In the past, nails were used more often as fasteners, but screws – along with drivers and drills – have improved so much in the last few decades. There is such a wide variety of applications and finishes, they can now can be used for almost any application. We all know the miracle of a …
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There are some really fantastic YouTube videos online that give incredibly useful building project examples and tips from talented craftsmen. Whether you’re searching for some guidance, or just want to be entertained, these are some channels to peek at: The Essential Craftsman Scott Wadsworth from Roseburg Oregon hosts videos related to blacksmithing, general construction, …
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Published in Oregon Business As chair of the Workforce and Talent Development Board for the state of Oregon, I understand the importance of improved alignment between the workforce needs of our business community and the talent development that our education and training system provides. In the midst of this record-setting economic growth period, businesses are …
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More and more students are starting to consider work in the trades again, rather than going to college for traditional blue collar work after graduation. That’s because the labor gap has helped make the trades a more competitive career path. And if you’re a fan of Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs, you know that he’s …
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Negotiating a better offer in the trades can be tricky, especially if it’s a union job. The key is to really understand why you’re going back to renegotiate. Just because you know that trade labor is in high demand, doesn’t mean that they’ll pay you more just because you want more money. They have their …
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There’s a ton of great ways to use your tools creatively! Thank goodness, because sometimes you need to modify a tool or use it in the way it wasn’t exactly intended in order to get the job done. Here’s some of our favorite ways to cleverly use your tools this summer: Hole in the Ground …
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The first impression you make is almost 100% based on your appearance. It’s not because people are shallow, but simply because they don’t know you yet! They can’t judge you on character until they’ve had a chance to interact with you and get to know you more. Until then, style is how you communicate with …
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As you know, Madden helps all kinds of craftsmen find good work, Whether you’re a millwright, mechanic, carpenter, engineers, machinist, or welder, we’ve got access to permanent, temp to permanent, and temporary assignments. And, with the new Madden Apprenticeship Program, we’ve got opportunities for apprentice placement too. This gives our employer clients lots of options …
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Nationwide, only about 7% of the trades are made up of women, and in Portland, OR, it’s only slightly higher at 9%. Many women haven’t traditionally considered a job in the trades, largely because there’s not a lot of examples in popular culture that depict female construction workers, truck drivers, and other blue collar jobs. …
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Showing that you’re confident and comfortable with yourself is one of the best skills in life, whether you’re looking for a job, date, or success of any kind. Confidence really does start on the inside, so start by being self-aware and unafraid to simply be the man that you are. However, body language can help …
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If you’ve been working in an office and dreaming of getting your hands dirty, you’re not alone! Even though white collar work has been pushed hard in schools over the last 20 years, more workers are realizing that blue collar jobs are just as rewarding. If you’ve been wondering about starting or changing to a …
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According to recent reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there’s been a decline in the amount of employer-reported workplace injuries and illnesses in 2017, and fatal injuries have also declined almost a whole percentage point from the year prior. So the question is, are work sites really getting safer, and why? Here’s some things …
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Good employee training is becoming more and more crucial at a time when the labor market is tightening, and many skills taught might not even be applicable or needed in the near future. The skills gap is quickly changing due to the rise of digital automation and
If you’ve thought about going into the trades, becoming a welder is a lucrative career. A welder generally cuts or fuses together metal through the use of various machines that create intense heat – often handheld. They may also smooth and polish the metal surfaces once they’ve been welded
While more and more of the workforce is becoming prepared to work in a white collar office job, there is an ever-increasing need for the blue collar worker in the trades. White collar work has been pushed hard in schools over the last 20 years! Because of that, along with a building boom and retiring …
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