Orion's February 2019 eNewsletter
 
 









Orion Manufacturing Program Graduates employed at Tri-Way Industries, from left to right: Brian, Jenny, Steven, Sean and Taylor.

Brian and Sean  

Tri-Way Industries has been a great partner for Orion Industries for several years. Tri-Way fabricates furniture that is installed in aircraft carriers and U.S. Navy vessels. Orion's Manufacturing Training Program produces graduates that have the skills that Tri-Way needs, and Tri-Way has hired 18 staff members from Orion's training program over the years, including five from a recent cohort of graduates.
Brian, Orion Manufacturing Program Graduate, at work at Tri-Way.
Orion's most recent success story examples, Brian and Sean, are both graduates of Orion's paid training program who have recently been hired full-time at Tri-Way.

Brian's road to his current job as a saw operator at Tri-Way started with a bike ride, when he noticed Orion's Auburn building. He decided to stop to check it out and find out about Orion. He liked what he discovered and enrolled in Orion's Manufacturing Training Program.

"Orion provided me with an opportunity to get off my butt and actually do something with my life," Brian explained. "When I started the program, I had a tendency to rush to get things done and as a result I would make mistakes. My mentor worked with me to concentrate on slowing down and doing things the right way. That was a key for me in the program."

In addition to technical skills Orion's training program also concentrates on improving the soft skills of program participants. The training program features Orion's Winning Traits, which are soft skills that employers look for. One of these traits is appearance. Brian related, "I wore a more pronounced Mohawk at the time and decided to get a haircut. Jeff Kim, my mentor in Shipping, did a performance review of my work and included good feedback about my haircut, even though he said he missed the Mohawk. From that point forward, I began to get better and better marks in my performance reviews, and really felt that I was building towards success."
 
Sean, Orion Manufacturing Program Graduate, at work at Tri-Way.
Sean's counselor at the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) encouraged him to take a tour of Orion's paid training program in Auburn. Sean's DVR counselor felt that Orion provided a good opportunity for him to gain the job skills he needed. After taking the tour Sean enrolled in the program.

"I started at Orion in Grommets," Sean said. "I was nervous at first in the new environment, and it took me a week to get used to it. But as time went by my confidence grew."

A unique feature of Orion's training program is the opportunity for participants to work one-on-one with a mentor. Sean explained, "Working with a mentor was something I needed. I've had trust issues in the past, but having a mentor helped me to build trust. Orion shed a light on an issue, which was the first step in getting better. I feel like I started at the bottom, but with what I learned at Orion, here I am now at Tri-Way with a great job!"

Both Brian and Sean would encourage others who are considering Orion's training program. Brian advised,  "Take the chance and put your best foot forward!"

Sean agreed, saying, "If you don't try you can't succeed!"

To learn more about Tri-Way Industries visit their website:
http://triwayind.com/ 



 

Eric, Orion Manufacturing Training Program Participant.

While searching for work closer to his home in Renton, Eric's counselor at the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) encouraged Eric to take a tour of Orion's paid training program. Eric's DVR counselor knew that the job placement services that are part of Orion's program would be a great way for him to get the help that he needed locating a job.

Eric visited Orion's Auburn location to take a tour. Eric had prior experience working at Skills Inc. touching up parts, and he realized that Orion's Manufacturing Training program would be a great way for him to increase his aerospace manufacturing knowledge. 

On the first day of the training program, Eric related that he was nervous. While the tour let him see the environment and the scope of the training program, he knew that actually doing the work would be different. Eric said, "I was hesitant at the start. I didn't know what to expect or what Orion was going to be like. When I arrived and opened the door on that first day I knew it could be a good day or a bad day; I decided to do all that I could to be successful and make it a good day. After the first day I continued to do all that I could to make everyday a good day!"

Eric's mentor, Scotty Smith, said, "Eric comes ready to work each day and does a great job!"

Tamie Clark, Eric's Job Developer, said, "Eric treats everyone with respect and is always willing to help in any way he can. All of his mentor evaluations, during the training program, reflect his good work and his eye for detail. If you are looking for a dependable worker Eric is your guy!"

Eric expressed, "Orion is like a family, they help people out regardless of their background. I learned so much working with my mentors!"

While in the training program Eric has gained experience in several areas including Deburr, Grommets, Clamp Block, Quality Assurance and Shipping. Eric has also taken the Shop Math class. If you would like to learn more about Eric, or if you would like to see his resume, please contact Tamie Clark at 253.661.7805 x274 or email her at  tamie.clark@orionworks.org.

Meet Orion's Vocational Instructor - Bob Book

Bob Book, Orion's Vocational Instructor.

It's impossible to talk about the advantages of working at Orion without bringing up the vocational instructor. The Training and Employment team has worked for years to provide some of the best instruction possible for both Staff and Program Participants. That instruction begins with Bob Book.

Bob has been with Orion since October 2011; he's an experienced electrician and for the last 7 years has been working with Orion to instruct all of us in mathematics, FOD awareness, ITAR conformance, and blueprint reading.

Bob said that he couldn't have possibly foreseen his time at Orion. "I taught in the Electrical Apprenticeship, getting others started in a career. Then I ended up in a very similar situation with Orion. I guess, in a way, I was always working towards Orion, I just didn't know it."

Bob's work with Orion and his dedication to the mission led him to winning The Tom Trott Staff Member of the Year Award in 2018.

"I was surprised and honored to be selected," Bob said. "Everyone here is deserving of the award, it's our culture here to help people, so I didn't think of my day-to-day as special or noteworthy." 

That sort of humility and pride in his work is what makes working with Bob such a pleasure - and also why it's almost tragic that Bob will be retiring from Orion in March of this year.

"I am most proud of all the people's success who have come through my classes," Bob reflected. "They come in here at the bottom and leave here with their lives together - and you know that affects their whole family. I'm really gonna miss those satisfied and proud smiles."

Bob said that he'll be spending his retirement traveling, being with his grandkids, and volunteering at a local auto shop.

Orion faces a real challenge with Bob's retirement. How do you fill his shoes? Josh Larsen and Sarah McKenna have been selected to assume Bob's duties in the classroom, in addition to their staff and mentor responsibilities. Josh is the current Clamp Block Lead, has been with Orion since February of 2018, and will teach program participant classes. Sarah has been with Orion for over four years, is part of the Hydraulic Build Up team, and will teach staff classes. Both of them agree that it is impossible to fill Bob's shoes and yet both of them are hopeful for the future.

"I've taught a staff class already," Sarah said. "And I think it's a great opportunity, I look forward to learning more right alongside everyone else."

"Bob's invaluable, there's no getting around that," Josh added. "But I am excited to help more individuals attain their goals, and to see even more growth from our clients as we get further into this year!"

Bob Book's last day with Orion is March 1st, if you see him be sure to wish him well and thank him for all his service.

 Orion partnering with United Way's Free Tax Campaign

Orion and United Way are partnering once again for United Way's Free Tax Preparation Campaign! Anyone who earned less than $66,000 in 2018 is eligible for this FREE service.  

Orion's site will remain open to provide Free Tax Preparation until Wednesday, April 17th.

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: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

To locate other sites near you, or if you have questions about eligibility or what documents to bring, visit United Way's website at:

Orion is Hiring!
Join Orion's award-winning team! Orion is a leading manufacturer and supplier for the aerospace industry. We offer competitive wages and 100% employer paid benefits, 401(k) matching, 11 paid holidays and a generous paid time off plan.

Orion is a nonprofit with a mission of helping those who need job training. We are looking for experienced individuals who have a desire to share their knowledge and make a difference in our community. 

Orion is a business with a purpose! For more information see our video and visit the careers page on our website:



Program tours are available!

Orion Industries, Auburn, currently has openings available in all of our training programs:
If you are working with someone who would benefit from this training program, please have them attend our weekly tour - Monday at 9am!
  • 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 $5 for class attendance.
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.


Orion Partners with WorkStep
 

Orion is proud to partner with WorkStep by providing job training and job placement services to WorkStep members, helping them to up skill and advance in their careers. 

Learn more here:
https://www.workstep.com/public/case-studies/workstep-case-study-orion.pdf

Count Us In

From left to right: Kristina Pressley, Cathy Wegner, Steve Tyler, Jeremy, and Doug Hutton.

Orion staff members joined volunteers from the community, the Auburn Food Bank, Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care and the City of Auburn to collect vital data on those experiencing homelessness in our community.

In the early hours of the morning, volunteers, accompanied by a guide (individuals currently/previously experiencing homelessness), canvassed all areas of King County with the purpose of doing an annual Point in Time count, an effort to do a visual count of neighbors living on the streets or in their cars around the community.

This data will be reported nationally to increase awareness of homelessness and to spark action. 


Orion Links

 
Click on the links below to visit Orion's division websites:     
Orion Industries, Auburn
1590 A Street NE
Auburn, WA 98002
Orion Industries, Mukilteo
13008 Beverly Park Rd
Mukilteo, WA 98275