With the addition of two new areas of study to prepare intermediate level technicians and skilled workers, options developed by the Ministry of Education (MINED) have reached a total of 97 for the 2014-2015 academic year. Deputy Minister Kenelma Carvajal explained to Granma that these additions reflect a continuing policy to expand options at vocational schools, which have an enrollment of over 80,000 students. The 20 areas of study added last year will continue to accept students, while newly available options are programs for technicians in Physical Planning in all provinces, and for secondary school Science laboratory assistants (Chemistry, Physics and Biology). Also beginning in September is a program for 12th grade graduates interested in becoming skilled workers in the pharmaceutical industry. The deputy minister indicated that the program will be launched with a capacity for 40 students at Gervasio Cabrera Polytech, located in the Havana neighborhood of Cotorro.
