Orion's April 2016 eNewsletter
 
 







Michael working on the Orion manufacturing floor.
 
Michael     

Michael worked, for the past 15-plus years, in the construction trade as an estimator, building plan examiner, and also in architectural and project management. When the construction trade went into a downward spiral during the recession, Michael struggled to find work. 

Michael came to Orion. Michael is not only a graduate of Orion's manufacturing training program, he was also the first graduate of the new quality assurance (QA) internship program.  Michael was able to find work in an aerospace company performing quality assurance duties b ecause of the training he received at Orion.

Michael said, "Through my evaluations, the support from shop staff, my vocational counselor, Tricia, and my job developer, Dustin, I knew my skills and training would be a perfect fit in the aerospace manufacturing career field. I'm grateful to be back to work."

When Michael was asked what barriers Orion helped him overcome, Michael was quick to say, "I had a fear of going back to work. My confidence was terrible. However, I never quit and was able to learn new things at Orion that I now use in my job. I had a goal to get back to work, and now I have the opportunity to learn new things every day in my job."

In his free time, Michael likes to build and play guitars. Michael also enjoys spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter.
 


 

 Linda at work at the reception desk in Orion's lobby.
 
Linda  has taken full advantage of the training opportunities offered at Orion. She began in the Office Skills & Customer Service Program to update her clerical and software skills. Next she accepted a training assignment in the Orion Contact Center where she represented Orion on the Washington State Fish and Wildlife account. 

Being in the training program at Orion has had a positive effect on Linda, who said, "I felt that I was capable of learning again. I learned to not be afraid to try new things. I realized this is my life, and it is important to work hard to take advantage of the opportunity that Orion has given me."

Now Linda is at Orion's front desk as a receptionist in training. 
She tells her job developer that she absolutely loves working at the front desk and is looking for a similar position with an area employer.

Linda's work history includes experience managing a pet store and screening cancer patients' applications, for a free drug program. She has excellent customer service skills, is proficient in the MS Office Suite of programs and operates a multi-line phone system. Linda types 55 wpm and her 10 Key/Data Entry speed is 9,000 ksph. 

Each morning Linda arrives at Orion on time, and with a smile on her face that lasts all day. Any employer looking for a front desk person, who will make a positive first impression on visitors to their company, should invite Linda for an interview.

Linda said, "Orion has made me feel that I am ready to go out and get a job. Orion has given me the confidence to know that I can excel at whatever comes in the next phase of my life."
 
If you are interested in learning more about Linda or would like to see her resume, call Erin Colwell at 253-661-7805, extension 7042, or email Erin at  erin.colwell@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's Belters at Bowling with Bounds  

Orion's Belters from left to right, Joanna Boatwright, Matt Foster, Dale Dahlman, Mandi Magers, and Nate Thomas.

Orion's Belters participated in the Bowling with Bounds fundraising tournament, at Kenmore Lanes, on Saturday 3/12. The bowling tournament is the annual fundraising event put on by Skills Inc. The event raised funds to support Skills Inc.'s Customized Employment Program and their Vocational Services.

Orion's Belters team members were happy to support a good cause and enjoy an afternoon of bowling. If you'd like to learn more about Skills Inc. please see the link below:



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