Orion's November 2017 eNewsletter
 
 







Angela, former Orion Program Participant, now works at AIM Areospace. 
 
Angela    

Angela has been with AIM Aerospace in Auburn, WA, for five months. She has crossed trained in several positions but spends most of her time bonding and marking index sleeves on air ducts, or bonding ducts together. Angela said, "The hands-on training I received at Orion let me know what to expect at AIM, and the experience I got at Orion let me start at AIM at a good wage."

Working retail for a little while in 2004 was enough for Angela. She likes to work with her hands, and prefers jobs where she does not have contact with the general public. She worked at Brown & Haley making Almond Roca for several years, but her schedule was not the same day to day, and she had to work long hours to meet the seasonal demand of the product. She started thinking about a career change that would give her a better work/life balance. She met someone who came through Orion's paid training program and decided to come for a tour to check it out.

During her training at Orion, Angela never missed a day. She was excited to gain manufacturing experience, and worked to learn as much as she could. In addition to gaining practical experience in several areas, she also took Shop Math and Measurement Tools classes at Orion. Angela said, "I learned a great deal during my time at Orion, but probably the most important thing I learned is how to be on time every day, and how important it is to show up every day."

Dru Fleming, Angela's Job Developer at Orion, exclaimed, "I'm not surprised that Angela is doing so well with AIM. Angela gave it her all at Orion, and that has translated to AIM!"

Over the years, Orion Industries has maintained a relationship with AIM Aerospace. Orion's training program prepares clients to be successful in the work force, while AIM promotes a positive environment that attracts, motivates, engages, develops and retains team members. This combination has yielded great results, and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship.

To learn more about AIM Aerospace please follow the link:
 



 

 Gordon at work in Orion's Auburn Manufacturing Training Program.
 
Gordon  was referred to Orion by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). He came for a tour of Orion's Manufacturing Training program and decided that it would provide him with some good experience. Gordon said, "I worked for DHSH as an office assistant for eight years. I haven't worked in a manufacturing environment; the tour helped me to know what to expect, and that I didn't need to be intimidated."

Once Gordon was able to start the paid training program, his confidence grew as he gained practical work experience . He worked one-on-one with his mentors, who helped him overcome his barriers. He started in Orion's Vibra Burr room deburring parts and quickly progressed to Clamp Block Assembly. 
Gordon working in Clamp Block Assembly.
"My mentor showed me how to overcome being frustrated. I learned when to ask for help, and equally important, I learned how to ask for help.  The directions provided by the supervisors were valuable, and they took the time to show me how to do something correctly. I found that making a mistake can be Ok if you learn from it," Gordon explained.  

As Gordon progressed through the training program he came to a point where he turned a corner; he became the person others went to when they needed help. Gordon said, "Everyone works as a team, and supervisors and co-workers will help when it's needed. I surprised myself when I realized I had enough experience and confidence that now I can be the person who helps others." 

Cathy Wegner, Gordon's Job Developer, said, "It has been great to see Gordon grow. Orion has broadened the types of jobs that he can look for and be successful in."

Gordon is interested in returning to an office setting, and is also considering packaging work. If you are interested in learning more about Gordon or would like to see his resume, call  Cathy Wegner at 253-661-7805 or email her at  cathy.wegner@orionworks.org.


Orion classes available!

Orion contracts with companies around the King and Pierce County area to provide classes, such as blueprint reading. Companies can send their staff to Orion for classes at our facility, or we can send our instructors on-site. If you're interested in finding out more about how this can benefit your staff, please contact Orion's Training Program Manager, Cynthia Kim, at 253-661-7805.

 


Program tours are available!

Orion Industries, Auburn, currently has openings available in all of our training programs:
If you are working with someone who would benefit from this training program, please have them attend our weekly tour - Monday at 9am!
  • Our Office Skills & Customer Service Program offers students exposure to computer training, customer service training and keyboarding / 10-key skills training. It utilizes a self-directed model, in a small classroom setting, with instructor support. Each Friday, interactive group customer service discussions are led by the instructor. Students are offered a daily stipend of $10 for class attendance.
Orion has multiple open spots for direct job placement support services to individuals not in our training programs. If you are interested in direct job placement services, please contact a Job Developer at 253-661-7805.


Orion in REDF Portfolio 

REDF Portfolio.
 
Orion Industries is proud to be one of 22 organizations in the REDF portfolio. To learn more please follow the link: 

http://redf.org/redf-announces-new-nation-wide-portfolio/

Orion Participates in REDF Retreat

Cynthia Kim making candles at Bright Endeavors.
 
Orion staff participated in the REDF portfolio annual retreat. The REDF portfolio includes 22 social enterprises  from around the US.  During the retreat, Cynthia Kim was able to make candles at Bright Endeavors, a fellow REDF portfolio member. Support them in your holiday shopping! 

https://brightendeavors.org/

Orion Contact Center Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Pumpkin contest entries.
Agents in Orion's Contact Center participated in a pumpkin decorating contest. The winning entries were Mike Serrano in first place, Ryan McGinness in second place, and Ruston Gibson-Church in third place. Congratulations all!
Reverse Trick-or-Treating

From left to right: Cynthia Kim, Lavada Colon, Anne Bosse, Mandi Magers, Shawn Christensen, and Jason "Bacon" Person.
In what can only be described as reverse trick-or-treating, costumed Orion team members visited staff and program participants to pass out candy and treats on October 31st. 

Orion Links

 
Orion Industries, Auburn
1590 A Street NE
Auburn, WA 98002
Orion Industries, Mukilteo
13008 Beverly Park Rd
Mukilteo, WA 98275