Thanks to the best labor market experts in the nation, by every measure, DEED has blown the lid off the skills myth with its meticulous research. A good analogy is this: if you have $15,000 to spend on a truck and start shopping only to discover you can't buy a good truck with only $15,000. It doesn't mean there is a shortage of trucks!

Yes, employers surely need to step up, train employees and do their part to ensure a competitive workforce. But the fact remains skills gaps are emerging in today's economy, and a solution that’s proven to make a difference in helping the economy thrive is investing in career and technical education (CTE). CTE programs, whether at the secondary, post-secondary or other educational level, boost student achievement and deliver increased career and earning potential. CTE also produces workers for the open jobs of today, and boosts business productivity and economic status as a result. Whether it's sewing or shop class, or another one of the many varied CTE career paths, it all makes a significant difference to students, communities and the economy. The Industry Workforce Needs Council is a new organization of businesses working together to spotlight skills gaps and advocate/kick off CTE programs that work to curb the problem. For more information, or to join the effort, visit the IWNC website. Jason Sprenger, for the IWNC

There are way too many generalizations in these conclusions to add any value to our vision. I hope we didn't pay too much for it. I don't think the gov't should spend too much time studying private sector issues--as they are out of the loop, with no real insights. If the gov't could solve the public school issues (which they own), we'd all be just fine.