Orion's March 2019 eNewsletter
 
 









Sharon (pictured in the blue coat), Orion Community Access Participant, at work at an area Starbucks.

Sharon  

After almost 40 years of employment with Diversified / Orion, Sharon is retiring. She is looking forward to having more free time to explore new interests and opportunities.

Sharon first applied to be a part of Diversified Industries in July of 1972. She worked in the light assembly area at our Mukilteo location. Since 1972 she has seen the company change and grow just as much as she has,  including seeing Orion Industries merge with Diversified.    

Sharon obtained a second job at Starbucks in 2007. Although retiring from Orion, she  plans continue with her job at Starbucks. She is looking forward to celebrating her 12-year anniversary on August 22nd of this year. Sharon is the oldest partner at her Starbucks location. Her job duties consist of sweeping and making sure that the lobby meets Starbucks standards. 

Tiffany, the general manager, pictured on Sharon's right, stated, "We have the privilege and pleasure of having Sharon be a part of the  Starbucks team."

Congratulations Sharon!



 

Karina, Orion Manufacturing Training Program Participant.

Being nervous on the first day in Orion's paid Manufacturing Training Program is not uncommon. This was certainly true for Karina, but once her mentor showed her how to properly perform her task, she found it easy to correctly complete her work.

"I found the mentors I worked with one-on-one to be very encouraging," Karina related. "I was able to learn new skills while applying them to the task at hand, and the knowledge I gained transferred to different areas."

Karina is currently taking classes in the Running Start program at Green River College, and is on track to graduate with her high school diploma and her associate's degree simultaneously. Karina was told about Orion by a friend in the training program. After  taking a tour, she enrolled in the program. Karina decided that working part time in Orion's Manufacturing Training Program while in school would be a good way to learn new skills and get her first job experience.

Karina's mentor, Tanya Minerich, said, "While Karina is quiet and did not ask many questions, any concerns I had quickly vanished. She proved to be a quick learner, showing a great eye for detail. Karina was always on task, eager to learn, and demonstrated great job ability. She was a pleasure to work with!"

Lavada Kindle, Karina's Job Developer, said, "Karina is very mature and open minded for her age. She is very smart  when evaluating available options  and applies great reasoning skills to invariably select the best path. She is open to feedback and is amazing at quickly making adjustments when needed. She has exceeded expectations!"

Offering advice to anyone considering Orion's training program, Karina said, "Don't be afraid to give your best because your hard work will pay off in the long run."

While in the training program, Karina has gained experience in Planning, Clamp Block, and Mechanical Assembly. She is seeking part time work while in school and is interested in Planning. If you would like to learn more about Karina, or if you would like to see her resume, please contact Lavada Kindle at 253.661.7805 x262 or email her at  lavada.kindle@orionworks.org.

Meet a Mentor - Chris Pierce

Chris Pierce (right), working with Bounhok Douangmany (left) in Orion's Finish Line.

Orion offers a unique opportunity in the Puget Sound region's aerospace industry. In addition producing high quality aerospace parts, over 100 members of Orion's staff have received formal mentor training. The mentors are actively engaged in delivering services that allow Orion to achieve our mission of helping those who have barriers to employment. The mentors provide instruction in both hard and soft skills, to those who are learning what it takes to meet an employer's expectation. Mentors provide technical training, while working at the same time to build the communication, time management, and organizational skills that program participants need to be competitive in the job market.

Chris Pierce is an Orion mentor, working on the Finish Line in Orion's Auburn location. His position provides him with ample opportunities to teach, not only necessary technical job skills, but also more esoteric skills that are needed to be successful, such as team building.

"I actually wasn't sure what I was getting myself into," Chris explained. "As I went through the mentor training, I learned the do's and don'ts with regards to some common hurdles, and while I felt prepared, there is nothing like actually getting out on the manufacturing floor, living it, and dealing with people from all walks of life. I've found I like meeting different people, and I like the challenge of helping them access their strengths and improve in other areas that might be holding them back."

Orion's production setting provides structure and repetition of certain tasks, making it possible to provide step-by-step directions. Even so, everyone learns at a different pace. A key to being a good mentor is to recognize what approach is needed to help someone learn.

"I have learned not to judge a book by its cover," Chris related. "Also learning is a two-way street. I've learned a great deal from the participants I've worked with, foremost being patience."

While there are many challenges involved with mentoring, there are rewards. Chris described finding rewards in little things such as seeing a participant succeed after struggling to master a task, or seeing a participant have the "light bulb" moment when they catch on and everything clicks into place.

Chris said, "My first insight into how much impact I was having was when one of my former participants graduated and was placed into a new job. This person gave me a shout out, and thanked me, when he received his certificate of completion in a meeting in front of staff, mentors, and other participants. I was proud of what I was able to do for him, and I look forward to continuing to be able to help others!"

 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 Named CONNECT Business of the Month
 

Orion has been selected as the February CONNECT Business of the Month by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce!

Learn more here:
https://www.auburnareawa.org/february-connect-business-of-the-month


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