Orion's August 2018 eNewsletter
 
 









Sara, Orion Program Graduate, at work at Centrix.

Sara   

The Schools Community Lab Program brought Sara to Orion. She spent time learning about administrative office skills with Jeri Lucas, Orion's Office Skills and Customer Service Instructor. She completed her high school requirement and graduated in June of 2017. 

While Sara was searching for employment a n opportunity opened in Orion's Planning Department. Sara performed administrative work in planning, while continuing her training and broadening her skill set.

After a few months working in planning Sara determined that office work wasn't engaging for her. Sara discussed options with her job developer, and she decided to try Orion's Manufacturing Training Program. 

Sara received paid training in Clamp Block Assembly, Part Mark, Packaging and Mechanical Assembly. Sara blossomed working one-on-one in the shop with a mentor. As she learned she  began to grow and really show her ability. Her confidence increased and her personality began to shine through. Sara explained, "The mentors are very patient. They took the time to help me through the learning curve. Once I began to figure things out I found I was able to use what I learned in planning, and that I could apply lessons from the blue print reading class to my work in manufacturing."

After completing the training program, Sara and Tamie Clark, her Job Developer, decided to look for opportunities in the manufacturing field. Sara found a position with Centrix and was hired in their Assembly Department. Sara said, "I was excited to begin working at Centrix. They have a friendly, family atmosphere, and I feel like I am part of a team." 

Sara has completed 90+ days of employment with Centrix. She has been able to purchase a car, and her next goal is to get her driver's license. Sarah exclaimed, "Orion helped me improve my life by exposing me to an industry. I realized that I like the work, and I knew that if I could do the work at Orion, I would be able to do the work at Centrix. I feel like I have been given a second chance!"

Congratulations Sara!



 

Belasario, Orion Program Participant, working on a CNC.

Acting on recommendations from friends, Belasario came to a tour of Orion's Manufacturing Training Program at our location in Auburn. Belasario was immediately attracted to the wide variety of production areas that are offered in Orion's paid training program.

Belasario came to Orion not only with construction experience, but also with the goal of getting away from the seasonal nature of the work. In addition, he spent time working as a machinist at Tube Specialties Company (TSCO), an automotive parts manufacturer in Troutdale, OR, and worked at Tyson Foods in Pasco, WA, packing boxes of poultry and loading walk-in freezers with cases of chicken. While he liked the fast-paced nature of the meat packing work, he left the Tri-Cities area to come to Western Washington in search of employment that offered opportunities for promotion. 

Usually when a program participant begins the training program at Orion, a day comes where they have an "A-ha" moment. This is the moment when they realize that they can do the work and are becoming comfortable with the pace of learning new skills. Belasario is originally from Mexico and is currently taking night classes to learn English. With Belasario, the "A-ha" moment was on Orion's end. As English is a second language for Belasario, communication had the potential to be a barrier. Orion staff learned how to communicate essential information, and Belasario's can-do attitude and work ethic took over from there. Belasario brought his skill set to Orion, and has been able to excel in each production area that he has been trained in. Belasario said, "If anyone needs help in any area, I am ready to help."
Belasario working in Mechanical Assembly.
The three months that Belasario has spent working one-on-one with a mentor have been a good experience for him. Belasario explained, "If your goal is to gain experience in aerospace manufacturing, and you come with the mentality of wanting to learn, Orion's training can't be beat. Working with a mentor has been excellent, and it has been an eye-opening experience being exposed to how organized Orion is, and the quality of work that is done. Orion has helped me to continue building my skill set. This is a great place to learn!"

Belasario received training in Clamp Block, Saws, Racking, Blanking Press, and Mechanical Assembly. Belasario's outstanding efforts in each area resulted in him being named Orion's Worker of the Month for June of this year. He is looking for work with a company that offers a wide variety of manufacturing, with the idea that if production in one area slows down he hopefully can help in another area. Belasario said, "I want to work, and I want to help!"

If you would like to learn more about Belasario, or if you would like to see his resume, please contact Cathy Wegner at 253.661.7805 x209 or email her at  cathy.wegner@orionworks.org.

Meet a Mentor - Trent Crawford

Trent Crawford (right) working with Jackie (left), a program participant in Orion's Janitorial Training Program.
Trent Crawford has been Orion's Custodial Lead for the past two years. He provides supervision for Orion's custodians, Bear and Taylor, who both also receive job coaching from SKCAC Employment Services. In addition, Trent acts as a mentor for program participants in Orion's Janitorial Training Program.

After serving in the United States Navy, and working in facility services at Muckleshoot Casino, Trent came to Orion. He enjoys the challenge of balancing supervisory duties with running the department and meeting demands, while also training new clients.

Working swing shift, Trent has come to appreciate Orion's team environment. Trent related, "One thing that I have noticed is the team atmosphere at Orion. I feel like everyone here has my back. I'm supported by the Training & Employment staff, Human Resources, production staff on the shop floor, and I have a great boss. Orion is different from what I've experienced in the past; everyone works hard to give program participants a chance to be successful."

Trent knows that approaching mentoring with patience is a key for his success. He has endeavored to find a system that works and is always looking to improve the system. 

"Small victories add up to success," Trent said. "It is very rewarding to see program participants transform; the change from day one to job development is incredible!"

While mentoring participants in the Janitorial Training Program, Trent works to help build confidence. Trent stated, "A program participant may not think that they can overcome their particular barrier, but I push them pretty hard. Eventually they reach a point where they throw their hands up, and then I sit down with them and show them what they've achieved so far."

Mentoring carries rewards for Trent, who explained, "Seeing a participant's pride when they realize that they can do the job is amazing. Another thing that is amazing is what I learn from the participants. They have taught me to never lose faith. When the job and the mission are treated as equal parts e verything falls into placeI'm honored to be part of this team."

Outside of work Trent loves spending time with his children. He is also the lead singer of the band Jekyll & Hyde, which blends acoustic and heavy rock.


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 Stand Together Video

John Theisen, Orion President & CEO.
John Theisen, Orion President & CEO, was asked to do a Ted Talk style video with Stand Together. Click to view!


3rd of July BBQ

Orion Riders & Wellness Committee provided a BBQ for Orion staff, family and friends, prior to the fireworks display.
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.
Breakfast Benefit for South King County Scholar Athletes
Pictured left to right: Sarah Bowles, Lavada Kindle, Joe Hoeft, Doug Baldwin, Zandra Leitch, Shawn Christensen, and Rodney Goodwin.

Orion staff attended a Breakfast Benefit for South King County Scholar Athletes at the Federal Way Performing Arts Center the morning of July 10th. The event featured Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver #89 Doug Baldwin as the guest speaker.

All Star Celebrity Bowling Tournament 2018

Pictured from left to right:  Mandi Magers Cuddeback, Jarran Reed and Rodney Goodwin
 
Members of Orion's Belters bowling team participated in the All Star Sports Celebrity Bowling Tournament benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project.

The event was held on 7/14 at the Evergreen Lanes in Everett, and was hosted by Seattle Seahawks #90 Defensive Tackle Jarran Reed (pictured) and #40 Safety Michael Tyson, as well as previous Mariners, Sonics and Sounders.

Orion Riders Participate in Children's Ride 23

Orion Riders pictured top left prior to joining other riders, additional photos show other motorcycle enthusiasts who attended.
 
Members of the Orion Riders participated in Children's Ride 23 to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital on Sunday, July 15th.

The group was lead out by James Ewing, the newest Orion Rider. The riders enjoyed the day, and the community of other motorcycle enthusiasts who came together for a great cause.

To learn more see the website: 

http://www.childrens-ride.com/

Orion Golf Tournament 2018

Pictured from left to right: Ricky Phillips, Rob Martinson and TJ Wuelfing
 
The annual Orion Golf Tournament was held on July 28th, 2018, at the High Cedars Golf Course in Orting, WA. The team of Ricky Phillips, Rob Martinson and TJ Wuelfing won the tournament. Congratulations to all!


Orion Links

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