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Manufacturing Training

Benson

Finding a good job match can be a challenge, but this is a challenge that Benson is focused on overcoming. Benson has faced many challenges in his life, and has shown the grace, patience and gratitude necessary to meet each one. After emigrating to America from Kenya with his wife, they experienced a series of events that resulted in them becoming homeless and at times going hungry. Benson met this challenge by finding a tiny house village that they could stay in while they got their feet under them again. Benson said, “Coming to America was really an experience. I’ve grown through tough times, and I now realize I’m tougher than I thought.”

Benson learned about Orion’s training program when Orion’s Intake & Outreach Coordinator gave a presentation at the tiny house village. Benson saved a flyer that had been given him and after spending a few months getting his documentation in order, attended a tour of Orion’s program, and he decided to sign up for the training. Benson said, “When I came for the tour it really impressed me to find all kinds of good-natured people. I couldn’t wait!”

While in the training program, Benson has gained valuable experience in Finish Line, Clamp Block and Planning. He has also taken classes in Shop Math and Blueprint Reading. Benson has demonstrated that he puts the knowledge he has gained to good use. When overtime work is available Benson is always on of the first to sign up. He has proven himself to have an outstanding work ethic and as a result was recognized with Orion’s Worker of the Month Award for June 2019.

“My first mentor, McKenzie, showed me that everything was possible. At Orion I realized I have hidden talents I never knew I had. Working with my hands is something I enjoy; my hands work better than I thought!”

Benson would have to wake at 3:00am each day in order to make it to Orion on time for the start of each shift. But this is something he did every day without fail. Benson showed tremendous dedication and has had excellent attendance. Being in Orion’s paid training program provided the stability and resources that Benson and his wife needed to be able to leave the tiny house village and move to their own place. “Since being with Orion I have moved into an apartment and my outlook has improved,” Benson explained. “It means so much to have the freedom to come and go as I please, and for my wife to be able to cook as she needs to.”

I’m working to give my family a better life. Having a little money, or having a lot, doesn’t really matter. The value is in what you are doing with what you do have. I send what money I can back to my children. They have to go to school, then college. Every day we pray for our children to join us, because we can’t go back.

– Benson / Orion Job Seeker

Benson’s children are growing up without seeing their parents. He and his wife have not seen their children for three years. This is a sacrifice Benson is making because he recognizes the value of what he is doing. “I’m working to give my family a better life,” Benson related. “Having a little money, or having a lot, doesn’t really matter. The value is in what you are doing with what you do have. I send what money I can back to my children. They have to go to school, then college. Every day we pray for our children to join us, because we can’t go back.”

Orion’s training program helps participants gain confidence and build self-esteem while they are learning valuable skills. “Orion’s program has taught me that many barriers are only in the mind; I’ve learned that I can do anything if given the chance.” Benson explained. “Discovering that I’m more valuable than I had considered myself to be has been a real surprise. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”

After hours Benson has dedicated himself to learning Microsoft Office products and QuickBooks. He has decades of pen and paper bookkeeping experience and knows that while he has a strong practical foundation, he was lacking the digital skills that are in demand in the job market. Initially Benson would spend an hour each day after his shift learning on his own time in Orion’s Office Skills classroom. He has since acquired a computer and continues his learning in the evenings at home.

Benson stated, “All I ask for is the chance to prove what I can do, and Orion has given me that chance.”

If you would like to learn more about Benson and how he can benefit your team, or if you would like to see his resume, please contact Lavada Kindle at 253.661.7805 x262 or email her at lavada.kindle@orionworks.org.

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