“Orion opened opportunities for me to see what I can do,” Quentin said.
Looking for his first job experience, Quentin was working with a counselor at the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Quentin’s DVR counselor recommended Orion’s Manufacturing Training program as a good way for him to get the work experience he needed. Orion’s program features paid training, and participants work one-on-one with a mentor while learning valuable technical and soft skills.
In addition to lacking work experience, Quentin is deaf and has high functioning Autism. Looking for work has been challenging. His DVR counselor knew that Orion would be an accepting environment for him. Quentin came for a tour of the program and met some of the people who would be working with him. They made sure that Quentin was comfortable communicating and got all of his questions answered.
“I liked the variation that Orion’s training program has,” Quentin recalled. “There are many different jobs and areas that you can work and learn in. My goal has been to work in as many areas as I could!”
While in the program, Quentin received training in CNC Mills, Mechanical Assembly, Shipping & Receiving, Inventory and Waterjet.
“At the beginning I felt awkward, but once I understood how to learn from a mistake my confidence grew,” Quentin related. “I learned different skills for various jobs but the most important thing I learned is that I can do these jobs and do them well.”
I learned different skills for various jobs but the most important thing I learned is that I can do these jobs and do them well.
– Quentin / Orion Job Seeker
Quentin has proven to be quick learner. Lavada Kindle, Quentin’s Job Developer at Orion said, “Quentin has been great in every part of the manufacturing floor we’ve put him in! The mentors love his work ethic. Quentin has caught on in every area with lightning speed!”
Impressed with Quentin’s attention to detail, his ability to quickly learn difficult tasks and his can-do attitude, Orion staff, mentors and his peers recognized him with the Worker of the Month Award for December 2019. The traits that Quentin embodies make him a model employee and he will be a great addition to any team.
Quentin said, “Orion gave me the chance to get the experience that I need!”
If you would like to learn more about Quentin 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.
