Experts evaluate and present viable methodologies to "Dominicanize" the construction sector.
By Pedro Ardón
El Inmobiliario
SANTO DOMINGO – More than 42% of young people trained through the Ministry of Labor's First Job Program remain employed in the construction sector, marking a significant advance in the formalization of labor in the industry.
This data was revealed during the panel held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, within the framework of the presentation of the ConstruyendoRD platform, an activity organized by the Dominican Association of Housing Builders and Promoters (ACOPROVI), which brought together leading experts to discuss the policies and strategies for training and formalizing the workforce in construction.
Marie Lauren Aristy, Deputy Minister of Employment Policies at the Ministry of Labor, highlighted that the First Job Program has been key to the labor market integration of young people and vulnerable groups in the sector, with special emphasis on construction.
The figure of 42% of young people who remain employed after six months of training underlines the success of the labor integration model, and is an indication that formalization is becoming increasingly viable in a sector historically dependent on informality.
Rafael Santos, director of the National Institute for Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP), also spoke at the forum, detailing his institution's efforts to adapt technical training to the current needs of the construction sector. Santos highlighted the new educational programs in key areas such as masonry, plumbing, and construction supervision, which align with the demand for skilled labor.
For his part, Ernesto Raúl, a businessman and specialist in formalizing employment, addressed the challenge of high levels of informality in the construction industry. More than 80% of workers in the sector remain in informal employment, which jeopardizes their labor rights and social benefits.
He emphasized the importance of offering incentives to companies to join the formalization process, which would also strengthen the competitiveness and stability of the sector.
Group of exhibitors during the panel. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
Ancell Scheker Mendoza, Vice Minister of Technical and Pedagogical Services at the Ministry of Education, presented the government's efforts to improve technical and professional education in construction, highlighting that young people now have access to specialized training in key areas, which facilitates their integration into the formal labor market.
The forum concluded with a shared reflection on the need to work on three key fronts: formalizing employment, improving technical training tailored to the sector's demands, and integrating young people into formal industry jobs. These actions will not only benefit workers but will also boost the growth and sustainability of the construction sector in the Dominican Republic.
The event was attended by the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, the Minister of Housing, Carlos Bonilla, the Minister of Labor, Luis Miguel De Camps, among other personalities from the public and private sectors.
About Construyendo RD:
Construyendo RD is an initiative to strengthen the construction industry in the Dominican Republic, focusing on training and the integration of Dominicans into the workforce. Through free, short-term technical training programs, this platform aims to increase the participation of Dominicans in the industry, reducing reliance on foreign labor and contributing to the country's economic and social development.
