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Manufacturing Training

Karissa Hagan

Orion’s training programs offer a unique experience for program participants. Each person in our training programs will work with a trained mentor one-on-one while learning valuable job skills.

Orion helps people overcome barriers. Growing self-confidence is often the key to allowing a person to unlock their potential. The mentors work with participants to build small successes everyday. With time this results in participants creating a positive self-image, and a belief in themselves.

Our mentors understand that everyone is different, and each person learns in their own way.

Karissa Hagan is an Orion mentor who understands the challenge of teaching to meet different leaning styles.

“Because everyone learns differently I’ve learned to keep an open mind and to be patient,” Karissa revealed. “I feel that it is important for a mentor not to get set in their ways. Often there is more than one right way to do something. Recognizing this makes it easier to push your self to find new ways to teach.”

Mentors rely on each other often. When something may be hidden from view, a second set of eyes can give the perspective that is needed to see a solution. Mentors will check in with other mentors to identify the best method to overcome a difficulty.

Even though mentors do work one-on-one with clients, I’ve never felt that I’m alone in this. I’m part of a team. It’s all of us doing our job, supporting each other, that provides the environment where our program participants find the help they need.

– Karissa Hagan / Orion Mentor

“Even though mentors do work one-on-one with clients, I’ve never felt that I’m alone in this,” Karissa explained. “I’m part of a team. It’s all of us doing our job, supporting each other, that provides the environment where our program participants find the help they need.”

Orion’s training program features over 70 mentors. In addition Orion has vocational counselors, instructors, and job developers who are available to support the mentors and program participants.

“Being a mentor has allowed me to learn about myself too,” Karissa expressed. “I’ve learned that I tend to be straight to the point and direct in a work environment. As a result I’ve worked on being approachable. We are here to help and teach people, and to do that I have to be willing to learn also.”

The impact that Orion’s training program provides is valuable for both the program participant and the mentor. Karissa said, “It has been humbling for me to be in a position where I can help people.”

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