Gov. Rick Snyder on Monday unveiled a series of actions and recommendations that will give Michigan students better access to career pathways.

The move is expected to expand and strengthen career technical education statewide.

Among the recommendations: Set up a job-readiness course for middle schoolers, recruit more professional trades instructors, and expand job training statewide.

"We all have an important role in making sure every student has the opportunity to explore multiple pathways to find a career that matches their interests and goals," Snyder said.

"We call this effort the Michigan Career Pathways Alliance because we are bringing together not just TED and the Education Department, but employers and educators, K-12 districts with higher education, union leaders and businesses."

The move is expected to close Michigan's talent gap. About 100,000 jobs are posted an unfilled in the state today, a situation that is particularly acute in the skilled trades.

"We need to change the perceptions of the professional trades so students, parents and others know about the outstanding opportunities that are out there as Michigan businesses grow and thrive," said Roger Curtis, director of Talent and Economic Development.

"But that's only part of the job. Once we've shattered stereotypes, we need to have a stronger system in place for students to determine the best pathway for them, then have access to the rigorous training to get them to the job they want - no matter where they live."

Curtis and State Superintendent Brian Whiston have been working with stakeholders on the recommendations.

Many of the recommendations, including increased funding for high school and at-risk students, a focus on competency-based learning, and more access to postsecondary learning, were adopted by the state Legislature during the budget process.

Whiston on Monday signed a directive setting some of the actions in place immediately. Others are recommendations that would require legislative changes, or would be the first steps in an important discussion about addressing long-term challenges.