Iberostar Expands Career Training Opportunities for Young Dominicans

Developing skilled local talent is becoming an increasingly important priority for the Dominican Republic’s hospitality industry. Against this backdrop, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has highlighted two professional development initiatives aimed at helping young Dominicans gain practical experience and build careers in the hotel sector.

The company presented its Dual Vocational Training program (FP Dual) and Young Graduate Program (YGP) during a working breakfast with media representatives at the Brave Restaurant, inside Iberostar Selection Bávaro Resort in Punta Cana. The meeting focused on the programs’ objectives, training opportunities and potential contribution to the development of future hospitality professionals.

Two Programs Designed to Develop Local Talent

The presentation was led by Heidy Contreras, Iberostar’s human resources director in the Dominican Republic, and Bilma Barrera, the company’s recruitment and selection manager in the country. Paula Guimarães, head of corporate communications for the Americas, also met with local journalists during the event.

The two initiatives address different stages of professional development. Dual vocational training combines classroom instruction with practical experience in a working environment, allowing participants to apply technical knowledge while becoming familiar with hotel operations. The model is designed to connect education more closely with the skills employers need.

Iberostar joined the Dominican Republic’s ProDual initiative through the National Institute for Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP) in December 2025. A report on the company’s local training activities indicated that 16 Dominican students were participating in the dual-training model, while another 64 trainees were gaining experience through internships and educational partnerships.

Young Graduate Program Offers a Path Into Hotel Management

The Young Graduate Program is aimed at recent university graduates interested in developing careers in hotel management. The 12-month training pathway includes rotations across different departments, giving participants a broader understanding of hotel operations, including accommodation, food and beverage, administration and management.

Participants also receive guidance from an internal mentor and work on a final project intended to deliver practical value to the business. The program is designed to develop leadership, operational knowledge and a wider understanding of how a hotel operates.

Iberostar launched the initiative in 2025 for graduates in tourism, business administration and related fields, with placements in destinations including the Dominican Republic, Spain and Mexico. The company has also published information about the program and opportunities through its official Young Graduate Program page.

Hospitality Training and Employment Opportunities in the Dominican Republic

The initiatives reflect a broader connection between professional education and the needs of the Dominican tourism industry. Hotels require trained employees across a wide range of functions, from guest services and food operations to maintenance, administration and management. Programs combining academic preparation with workplace experience can help young people understand these career paths while developing skills relevant to employers.

INFOTEP has identified dual vocational training as a way to strengthen employability and improve the connection between technical education and business requirements. Its model brings companies and training institutions together so that students can develop competencies in real working environments.

For Iberostar, the investment in professional development also supports closer relationships with the communities surrounding its hotels. The company says its initiatives are intended to expand access to training, encourage professional growth and help prepare a new generation of workers for an evolving tourism industry.

Connecting Local Communities With the Future of Tourism

The meeting in Bávaro provided an opportunity for Iberostar executives to explain the company’s approach to talent development and strengthen communication with local media. The discussion also highlighted the role of training in building stronger links between hotel operations and the communities where the company operates.

As the Dominican Republic continues to rely on tourism as a major source of economic activity and employment, developing qualified local professionals remains an important part of the sector’s long-term needs. Initiatives such as dual vocational training and graduate development programs offer one way to connect young Dominicans with career opportunities in hospitality.