What does success look like for program participants in Orion’s training programs? It can mean learning new skills and overcoming barriers while gaining confidence and self-esteem. The goal of the program is to help individuals through the process of becoming job ready, and then assist them in locating a position with a community employer. For Finley, success looks like this and more.
Finley came to Orion through the Washington State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). After leaving the US Army he had a great union position as a glazer, but unfortunately while recovering after a car accident a medical condition was discovered that prevents him from continuing to work in that field.
Faced with starting over in a different industry, Finley was unsure of the steps he needed to take to pursue a new career path. He knew that his construction and manufacturing experience had provided him with a strong mechanical aptitude but was uncertain of how to expand his skills to make him competitive in the job market. His DVR counselor recommended Orion’s paid training program as way for him to gain the skills he needed. After touring the program, he signed up and got started.
While in Orion’s Manufacturing Training Program Finley gained experience in Conventional Machining, CNC Machining, Mechanical Assembly and Finishing. “Working one-on-one with a mentor was great,” Finley recalled. “Knowing that I had someone to turn to when I had a question, who would help me learn the correct way to do the job was an incredible benefit.”
Working one-on-one with a mentor was great. Knowing that I had someone to turn to when I had a question, who would help me learn the correct way to do the job was an incredible benefit.
– Finley / Manufacturing Graduate
Finley completed his training and was successfully placed in a position in 2018. Unfortunately, the job fit did not turn out as expected and he found himself looking for employment again. After searching on his own and working a series of temporary jobs on and off again, Finley decided to reach out to Orion and see if we could help him again. After meeting with his Orion Job Developer in March of 2020, it was decided that rather than having him enter the training program again they would conduct his job search as a direct placement. “Orion’s Job Developers have a lot of resources,” Finley explained. “They can help you find opportunities that you wouldn’t even know were there otherwise.”
Finley and his job developer discussed the type of work, location, commute and hours that he was looking for to ensure that she could help him find a job with a better fit. After discussing opportunities and updating his resume his job developer worked to set up interviews that were within his profile.
Finley was able land a position at HD Supply as a Forklift Operator doing warehouse work at the end of March and is currently being trained to become a lead in his department!
“Anybody who comes to Orion for training should take advantage of all that the program offers,” Finley related. “If you learn as much as you can while working in as many different areas possible you will gain the skills that are needed to find something better on the other side.”
Congratulations Finley!
