Apprenticeship News - Madden Craftsmen

Is College Worth It?: What the Trades Offer Above Higher Education

With rising tuition costs and an increasingly competitive workforce, it’s no secret that many people are starting to question the value of a college education. For decades, it was widely accepted that a college degree was the most secure path towards a rewarding career. Now, many high schoolers are turning their attention towards alternatives like … Continue reading

How to Become “One of the Crew” When Joining a New Team

Joining a new team is a nerve-wracking process for craftsmen. With teamwork and collaboration being a key elements in the construction industry, it’s common for teams to have a strong sense of camaraderie. This tight-knit component is amazing when you’re on the inside but can be a bit daunting when you’re trying to prove yourself … Continue reading

Why the Post-Pandemic Economy is the Best Time to Join the Construction Industry

It can be tough to get your bearings when there’s so much talk of uncertainty and fear going around. In reality, things are looking brighter than they ever have following the pandemic, especially for craftsmen. In fact, now might just be the best time to enter the construction industry! Don’t believe us? Well, we’ll prove … Continue reading

Top 4 Seattle Fishing Holes

There’s nothing quite like getting lost in the great outdoors to recharge the batteries after a long stint on the job. With all of the natural beauty surrounding Seattle, there’s no shortage of great fishing spots. There’s something relaxing about being outside, listening to the sounds of nature, breathing in the fresh air, and taking … Continue reading

Toughest Gear to Tackle the Bitter Winter Months

The winter months in the northeast are cold and bitter. But while others are cuddling up around the fireplace, you’re out there braving the elements getting some work done same as any other day. You don’t take a break just because Mother Nature decides to throw some colder temperatures into the mix. Your only concern … Continue reading

Why You Should Consider a Career in the Construction Industry in 2021

It’s hard to believe that 2020 has finally come to an end. With a fresh start in the New Year, you might be looking for a career change. Instead of bouncing around between unfulfilling roles, you want something that’s secure, rewarding, and meaningful. For those with an aptitude for hands-on work, the construction industry might … Continue reading

How To Become A More Valuable Craftsman – And Get Hired Faster!

Employment in construction is still growing fast, and getting more and more exciting with all the new innovations, so it’s an exciting industry to be a part of! Thanks to the labor gap and COVID, construction is in demand and it’s more likely than ever that you’ll be able to find work. But you’d be … Continue reading

How to Protect Your Construction Tools This Winter

Construction work during the winter months is hard on our body – and it’s the same thing with our tools! That’s why it’s important to protect and take extra care of your tools this season. Establishing a routine for your winter tool care will also help you from any job delays or downtime, so that … Continue reading

Outdoor Grilling In The Cold Winter

Have you been craving a barbequed steak lately? We are too! So go on now… get out that grill! You don’t have to wait until summer. Of all people that know how to survive working in the elements, it’s a good craftsman. We already keep ourselves going on a cold jobsite… so grilling should be … Continue reading

Relieving Back Aches & Pains from a Construction Job

There were over 199,000 construction injuries in 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and about 15% of those were back injuries. This is no surprise as construction work may require extended periods of lifting, pushing, pulling, twisting, and otherwise maneuvering heavy materials. Back injuries may be just about the worst because even small … Continue reading

Unexpected Interview Tips That’ll Give You The Edge

If you’ve been doing any reading on job interviews, you know what the typical advice is. Dress well to make a good first impression. Research and prepare good questions. Give ‘em a strong handshake and send a thank you note. But sometimes it’s the little things during the interview that matter the most. Here are … Continue reading

Easy Lunches On A Construction Job Site

It can be difficult for us craftsmen to get in a good lunch on a jobsite! It has to be easy and convenient to pack and eat, but also high-energy with all the calories we need to keep going on our highly physical tasks. And, let’s be honest, it sucks to have the same ol’ … Continue reading

Should Craftsmen Get A College Degree?

College has long been known for the place to broaden your mind and give you higher earning potential. However, with the rising costs of college and variety of online choices to get real-world preparation for a job, more students are looking at alternative options. Luckily, one of those options has been to consider working in … Continue reading

The Dos and Don’ts of Building A Gym At Home

If you’ve ever been frustrated that you spent more time in traffic getting back and forth to the gym than you actually spent working out, you’ve probably thought about building a mini gym for yourself at home. Especially after the CoronaVirus outbreak, gyms across the country were closed down in order to keep to social … Continue reading

Tips To Stay Sanitary On a Construction Job Site

Across most of the country, construction craftsmen were designated as part of the ‘essential’ category of workers that could continue working through the Coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, work environments of all types just haven’t been set up to keep their team sanitary and free from contaminants – including the trades. Construction job sites may have craftsmen … Continue reading