Orion's June 2019 eNewsletter
 
 





 

 Jessica, Orion Manufacturing Training Program Participant.

"Once I decided to get clean and enter recovery, I knew the next step to functioning in society again would be to find a job," Jessica said. While struggling with active addiction Jessica had been out of the workforce for several years, and she wasn't sure how to get started with preparing herself for a job search. A friend who works at Orion recommended that Jessica come check out the paid training program that is available through Orion. Although Jessica was nervous, she came for a weekly tour to learn more, and then signed up for the program.

Orion's Manufacturing Training Program focuses on teaching both the technical skills and soft skills that are needed in today's competitive job market. The program builds confidence while providing valuable work experience. Jessica recalled, "I didn't have confidence in myself, and really didn't know how to get a job or become part of the workforce. The first day that I came for orientation was a huge boost for me. I thought, 'I'm actually doing this'! From that point forward Orion helped me rebuild my confidence step by step."
Jessica working in Brake Form.
A key feature of Orion's training programs is that participants can receive on-the-job training while working one-on-one with a mentor.

"I discovered that I can catch on to what is being taught quickly, and the mentors always gave me good feedback and shared their expertise whenever needed," Jessica said. "The combination of committing to recovery and Orion has helped me more than I can express. I didn't see a path out of the cycle I had been living, but Orion has given me something to be proud of. I had forgotten that I have a good work ethic, and Orion gave me the chance to rediscover myself."

While in the training program, Jessica has worked in Mechanical Assembly, Water Jet, Brake Form, Shipping, and the Finish Cell. She has also taken Shop Math and Blueprint Reading classes.

"I have learned so much at Orion," Jessica related. "The program has been an amazing opportunity for me and allowed me to do more than simply find myself again; Orion let me find my 'best' self!" 

If you would like to learn more about Jessica, 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 - Josh Miller

Josh Miller (right), working with Denis (left), a program participant in the Manufacturing Training Program.

"Orion gives a chance to people who don't think that they have a chance," Josh Miller explained. "And with my role as a CNC Mills Mentor, in Orion's Manufacturing Training Program, I get to play a part in helping someone get into a career." 

Orion's paid training programs allow participants to work one-on-one with a mentor while gaining valuable job experience. The mentors provide instruction in technical skills while also improving soft skills.
Josh said, "We teach the participants everything that we can, starting with safety."

"It is very important for mentors to have a good amount of patience," Josh said. "It is important not to make any assumptions about those who you are helping to train, while understanding that they are here for a reason, which is to get the help that we offer."

Mentors receive class based and video training, which helps them understand best practices and provides several strategies to use. Orion has resources available that mentors can access, including vocational counselors, instructors and job developers, when working with program participants in the training program. In addition mentors often compare notes and give each other insights on methods that have proven successful, acting as a resource for each other.

"The proudest moments for me are when I see a program participant get a job." Josh exclaimed, "Those moments show that everything we put into the process is worth it!"

Thank you Josh!

United Way's Free Tax Campaign

Orion participated in United Way's 2019 Free Tax Prep program, processing 704 returns yielding over $1.3 million in refunds and over $350k in Earned Income Tax Credits during this past tax season.

Orion was one of 32 sites across King County participating in the program. Overall the program achieved impressive results:
* 21,975 tax returns prepared this year across all sites.
* $30.1 million in tax refunds brought back to our community.
* $8.1 million in Earned Income Tax Credits.
* $9.3 million in Child Tax Credits.

For more information 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.


Health & Wellness Fair 2019
 

Orion Industries held our 7th annual Health & Wellness Fair on Thursday, May 16th. The 2019 Orion Health & Wellness Fair gave Auburn staff and program participants a chance to meet health food vendors, get samples and literature, and learn about the many healthy options which are available locally.

Everyone who attended left with a re-usable bag which they could fill with product samples, and was also able to enter for a chance to win one of several raffle prizes!

The vendors who participated or provided materials are listed below, check out the websites below for more  information.


PNAA Women in Aerospace Conference
 Pictured left to right: Melissa Didier, Sarah McKenna, Miley Molstad, Stephanie Maxwell, Jennifer Saterdal, Valerie Hanna, Liz Hickman, Kristina Pressley and Joanna Boatwright.
Orion staff attended the PNAA Women in Aerospace Conference on May 2, 2019. The conference focused on the next decade for women in aerospace and the importance of diversity in the industry.

AFA AeroConnections Breakfast
  Tom Brosius presenting at the AFA AeroConnections Breakfast event.    
Orion hosted an Aerospace Futures Alliance AeroConnections Breakfast Seminar on the morning of May 8th. Brooke Quist, AFA BDC member and partner at Seed IP Law Group presented "What and When to Patent, Including Recent Developments In Patent Eligibility."

The event was also a great networking opportunity, and those who attended also learned about Orion's capabilities and mission of providing job training to those who have barriers to employment. 

To learn more about upcoming AeroConnections networking events and educational seminars visit the AFA website:

https://www.afa-wa.com/

PNAA Diversity & Inclusion Conference
  Lavada Kindle speaking at the PNAA event.

Orion staff member Lavada Kindle was a featured speaker at a PNAA event on Friday, May 3rd. The event focused on inclusion and diversity in the workplace, and featured several guest speakers and panel discussions.

SourceAmerica Conference
  Nathaniel Muncie (pictured on the far right) participating in a panel discussion at the SourceAmerica conference.
Orion staff member Nathaniel Muncie was asked to be an expert panelist at the SourceAmerica conference for the World Information Technology and Services Alliance speaking about inclusive information communication technology.

He spoke about assistive technologies that Microsoft provides to customers such as narrator, the real-time automatic captioning in PowerPoint and other accessibility features and functions.

Nathaniel also discussed the Be My Eyes app and helped the audience understand how powerful and useful that tool is for blind individuals.

Run for Recovery
  Pictured left to right: Liz Hickman, Jennifer Hudgens, Stephanie Maxwell, Lydia Pressley and Kristina Pressley.

Members of Orion's Wellness Committee, staff, family and friends participated in the Run for Recovery 5k Walk/Run event to support Battlefield Addiction, in Auburn's Roegner Park on May 11th.

Battlefield Addiction is a local non-profit that works to support veterans and their families while in recovery.

Liz Hickman said, "It was very inspiring attending this event, seeing the people who work and volunteer for this organization in  support of its mission, and meeting the people whose lives have been changed."


Orion Links

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