Orion's March 2016 eNewsletter
 
 







Ryan, a former Orion training program graduate, turned to Orion for help with a new job search.
 
Ryan      

Ryan  originally joined Orion in 1999 in the manufacturing training program. A lot has changed since Ryan first received training at Orion, but one thing that has not changed is Ryan's strong desire to work and be a part of a team. 

Ryan said, "I learned a lot from my time with Orion that I took with me; I learned to show up every day, and how to be a good worker and meet expectations. I also learned about myself; I learned that I have drive, and that I want to be successful."

Ryan returned in 2015 for support from Orion with his job search. Ryan knew from past experience that Orion would help him navigate the job market, and help him find a job match that would meet his goals. 

In March of last year Ryan received the great news that Puget Sound Laundry  wanted him to join their team. Since that time, Ryan has truly found what he desired in a job; lots of work to do and an amazing team to be a part of.

Ryan said, "When I earned my first paycheck, I celebrated by taking myself to Burger King! Having a job and my own money has helped me learn to be independent. I've learned to budget and save for a car."

Ryan regularly works on the folding machines at Puget Sound Laundry. By the second day, he realized that he could remember all of the steps needed to complete his assigned tasks correctly, which let his confidence grow. He has not only worked on improving his speed, but he has also cross trained in other areas, so he can help when and where he is needed.

Recently Orion had the opportunity to place another client at Puget Sound Laundry, and our job developer was pleased to find that the person who was chosen to help train the new employee was Ryan. Great job Ryan!
 


 

 Gurdeep at work in the Orion Manufacturing Planning Department.
 
Gurdeep  came to Orion looking for training and to explore career path opportunities in manufacturing. He tried several work areas, including Packaging, Assembly, Machining, and Deburring.

Gurdeep has a physical barrier that he has learned to work with. He only has one arm. Gurdeep said, "I was scared when I first came to Orion. I didn't know what I would be able to do physically in a manufacturing setting. Orion taught me to be comfortable with any type of job. I realized that I can figure anything out, and that I can find ways to contribute to a workflow."

Gurdeep found his best fit in Document Control, within the Manufacturing Planning Department. In this job, he would access work orders in the computer system, print, sort and organize, proof and look for discrepancies, make necessary changes, and check orders against inventory. Gurdeep caught on quickly and did well in this work.

Gurdeep said, "At Orion, with each task I was exposed to, I tried to think that I am learning and preparing myself for the next job. Now, I'm not intimidated by a new job; I just think about how I am going to do it."

A clerical support role, whether in manufacturing or another business, would make good use of Gurdeep's friendly and polite personality as well as his affinity for organization and detail.  
 
If you are interested in learning more about Gurdeep or would like to see his resume, call Barb Panush at 253-661-7805 or email Barb at  barb.panush@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! 
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.


Orion featured on King 5  

Ben Belisle (on screen) and Gerald Smith (seated) demonstrate the video chat technology used in the contact center to provide technical assistance to hearing impaired users, for King 5.

Since 2013, Orion employees have been providing  technical support for users of Microsoft software and its accessibility features, by  staffing Microsoft's Disability Answer Desk. 

Orion specialists answer customer questions via the support line; they provide assistance using the telephone and live chat. Both Microsoft and Orion have specialists with disabilities who provide assistance in American Sign Language via video chat.

Orion's unique partnership with Microsoft resulted in Orion being featured in a King 5 news segment. To see the segment follow the link below:



Orion receives funding from REDF/SIF  

Orion joins the REDF network.

Orion is one of 22 social enterprises nation-wide to be selected to receive funding from REDF and the federal Social Innovation Fund (SIF). Orion will use the funding to help further its mission to help those who have barriers to employment through mentoring, training, and employment services.

In addition to furnishing funding, REDF will also provide advisory services that will allow Orion to help more people transform their lives and futures.

To learn more about this please visit the link to the REDF website below:



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