PROCIGAR and INFOTEP have officially inaugurated the PROCIGAR–INFOTEP School of Tobacco Artisans in Tamboril, Santiago, marking a new workforce development initiative aimed at supporting the long-term sustainability of the Dominican premium cigar industry.
The school is designed to address a growing need for formally trained cigar artisans by providing structured, technical instruction aligned with internationally recognized industry standards. The initial phase of the program includes four groups focused on premium cigar manufacturing, serving a total of 88 participants. Each group will complete 135 hours of hands-on training covering all major stages of cigar production, including tobacco selection and processing, bunching, pressing, wrapper application, finishing techniques, and quality control.
PROCIGAR President Litto Gómez said the initiative reflects the industry’s responsibility to preserve craftsmanship and continuity.
“This school was born out of necessity,” Gómez stated. “The Dominican cigar industry depends on the knowledge, discipline, and craftsmanship of its artisans. To guarantee quality, prestige, and long-term sustainability, we must train tobacco workers according to international standards established by PROCIGAR. This institution ensures that the art of cigar making is preserved, strengthened, and passed on with excellence.”
Beyond technical instruction, the curriculum also includes education on tobacco culture and its role in the Dominican economy, along with a values-based framework emphasizing professionalism, responsibility, and discipline. Graduates are expected to gain access to employment opportunities within one of the country’s most significant export sectors.
The school operates with flexible scheduling, offering morning, afternoon, evening, and Saturday sessions to improve accessibility for students. According to representatives from INFOTEP, the project is expected to have a positive economic impact on the local community while serving as a model for public-private collaboration within the country’s manufacturing sector.
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