Orion's April 2015 eNewsletter
 
 








Monica, Orion Manufacturing Training Program Graduate, at work at Garden Terrace.
 
Monica         

   

Monica came to Orion after being out of work for two years. She entered Orion's manufacturing training program, and began to gain confidence that she had the ability to learn new processes. She also learned what it takes to be successful in a job: good attendance, attitude, teamwork and communication.   

 

With Orion's help, Monica found a job working in laundry services at Garden Terrace, a memory care facility near her home. Her new employer was patient while teaching her the new processes of her job, and they were rewarded with a very reliable and loyal employee.

 

Monica has been at her job for 16 months. Monica's employer says he would like to have more employees like her. Monica comes to work every day with a positive attitude, ready to work.   

 



 

Edward at work on the Orion manufacturing floor.
 

Edward, a veteran, served 17 years in the navy, and is this month's featured job seeker at Orion. 

 

After leaving the navy, Edward spent almost four years as a maintenance mechanic on ship boilers, primary engines, turbo generators, and auxiliary machinery including steering engines, elevators, winches, pumps, and associated valves. 

 

After being laid off, Edward worked for the United States Postal Service for 14 years as a Letter Carrier. After retiring from the Postal Service, Edward decided to come to Orion to receive additional training in the manufacturing training program. 

 

Edward completed training in punch press, CNC mills, inventory control, drill press, and mechanical assembly including countersinking, riveting, and bonding. 

 

Edward completed Orion's six week math course, and Orion's Blueprint Reading course. Recently, he completed a tape measurement test and scored 100% accuracy.
 

Edward has demonstrated a strong work ethic including solid attendance and punctuality, ideal workplace soft skills, and a manufacturing aptitude that any employer would love to have. 
 

Edward is looking for an employer that could utilize his past experiences and his newly acquired skills in the manufacturing production career field. 


If you are interested in learning more about Edward and his qualifications, please reach out to Dustin Nicholson at (253) 661-7805 ext. 247 or dustin.nicholson@orionworks.org.


  


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.

2014 Results: We helped 77 individuals into jobs during 2014 through this program with an average wage of $11.96/hour! The average hours worked per week were 39, and almost all jobs included benefits!

 

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.
  • During 2014, we helped 20 individuals from our Office Skills & Customer Service and Contact Center programs into jobs, with an average wage of $13.56/hour. The average hours worked per week were over 34 and all full time jobs included benefits.

If you are working with someone who would benefit from the Office Skills & Customer Service or Contact Center Training Programs, please have them attend our weekly tour - Wednesday at 1pm (NEW time for Contact Center 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.



2014 Governor's Employer Awards

Governor Jay Inslee and the winners of the 2014 Governor's Employer Awards; Orion staff member Erin Colwell, 6th from the left.


Governor Jay Inslee met with the winners of the 2014 Governor's Employer Awards last week at the State Capitol. 

Orion Senior Job Developer, Erin Colwell, attended the meeting as President of the Washington State Business Leadership Network, and was the co-sponsor of the awards event held last October at Microsoft. 

Standing behind Erin is Corwin Scott. Job Developer Barbara Panush nominated Corwin for the Chairperson's Award. Scott was selected to receive the award because of his work with the Evergreen Empowerment Group. 

Along with his fellow volunteers, Corwin assists those in need navigate the legal system leading to better housing, schooling, and employment opportunities. Corwin has been providing free legal services to Orion clients since 2010.


Orion staff enjoy a Thunderbirds hockey game

Orion staff at the Thunderbirds hockey game: from left to right, Kevin Barnes,  Bri McWeeny , Ed Routt, Luke Kennedy, Mandi Magers, Matt Foster, Jeff Kim, Jimmy Scott, Keith Hartmann,  Sherian Sandino , Nate Thomas.


Pegasus Northwest Inc. donated their box suite for a March 7th Thunderbirds hockey game, at the ShoWare Center in Kent, to a group of Orion staff. Our staff who attended really had a great time, and the Thunderbirds won! 

Three Orion staff members were asked to participate in a period break game of musical blowup chairs, and Orion's own Mandi Magers won!  

Thank you Pegasus!


Orion links
 
Click on the links below to visit Orion's division websites:     
Orion Industries
1590 A St Northeast
Auburn, Washington 98002