Orion's October 2015 eNewsletter
 
 







Jade, Orion Manufacturing Program Graduate.
 
Jade      

Jade came to Orion through DVR. Before coming to Orion, Jade had only performed small, temporary odd jobs, typically with durations of two weeks or less. Jade admits, "I had no job goals, but  Orion seemed like a good fit for me."

Jade grew up locally. He  describes himself as a huge nerd who loves technology. Jade is currently building a new computer system for himself. 

Jade also likes all types of music and is actively singing with the Federal Way Choral.

Jade said, "I started working in grommets, which is very detail oriented, but then I moved to blanking and I found that I like working with metal. I quickly decided that this is what I want to do." 

As Jade's program progressed, he found himself enrolled in a four month internship in the mechanical assembly work area.

Jade said, "My mentor, Judy, set me straight. She showed me a new level of work ethic. I have a lot more drive than I thought; I'm capable of doing what I set my mind to."

Judy Faulkner, Jade's mentor said, "Jade has improved tremendously over time. He has good raw talent and great math skills." 

Judy was able to help him refine his talent. When he started the mechanical assembly internship, Judy worked on Jade's productivity and concentrated on improving how Jade conducted himself. Judy was surprised by Jade's abilities saying, "Jade is very detail oriented and he does not miss anything." 

Judy also stated, "Jade was great about applying knowledge from the blue print and shop math classes." When Jade was picked for the internship program Judy said, "Jade was like a sponge and I taught him everything I know."

Shawn Swift, the area lead, said, "Jade showed understanding and comprehension. He also showed a progression in improving the quality of his work, and he showed that he could apply what he learned in the classes." Shawn also said, "Jade showed a keen interest in working in manufacturing, and he appeared to enjoy himself!"
 
When asked how Orion has helped him overcome barriers, Jade replied, "I wanted a sitting job, but I've been working on fitness and standing more. I have more confidence now, and I feel like a completely new person."
   
When Jade was asked what advice he would give to others coming into an Orion manufacturing training program, Jade said that he would tell them "to get good shoes and  do not plan on sitting." Jade followed with additional advice by saying, "Don't take Orion for granted; the program is such a good thing that to not take advantage of it would be an insult to the program."

Laura Fogle, Jade's Job Developer, explained that "J ade applies his work ethic to everything he does inside and outside of work,  and Jade found that he was quite successful."

Jade said, "I have gotten a lot out of being at Orion. I feel that I can go into a job and be confident."

In June of this year,  Jade was extended a job offer as a Mechanical Assembly Tech II at Imaginetics, one of Orion's manufacturing partners in Auburn. Jade has made his first goal with them by completing 90 days of employment. He feels he is just getting started contributing to the work his team does each day.

Jade said, "I never thought I would feel this good about myself."
 


 

 Brian at work on the Orion production floor.
 
Brian  was referred to Orion by his DVR counselor after working in a warehouse receiving position for several years. Brain said, "From the moment I stepped into the Orion building on my first day I knew this would be a good fit for me and had the potential for great things."

Brian took metal shop in high school, and when he began the manufacturing training program at Orion what he had learned came back to him. Orion was able to build on his skills. Brain said, "The knowledge I gained from Orion is great."

When asked how Orion helped him overcome any barriers, Brian said, "The first two weeks were tough for me; I was nervous and felt out of place, but then I met this amazing group of people, and it became easier as I got used to working." 

While at Orion, Brian has learned manufacturing techniques, and has also learned the value of working hard, being on time, and how to treat other staff members with respect. Brian has worked in assembly, brake form, deburring, and punch drills. Brian has enjoyed each job he has done at Orion but is open to any job that involves physical activity.

Brian said, "I'm proud of what I have accomplished. I will accomplish more in the future, and it will be fun!"

Employers who are looking for an eager, reliable, employee who understands the value of being at work every day would do well to consider Brian.

If you are interested in learning more about Brian, or would like to see his resume, call Barb Panush at 253-661-7805 or email Barb at  barb.panush@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!

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 Staff Appreciation Day at Emerald Downs
  Orion staff enjoying the annual appreciation day event held at Emerald Downs this year.
 
Orion held its annual staff appreciation day at Emerald Downs in Auburn, on September 19th. Orion has experienced significant growth over the past year and has added several new staff members. 

The staff appreciation event was a great opportunity for all of the staff to get to know each other a little better outside of the work environment.

A buffet lunch was provided, and in addition to the horse races, staff participated in a raffle. Fun was had by all!

 

Orion's Belters bowl for Seattle Children's Hospital

 Orion's Belters at the Strikes for Kids event. Pictured left to right, Joanna Boatwright, Mandi Magers, Nate Thomas, Matt Foster, Dale Dahlman, Tanya Minerich, and Kurt Wallitner.
 
Orion's Belters participated in a charity bowling event, Strikes for Kids Seattle, which benefitted Seattle Children's Hospital, on September 15th. 

The event was hosted by several Seattle Seahawks players, and the 12th man was represented by a legion of good bowlers. 

If you'd like to learn more about this fun and worthy event, and possibly about future events, check out their website: 

Orion staff participate in annual 9/11 blood drive

 Orion staff Dave Maloy (left) and Jason Person (right) donating blood during Orion's annual 9/11 blood drive.
 
Each year on 9/11 Orion Industries participates in an on-site blood drive with Cascade Regional Blood Services. 

On Friday, September 11th, 30 staff members donated blood. Each donation can potentially impact and save the lives of up to six people.
 
Our amazing staff is always looking for ways to positively impact the community! 

If you would like to learn more please visit the Cascade Regional Blood Service website:

Orion Riders donate to aid wildfire relief

 Orion Riders presenting a check for wildfire relief. Pictured left to right, Nathan King, Mary Valle, Jason Person, Rick Pudmaroff, Laura Haman, Tricia Cleavelin, Tom Brosius, Paul Binford, Miley Molstad, And Victor Molstad.
 
The Orion Riders made a donation to the Community Foundation of North Central Washington to support wildfire relief. 

Orion Industries provided a company match which brought the total donation to $1200. 

Communities in Eastern Washington have been greatly impacted by wildfires, and many people need aid. 

If you would also like to contribute, to help out our neighbors in their time of need, please see the link below:



Orion Cycling Club at Mount St. Helens
  Pictured left to right, Tom Brosius, Dave Barr, and Jen Fordham.
 
Members of the Orion Cycling Club climbed their bikes to Johnston Ridge Observatory while participating in the Longview Rotary's Tour de Blast. 

Tom Brosius, Dave Barr and Jen Fordham rode the 82 miles and climbed 7,000 feet.
 

Orion staff Beat the Blerch
  Tricia Cleavelin (left), and Kathy Powers (right) taking a break during the "Beat the Blerch" fun run.
 
Tricia Cleavelin, Orion Vocational Counselor (left), and Kathy Powers, Orion Vice President of Services (right), ran in the "Beat the Blerch" fun run. 

The run was held in Carnation, on September 12th and 13th. The race was highlighted by several way stations with attendants (and Sasquatch) tempting runners to stop and rest on a couch, eat some cake, and maybe enjoy a beer.

While getting out of the rain was welcome, most runners opted to forego having cake and therefore "Beat the Blerch," which represents all of those inner thoughts that keep you from being active. 

For more information about this race visit their website:



Orion links
 
Click on the links below to visit Orion's division websites:     
Orion Industries
1590 A St Northeast
Auburn, Washington 98002