Orion's March 2017 eNewsletter
 
 







Roxann working at the Multicare Customer Service Center in Auburn, WA.
 
Roxann    

Roxann came to Orion Industries through a WorkSource funded apprenticeship program with a goal of reeducation. She spent four weeks getting classroom instruction with the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC), concentrating on learning math skills and using measuring tools such as calipers or micrometers. She then spent eight months going through Orion's manufacturing training program, putting what she learned at AJAC into practice.

Roxann said, "When I started at Orion I was not nervous because I attended a tour of the manufacturing training program. I realized that Orion was there to assess my abilities, and to assist me, and to help me improve."

While Roxann enjoyed working on the shop floor in Orion's Auburn facility, an opportunity came along to change tracks and receive training in Orion's Contact Center. Roxann spent two months in training working on Orion's Multicare contract. During this time, she demonstrated that she had the skills and performance levels that Multicare was looking for, and was offered a position with Multicare in their Auburn Customer Service Center.

Roxann said, "Orion opened my eyes to other opportunities. I learned that I have the ability to adapt, and can change gears at a moment's notice. Orion provided a great opportunity to absorb what a job has to offer, and that opened doors for me."

Roxann is enjoying her new position with Multicare. Her favorite thing about working at Multicare is her co-workers. Roxann said, "The people in the office are great; everyone helps each other. And it is very rewarding being able to help Multicare patients with their questions."

Congratulations Roxann!



 

 Jonathan at work on Orion's Auburn production floor.
 
Jonathan  has always enjoyed working with his hands while fixing things. He has experience with small engine repair, and has worked on lawn mowers, chainsaws, and tractors. In addition, Jonathan has also spent time as a welder and as an auto mechanic, and enjoys working on his own car.

What attracted Jonathan to Orion's manufacturing training program was that we were receptive to working with someone in a wheelchair. Jonathan has been using a wheelchair since he had an accident where he broke his back. Jonathan said, "I needed a chance to prove that I have the ability to work, and that I can get the job done." 
When Jonathan started at Orion, he immediately felt at home on the shop floor since he has been around tools for much of his life. He has received training in Clamp Block, Chaku, Conventional Machining, and Mechanical Assembly, and has worked hard to improve his skills by embracing everything that Orion's training program has to offer. Jonathan has learned everything he can from each mentor, and has attended Orion's shop math, measurement and blueprint reading classes. 

Jonathan's amazing approach and attitude earned him Orion's Worker of the Month award for January, 2017. Jonathan was nominated by his co-workers who commented, "Jonathan has a great attitude and is an excellent example to both staff and participants alike. He is diligent, professional and consistently pays attention to quality. He has an excitement about coming to work each day and strives to make the most out of each class he participates in. He will be a great addition to a future employer's workforce."

Jonathan said, "My time with Orion has shown me that I can do more in a wheelchair than I originally thought. Orion helped me build my confidence, and I know I really don't have a limit when I put my mind to a task. All I need is a chance to show what I can do."

Currently, Jonathan hopes to find an employer that will give him an opportunity to prove his abilities. If you are interested in learning more about Jonathan or would like to see his resume, call Dru Fleming at 253-661-7805, or email Dru at dru.fleming@orionworks.org.


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 $64,000 in 2016 is eligible for this FREE service. Last year, the campaign helped file over 21,000 tax returns, bringing $29.1 million back to the community in tax refunds!

Orion's site will remain open to provide Free Tax Preperation until Thursday, April 20th.

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

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

If you are interested in volunteering please visit United Way's website at:  www.uwkc.org/taxvolunteer   


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 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 $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.
  • Contact Center Training Program Flyer 
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.


John Theisen Receives Executive of the Year Award

 Pictured from left to right: presenting the award is Ted Croft, Chairman of the Board, PNAA, John Theisen, and John Graham, PNAA Board Member.

The Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA) has presented John Theisen, Orion President & CEO, an award for the Aerospace Executive of the Year, in recognition of his leadership over the past 16 years in growing Orion Industries into the successful organization it is today, and for his leadership in the aerospace community.

Over the past 16 years Orion has advanced from a small sheet metal fabricator into a world class organization with operations in the aerospace and tele-services industries. Orion has achieved 20% annual average sales increases for the past 13 years, growing to become the 10th largest aerospace employer in the State of Washington, with over 400 employees.

John has served as a board member for the Aerospace Futures Alliance, the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center, the Governor's Aerospace Pipeline Advisory Committee and Washington Employers Association.


2017 Innovation Award

 Pictured from left to right: Kathy Powers, Steve Tyler, and Debra McDaniel.

The Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ) has selected Orion Industries as the 2017 Innovation award recipient in the nonprofit category. Orion is proud to be recognized by PSBJ as one of twelve outstanding companies that are driving innovation in the Puget Sound region.

Orion has successfully created an innovative service and technology model in its contact center division and in so doing, is helping to solve two difficult problems facing business, industry, and government today; communicating with diverse populations and employing persons with disabilities or other barriers to employment.

To learn about this award and the companies that were selected by PSBJ in the other categories please follow the link below:


Congratulations to Hampton Koelling

 Hampton Koelling, Orion Career Works Employee of the Month.

Hampton Koelling works at the  Orion Career Works offices located in Fort Eustis, VA. Orion provides help desk services at this location for the Army Training Help Desk. Hampton is the Employee of the Month at the Army Training Help Desk. In addition to perfect attendance during the month, he achieved the following Key Performance Indicators:

Ticket creation rate 96% (Goal => 85%)
Ticket accuracy 99.50% (Goal=> 95%)
Quality 100% (Goal => 98%)
Handle Time 6:56 (Goal =< 7:00 minutes)


Orion links
 
Orion Industries, Auburn
1590 A Street NE
Auburn, WA 98002
Orion Industries, Mukilteo
13008 Beverly Park Rd
Mukilteo, WA 98275