With the aim of accompanying companies in the training of their staff, the Ministry of Labor recently announced the launch of “Support for the flexible employment system“, a program through which young employees between 18 and 35 years old will be paid the minimum wage for up to three months while they receive training or training labor, as part of their selection process prior to being hired.
These salaries will be paid directly by the Dominican government using the proceeds from a $38 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), organization that supports the initiative.
Of these funds, 25.6 million will be intended for the component “Support for employability“, which includes traininginternships and job training. The remaining amount will be used to strengthen the technology, infrastructure and modernization component of employment services, the institution explained when consulted.
“It’s going to pay the companyso that the company pays the worker,” explained the Minister of Labor, Eddy Olivareswho indicated that this will occur after the formalization of a contract with the company, followed by monitoring during the project to verify compliance.
The project aims to improve the labor insertion of young people through the trainingtraining and earning a real experience in the formal market.
Benefit to interns
The initiative, which is part of the project RD-Workcontemplates impacting those who enter as interns. In a first phase, a training paid through the Technical Vocational Training Institute (Infotep), lasting about three months, in addition to professional internships of up to two months in companies.
“It is important to clarify that these practices do not constitute a formal employment relationship. In addition, participants are given a stipend for expenses,” Olivares explained.
Even so, it is encouraged that trained employees-who are also included legal benefits during the program – are subsequently hired.
To access the program, companies must register through the RD-Trabaja website (rdtrabaja.mt.gob.do), or in person through the Territorial Employment Offices of the Ministry of Labor.
In the selection criteria, companies that promote formal employment, coming from sectors with high productive potential, are prioritized. An additional focus will be taken on those that promote the inclusion of women, people with disabilities and the promotion of green jobs. To qualify, companies must meet the following requirements:
Be legally constituted.
Be registered in the Integrated Labor Records System (Sirla).
Be up to date with taxes and work obligations.
Have active vacancies and appoint a program supervisor.
