Orion's September 2017 eNewsletter
 
 







Tody (left) and Luthuli (right) working at Norfil.
 
Tody and Luthuli    

Norfil attended an Orion Employer Appreciation and Networking event, held at Emerald Downs, a few years ago. Since that time, Orion and Norfil have built an ongoing relationship, and Orion has placed several Manufacturing Training Program graduates into jobs there. Two recent graduate placements are Tody and Luthuli

Originally from Liberia, West Africa, Tody and his family immigrated to the United States 13 years ago, due to civil war. Tody was a student athlete, playing soccer for St. Martin's University in Lacey, WA. After graduation, he had a good education but no practical work experience. Tody learned about Orion's training programs at a job fair, and he knew that Orion would be a great way for him to gain the work experience he needed.
Tody working in Shipping & Receiving.
While in the Orion training program, Tody worked with his mentors and received training in several production areas. Tody really enjoyed working in Orion's finishing line. He also enjoyed the Blueprint Reading and Math classes offered by Orion.

"I had good mentors who showed me how to do a job. I learned that I can catch on quick, and I can do whatever is asked in a timely manner. I learned that people can count on me," Tody explained.

While in Orion's training program, Tody was able to take a one week work assignment with Pressco, which allowed him to gain some needed experience.

Norfil hired Tody in mid-July of this year as a driver. Jeff Moore, Norfil Vice President, said, "Tody is really doing well so far. He has a great attitude and always hustles."

When asked what he would tell others considering training at Orion, Tody said, "Orion helped me get the job experience I needed, and helped me get my schedule back in order. Orion is here to help if you want a positive change in your life!"

Luthuli is originally from Lodi, CA, and was raised in Yakima, WA. He moved to Western Washington to find more work opportunities. Luthuli worked as a truck driver, but had medical problems and could not pass the DOT physical, so he could no longer drive a truck. As a result, he spent some time homeless. Luthuli found Orion through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).
Luthuli deburring a part.
As Luthuli moved through the Orion Manufacturing Training Program, it took some time for him to get comfortable. Luthuli admits that he had to work through some anger and trust issues, and related, "There are good people at Orion who will help you when you need it. I really surprised myself by making it through the training program. Orion helped me to believe in myself again!"

After graduating from Orion's training program, Luthuli took a three month staffing assignment at Quality Stamping. He was then placed at Complete Deburr, where he gained experience deburring complex parts, working for seven months until he was laid off in December of 2016. Luthuli then worked with Cathy Wegner, Orion Job Developer, as a direct placement, until being hired at Norfil.

Jeff Moore said, "Luthuli fits in well at Norfil. He is eager to improve his quality. He is a good, hardworking guy."

"I would recommend Orion to anybody who needs to pick themselves up," Luthuli said. He added, "I have already sent a couple people to Orion for training; I told them, 'Go to Orion if you are ready to change.' "

Luthuli has a goal of seeing his responsibilities increase with Norfil, hoping to eventually work in quality control.

Congratulations to both Tody and Luthuli!


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 $10 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 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.

 

Orion Industries, Mukilteo, Receives New Haas VF-3 

The new Haas VF-3 is delivered to the Orion Industries, Mukilteo, production floor.
 
Orion Industries, Mukilteo, receives a new Haas VF-3 Vertical Machining Center. 

This will allow Orion's Mukilteo location to expand their production capabilities, and will provide new and exciting training opportunities!

Orion Featured in South Sound Biz
 
Orion was featured in the August 2017 issue of South Sound Biz. To read the article please follow the link below:

http://businessexaminer.com/South-Sound-Biz/August-2017/The-beat-goes-on/

Orion 2017 Golf Tournament Winners 

Pictured from left to right: Rob Wolfe, Brandon Howe, Bill Dunger, and Evan Stichler.
 
The annual Orion Golf Tournament was held on August 13th, 2017, at the High Cedars Golf Course in Orting, WA. 

The winning team from Aerotek shot a combined 9 under par!  Congratulations to all.

For more information about Aerotek see their website:

https://www.aerotek.com/

Orion Riders SIDS Ride

Pictured from left to right: Jason Person, Tricia Cleavelin, and Victor Molstad.
 
Members of the Orion Riders participated in the SIDS Ride on Saturday, August 26th. The ride was hosted by the Lost Links Riders Club, and raised over $3,500 for the Northwest Infant Survival & SIDS Alliance (Formerly SIDS Foundation of Washington).

The weather was perfect, and it was a great way to spend a Saturday for a good cause.

If you'd like to find out more, or find out how you can support this great cause, please follow the link:

https://www.nwsids.org/


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