President Obama visits Macomb Community College

Obama urged the nation to boost investments in community college and apprenticeships Thursday at an appearance in Michigan — even as incomes lag and many blue collar workers are struggling.

Audience members listen.

Obama spoke to 1,000 at Macomb Community College — the place where he made his first trip to Michigan after taking office in July 2009 — as well as a campaign appearance in May 2008 to tout manufacturing.

President Obama speaks at Macomb Community College about a plan to offer two years of community college free.

Lawmakers, from left, Dr. Jill Biden, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel listen to the president's speech.

Nine-year-old Filip Mijac of Sterling Heights was one of the 1,000 people in attendance at the speech.

“Every American willing to work hard should have a shot at higher education,” Obama said “... It’s not enough just to have the same skills for 30 years because what (worked) 30 years ago is not going to work now.”

President Obama speaks at Macomb Community College.

Approximately 1,000 people were in attendance at the event.

People struggle to shake hands with the president after his speech.

Air Force One arrives at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

President Obama salutes as he walks off Air Force One.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan was one of the dignitaries welcoming President Obama to Michigan.

Dr. Jill Biden and President Barack Obama get a tour from Holger Ekanger, Director at M-TEC for Workforce and Continuing Education, Engineering & Advanced Technology.

The president listens during a tour of Macomb Community College’s Michigan Technical Education Center, the college’s headquarters for its engineering and advanced technology workforce and continuing education team.

Holger Ekanger, a director at M-TEC, left, Jim Hielscher,business owner and teacher, student Natalie Heacock of Clinton Township, Jill Biden and President Obama tour Macomb Community College’s Michigan Technical Education Center.

Obama meets student Philip Gates of Richmond. Gates programmed a robot to write the letters USA on a white sketch pad on an easel as a demonstration for the president.

The road to Macomb Community College was lined with spectators watching the presidential motorcade zoom past.

Dr. Jill Biden introduces the president.

Dr. Jill Biden, a college instructor, talks about education.

President Barack Obama walks up onto the stage to give a speech at Macomb Community College.

President Barack Obama gives a speech at Macomb Community College.

President Barack Obama gives a speech at Macomb Community College.

President Barack Obama touts a plan to provide free two years of community college.

The president mingles with the crowd.

The president shakes hands after his speech.

President Barack Obama and Dr. Jill Biden wave goodbye from Air Force One.

Air Force One sits on the tarmac at Selfridge.