training programs

This year’s graduates specialized in advanced technical fields, including robotics, cloud computing, software development, and drone operation. Others obtained certifications in traditional trades such as electricity, plumbing, electronics, refrigeration, masonry, carpentry, hairstyling, baking, and sommelier training.

INFOTEP also offers multiple training modalities, including Dual Training, which combines classroom learning with real-world experience; Ongoing Center-Based Training, which provides in-depth occupational knowledge over extended periods; and Occupational Validation, which recognizes practical skills acquired through experience.

Santos Badía emphasized that these programs enable graduates to secure well-paid, high-quality jobs aligned with industry demands, reinforcing INFOTEP’s role as a leader in Industry 4.0 technical education.

Voices of the graduates

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Overlin Martínez from the Eastern Regional Directorate and Daniela Rosario from the Cibao Sur Regional Directorate shared their perspectives.

“This graduation marks the beginning of new experiences and the confidence that we have the tools to face the labor market with competence,” said Rosario. “Today, we stand on a solid foundation to build our future, with a broader vision and the assurance that we are ready to contribute to our society.”