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Punta Caucedo, DR.- The Dominican Republic's aviation industry reached new heights on December 6 when the Third Aeronautical Sector Job Fair welcomed more than 1,000 young professionals and job seekers from across the country. Organized by the Higher Academy of Aeronautical Sciences (ASCA) at the Norge Botello Aeronautical Complex, the event connected aspiring professionals with professional opportunities in one of the most dynamic sectors in the country.
This year's fair brought together 25 private companies and public institutions from the Dominican aviation ecosystem, offering a range of job vacancies tailored to young talents eager to join the industry.
Uniting talent and opportunities
Miguel Mejía, deputy director of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) and director of Sustainable Development, represented the general director of IDAC, Igor Rodríguez Durán. Together with Clara Fernández, director of ASCA, Mejía praised the impact of the event, emphasizing its importance as a platform for professional growth and economic empowerment.
“This event is more than a job fair; “It is a meeting point between young talent and the aeronautical industry, a key sector that drives the economic and social development of our nation,” said Mejía.
Fernández noted that the initiative continues to exceed expectations year after year, with more than 80% of applicants securing positions at participating organizations. He highlighted that many of these successful candidates are ASCA graduates, underscoring the academy's critical role in cultivating a qualified workforce for the aviation sector.
Miguel Mejía, Deputy Director of IDAC, representing the General Director, Igor Rodríguez Durán; Yildis Almonte, Director of Planning and Development; Maribel López, Director of Human Resources; Clara Fernández, Director of ASCA; Juana Iris Rodríguez, Director of Transparency and Citizen Services; and Yeymi Portes Perdomo, Legal Director. (Photo: IDAC)
Inspiring and preparing the next generation
In addition to job interviews, attendees participated in ASCA Talks, a series of practical and motivational sessions designed to improve their professional preparation, including “Becoming the Candidate Companies Want to Hire,” presented by Maribel López, Director of Human Resources from IDAC; “Fostering a Culture of Workplace Inclusion”, led by Rafael Tejada, facilitator of the National Disability Council; and “Aviation: The calling that gave me a purpose”, taught by Alvin Monegro, Operational Safety Manager of the Punta Cana International Airport.
ASCA records show a steady increase in successful placements, with 243 candidates landing jobs in 2022 and 273 in 2023, for a total of 519 hires in two years. Companies participating in this year's fair included industry giants such as ARAJET, Sky High and Grupo Punta Cana, along with organizations such as CESAC, IDAC and DR From The Sky.
The fair was part of Dominican Aviation Week 2024, which featured training sessions, special recognitions, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Altar of the Homeland, and a Thanksgiving Mass. These activities culminated with the celebration of International Civil Aviation Day on December 7. , established by the United Nations in 1996 to highlight the importance of aviation and promote its sustainable development.
With its resounding success, the Third Aeronautical Sector Job Fair reinforced its position as a fundamental event for the Dominican Republic's aviation industry, empowering the next generation of aviation professionals to take flight.