Orion's February 2016 eNewsletter
 
 





 

 Joelle (right) working at reception in the Orion lobby with her mentor, Kim Kime (left).
 
Joelle  was the recipient of Orion's 2015 Participant of the Year Award, in December. Joelle's success learning new computer skills in our Orion Training and Assessment Center, her hands-on training at Orion's front desk as the afternoon receptionist, and her amazing work ethic, all contributed to Joelle winning the award.
 
Joelle is proficient using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, as well as Survey Monkey. She can type 65 wpm, and her data entry/10 key skills are equally impressive at 13,500 ksph. She has mastered Orion's computerized phone system. Her front desk responsibilities include inventorying office supplies weekly, and distributing the mail daily to multiple departments. 

Joelle said, "I had to overcome a barrier that changed how I learned, and Orion helped me to refocus. I learned to get over a fear of asking questions or asking for help, and from that I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to; I just need to put in the effort and try."
 
What makes Joelle really stand out is her dedication to providing outstanding customer service to both internal and external customers.  Visitors to Orion compliment us on having such a genuinely friendly receptionist.

Joelle said, "When I came to Orion I thought I would learn new office skills. I didn't know that I would learn about me."

Joelle has proven that she will make an excellent front desk receptionist or administrative support person. She is hoping to find a position with an employer located in South King County or North Pierce County. 




 

 Dan at work on the Orion production floor.
 
Dan  has a work history as a welder and in machine shops. He has experience not only operating and troubleshooting various machines, but also deburring parts and sorting metals for recycling. He has education including AWS one-inch plate welding certification and forklift certification.
 
Dan worked for Electronic Innovations, preparing, testing and installing custom security gates. Dan was the lead on the installation team for government funded projects because he could get security clearance.
 
During lean times Dan started his own business repairing automobiles. He provided general maintenance, minor and major engine repair, electrical and brake system service, and custom installations.
 
Dan felt that Orion would provide a good opportunity for him to develop his skills. While at Orion, Dan received training in the machine and assembly cells. Although Dan has had related experience in the past, he welcomed the new challenges that the Orion training offered.
 
Dan scored well on his mechanical aptitude testing and he has completed Orion's shop math classes. Dan is currently enrolled in Orion's Blueprint Reading class.
 
Dan's mentor said, "Dan is a well-rounded worker who will make a good fit in any working environment; he brings a great attitude and we can count on him to complete whatever is asked of him."
 
The HBU team leader said, "Dan shows continued improvement each week."
 
Dan resides in Kent, has reliable transportation, and has the type of work ethic employers embrace. His perfect job would be working with his hands, building, repairing or modifying parts or equipment. 

If you are interested in learning more about Dan or would like to see his resume, call Cathy Wegner at 253-661-7805 or email Cathy at  cathy.wegner@orionworks.org.


Orion partnering with United Way's Free Tax Campaign

 
 This year, Orion Industries is partnering with United Way's Free Tax Campaign to offer free tax preparation for low-income families in our community. Last year, the campaign helped over 19,900 community members file their taxes, bringing $27.2 million back to the community in tax refunds!  

While the program is already open, volunteers are still needed.  If you are interested, please visit their website at:
The site opened on January 11th.
Orion Industries
1590 A Street NE
Auburn, WA 98002

Site schedule
Mon: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM  
Wed: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

You can also locate other sites near you by visiting the United Way website at:


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 currently has openings available in all of our training programs:
  • Our Manufacturing Training Program offers full time or part time paid training Monday - Friday. Participants can come for a variety of reasons including assessment or skills training. Enrollment occurs weekly.

If you are working with someone who would benefit from this training program, please have them attend our weekly tour - Tuesday at 1pm!

  • 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.
  • Our Contact Center Training Program offers three paid training opportunities: Inbound Customer Service, Front Desk / Reception and Document Conversion training. Participants can come for a variety of reasons including assessment or skills training. While some programs offer cohort enrollment, most positions enroll weekly. Pretesting may be a requirement and will be coordinated during program tour. 
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.


Congressman Reichert Visits Orion  

 Congressman Reichert (left) watching as Orion staff member Kent Balcom (right) demonstrates the process for building a sub-assembly.  

Congressman Reichert, from Washington State's 8th district, toured Orion Industries on Tuesday, January 26th, 2016. 

This was his first visit to Orion's new facility in Auburn, WA. 

Congressman Reichert was able to learn about how we use our Aerospace manufacturing and Contact Center Services business platforms to support our mission of helping those who have barriers to employment. 

Orion provides a combination of on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and job placement services while building esteem and preparing individuals for success.


Orion Finish Cell Operational  

 Kelly Kershaw (left) painting parts, oven (top right), Chris Pierce processing the first part (middle right), paint booth exterior (lower right).  

Orion opened its new aerospace finishing business providing chemical processing, anodizing and painting of aluminum parts. 

Tom Brosius, Orion Vice President and General Manager said,  "This gives us a capability to reduce our flow time and control our costs. It also gives us a great new training platform to serve our vocational program, providing new career options in the local aerospace finish industry."


Auburn Middle School Career Conference

 Orion staff members Ed Routt (left) and Mary Valle (right) presenting at the Auburn Middle School Career Conference.

Each year, the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, Auburn School District and Communities in Schools of Auburn partner to provide a career conference to all 8 th  grade students in the greater Auburn area.

The goal of the career conference is to encourage students to stay engaged in school and set goals for post-graduation success. Each school conference is a 2 ½ hour event that includes business presenters, high school program presenters, and post-secondary presenters. 

This year, Orion staff members Ed Routt and Mary Valle participated in the conference at Mt. Baker Middle School on Wednesday, Jan. 13th.

In addition to hearing details about Ed and Mary's jobs at Orion and the pathways that led to their careers, students were able to handle and examine sample parts.


Orion links
 
Orion Industries
1590 A St Northeast
Auburn, Washington 98002