GovernorGretchen Whitmer says Michigan has encouraged students to seek four-year college degrees at the expense of encouraging careers in skilled trades. As Rick Pluta reports. the Whitmer administration says that’s cost the state’s economy, employers, and workers.
Governor Whitmer toured a Detroit community college to make her point. She says less than half of high school graduates in Michigan seek advanced schooling. And she says that means many lost opportunities, even during good economic times.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do. This is a cultural thing that we’ve got to overcome.”
Whitmer says that’s true of older adults who might also be interested in careers in technical fields, such as mechanics, electricians, and medical and dental assistants. These are careers that usually require professional certification but not four-year degrees. She also says more certified technology-proficient workers would also attract more high-end employers to the state.
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— Rick Pluta is the Managing Editor and Reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
