SANTO DOMINGO – The Office for the Reorganization of Transportation (OPRET) and the Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) announced today progress in formalizing an inter-institutional agreement to develop specialized higher education programs in the railway sector. This initiative aims to train professionals in key areas of the sector, anticipating the growing demand for skilled labor for the development of the national railway system.
In a recent meeting between representatives of both institutions, led by the executive director of Opret, Rafael Santos Pérez, and the academic vice-rector of PUCMM, Julio Augusto Ferrera, in which the dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Jesús de Nazaret Ramírez, and specialized technical staff of the institution also participated, various proposals to structure these programs were discussed.
Among the options being considered are integrating specialized subjects into existing engineering programs, providing advanced technical training through the TEP (Technical Professional Education) program, and developing a postgraduate program in railway engineering. Discussions are ongoing, with the goal of ensuring training that meets the current and future needs of the sector.
Engineer Rafael Santos Pérez, executive director of OPRET, emphasized the importance of this agreement with PUCMM, highlighting that it will contribute to building the foundation of the human resources needed by the railway sector in the country. The training of national professionals will allow the country to reduce its dependence on international services and strengthen local capabilities to address the expansion of the railway system.
“This new agreement adds to other efforts already underway by Opret to strengthen technical training in the railway sector,” highlighted Engineer Santos Pérez.
For its part, PUCMM, recognized for its excellence in engineering education, reaffirms its commitment to the country's development through this collaboration. Although the details of the agreement are still under discussion, this initiative represents a crucial step in positioning the Dominican Republic as a leading center for railway training.
Agreement
Currently, OPRET maintains an agreement with the National Institute for Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP), in collaboration with the DB Rail Academy of Germany, to train specialized technicians at the Mamá Tingó Training Center. This program focuses on providing technical and practical training in the areas of railway maintenance and operation, as a way to ensure that the country has qualified personnel to support the growth of the transportation system.
