Orion's August 2016 eNewsletter
 
 







Duane at work at Provail.
 
Duane    

Duane worked in construction for 17 years, and ran his own contracting business. After knee surgery, due to an injury, doctors recommended that Duane change careers, as his knee would not allow him the mobility he would need on a construction site.

Duane was out of work for a year. He took on a few small projects when they were available, but finding the next job was always a struggle. Duane felt like he had no experience in other areas of work and found it difficult to apply his construction skills to a new profession. Duane knew that he would need to start at the bottom with his new career, but didn't know how to get started.

Duane came to Orion through DVR, and went through Orion's manufacturing training program. He had the opportunity to gain experience in several production areas, and was able to use that experience to get an aerospace manufacturing job with Provail in Kent. Duane said, "A career change was a barrier for me, and Orion helped me gain the experience I needed to move past that barrier."
At Provail Duane has achieved 90 days of employment, and is happy to have the benefits that come with full time work. Duane said, "I had to humble myself; I went from being a boss to entry level work, and had to learn patience which was a little bit of a challenge. I feel blessed however; I can pay my bills; I have my own apartment now; and my whole life is getting back on track. That started at Orion." 

When Duane was asked if he had any advice for anyone considering coming to Orion for training he said, "Orion is a new start, and I was ready. Show up for work every day and learn what you can - and try to get an internship!"

Orion has been fortunate to place several individuals at Provail, which has been an excellent company to transition our clients into, letting them further develop the skills they learned at Orion. Duane said, "Orion's impact on me has been huge. My goal is to eventually be a supervisor, and to continue to spend quality time with my son." 



 

 Carl at work on the Orion manufacturing floor.
 
Carl  came to a manufacturing tour, and worked with DVR, before starting in Orion's manufacturing training program. He was excited to start his first day of training, which was on April 1st. Carl remembers hoping that this wasn't all some sort of an April Fool's joke. Carl said, "I never thought I'd be making airplane parts!"

When Carl started the training program he was worried that he would not fit in. Carl said, "I was nervous because I didn't know anyone, and I thought that other people might be better than me. I realized quickly that I belonged in the training program, and that people were here to help me."
Carl gained confidence in his abilities as he progressed from one area of the training program to another. Orion mentors helped Carl realize his learning style, and helped him work on getting solid on one step before moving to the next. As Carl gained manufacturing skills, he also learned to take his time, ask questions, listen, and pay attention. Carl learned to use the feedback he received to make improvements. Carl said, "I found out how I can learn from others, and not to make the same mistake twice."

When Carl was asked if he had any advice for anyone who might be considering joining the training program at Orion, Carl exclaimed, "I'm doing things I never thought I would do; if I can do this, you can do this!"

If you are interested in learning more about Carl or would like to see his resume, call Cathy Wegner at 253-661-7805, or email Cathy at  cathy.wegner@orionworks.org.


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!
Please note new tour times!!

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 - 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. 
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.


3rd of July BBQ

 From left to right, Victor Molstad, Joanna Boatwright, and Rick Pudmaroff.

The Orion Riders and the Orion Wellness Committee put on a BBQ for staff, family and friends on July 3rd. 

Everyone enjoyed good food and then enjoyed the fireworks display provided by Emerald Downs.


REDF/SIF Behind the Scenes

 John Theisen, Orion President & CEO, being interviewed for the REDF/SIF video.

Orion participated in a video shoot featuring REDF/SIF grant recipients.  Orion is one of 22 social enterprises nationwide to be selected to receive funding from REDF and the federal Social Innovation Fund (SIF).  When the final video is finished we will post a link to it; so please watch for it!!

To learn more about this please visit the link to the REDF website below:



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