MACKINAC ISLAND, MI (AP)-- Detroit's bankruptcy and Michigan's bumpy roads are big topics at a business policy conference on Mackinac Island.
But another priority is a shortage of skilled workers. The "skills gap" means tens of thousands of jobs aren't being filled due to a lack of qualified candidates.
Governor Rick Snyder said Thursday that it's a "huge" national problem and Michigan must address the "massive disconnect." He says many of the unfilled jobs would pay $50,000 to $80,000 jobs a year.
Snyder says he's held economic summits to facilitate collaboration between business and colleges or technical institutes, but it's "still not good enough."
He says emphasizing the importance of university degrees in science and math was important, but Michigan hasn't equally underscored the importance of skilled trades and career technical programs.
