Procigar Launches Cigar Workers School in Partnership with Dominican Government
Facing a significant shortage of skilled cigar rollers and bunchers, Procigar, the leading trade association for the Dominican Republic’s cigar industry, has joined forces with the Instituto Nacional de Formación Técnico Profesional (INFOTEP) to address the issue. Together, they have established a new vocational school dedicated to training adults for careers in cigar factories.
The school has launched its first course this month, offering a three-month training program focused on preparing individuals for roles as cigar rollers or bunchers. To accommodate a diverse range of students, classes are held twice daily, with both day and evening sessions available. The school is located in Tamboril, a part of Santiago well-known for its concentration of cigar factories. According to Litto Gomez, co-founder of La Flor Dominicana and president of Procigar, the first cohort is expected to graduate around 40 new workers.
Though Procigar initiated the program alongside INFOTEP, graduates will have the freedom to seek employment at any cigar factory of their choosing. Gomez mentioned that students will receive information about various factories and their contacts to assist them in pursuing opportunities that best align with their interests. Upon completing the program, each student will receive a certificate from INFOTEP, which is expected to significantly ease the hiring process, especially given the high demand for skilled workers in the Dominican cigar industry.
Beyond training rollers and bunchers, the school is set to expand its offerings. Starting in January, a new program will be introduced to train individuals in pre-industry roles, covering the vital processes of curing and preparing tobacco before it is ready to be rolled. The next phase could potentially include training for current workers, enabling them to advance to supervisory positions. Like the rollers and bunchers, students in these future programs will also graduate with a recognised certificate from INFOTEP.
All of this training is provided free of charge, as INFOTEP is funded by the Dominican government through a 1 percent payroll tax and other initiatives. Gomez praised INFOTEP for its swift response to the industry’s call for assistance. While cigar factories have long been key contributors to INFOTEP’s funding, this marks the first time a dedicated program has been created specifically to train cigar factory workers. The rapid establishment of the school is a testament to the importance of this initiative for both the cigar industry and the local workforce.
This partnership between Procigar and the Dominican government is expected to have a significant impact on the future of cigar production in the region, addressing labour shortages and providing new opportunities for aspiring workers.
