SANTO DOMINGO.- The low enrollment in Civil Engineering in the Dominican Republic not only reflects an educational trend, but also a structural problem that directly affects the construction sector, one of the engines of national economic growth.
Recent data from the National Statistics Office (ONE) indicates that only 8,995 students are currently enrolled in Civil Engineering in the country, representing approximately 1.7% of all university students. This figure has raised concerns in sectors related to urban development, public infrastructure, and the real estate market.
Experts warn that, if the trend continues, the Dominican Republic could face a shortage of professionals capable of designing, supervising, and executing infrastructure projects in the coming years, which would impact housing, tourism, roads, and urban development projects.
Wages and lack of opportunities
According to engineer Teodoro Tejada, former president of the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors (CODIA), one of the main reasons that explains the limited interest in this career is the precarious salary faced by many professionals in the field.
“Civil engineers are the professionals who design and oversee bridges, roads, buildings, and essential infrastructure projects for the country. However, there are professionals in the public sector who earn between 25,000 and 50,000 pesos, salaries that do not correspond to the responsibility or the level of training that the profession requires,” he stated.
According to the union leader, these working conditions have led many young people to choose other areas of study with better economic prospects, reducing the flow of new professionals to the construction sector.
Obstacles for young engineers
Tejada also pointed out that newly graduated engineers face difficulties in accessing public projects, especially in the contracting and bidding processes.
As he explained, many of the financial requirements demanded to participate in public works are practically impossible to meet for professionals who are just starting their careers.
“Many young people do not see a future in Civil Engineering because the public procurement system makes it difficult for newly graduated professionals to participate in tenders or gain experience in construction projects,” he said.
In his view, this situation creates a circle of exclusion: young engineers cannot participate in projects due to a lack of experience or financial backing, but at the same time they cannot gain experience because they cannot access job opportunities.
Impact on the construction sector
The construction sector relies heavily on specialized professionals to ensure structural safety, urban planning, and technical supervision of works.
The reduction in Civil Engineering enrollment could translate, in the medium term, into greater competition for specialized talent, increases in labor costs, and delays in project execution.
Furthermore, experts warn that the lack of trained professionals can affect the quality of construction and compliance with technical standards, especially in a country where real estate and tourism development maintains a constant rate of expansion.
A challenge for the country's development
Civil Engineering is part of the STEM careers, an acronym for (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), considered internationally fundamental for economic growth and technological development.
When student participation in these areas is limited, the effects can be felt years later in key sectors such as infrastructure, transportation, housing, and land planning.
According to CODIA, reversing this trend requires improving working conditions in the sector, reviewing public procurement mechanisms, and strengthening opportunities for young engineers, with the goal of ensuring the sustainability of urban and infrastructure development in the country.
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