Orion's November 2014 eNewsletter
 
 








Taylor, Orion Manufacturing Training Program Graduate.
 
Taylor       

  

Taylor was referred to Orion through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Taylor spent almost a year training in Orion's Manufacturing Training Program. Like many youth, finding the right match was a process but Taylor has been working for Cascade Gasket since March 2013 and works in a product support cell labeling, bonding and flashing parts.

Orion and Cascade Gasket worked together to help Taylor transition into his new position, making sure Taylor was on a path to meet production and professionalism expectations.
"Orion helped me learn how to stay focused," Taylor said.

Taylor has now been with Cascade Gasket for over 18 months. He has found that he excels working in a team environment. "I like who I work with, and they understand me better than at my previous job, and I'm not just by myself," Taylor said.

Recently Taylor has had the opportunity to come back and visit Orion as part of a blueprint reading class that Orion is providing to Cascade Gasket employees. "Knowing how to check a blueprint helps me know where to place vent holes for a part and what size to drill the hole," Taylor explained.

Since starting at Cascade Gasket Taylor has gotten his driver's license and a car. Taylor is setting goals for his future and is also saving for college.

Click on the link below to see Taylor's New Beginnings video from the end of 2013:  
   


 

Ken at work in the planning department at Orion. - image credit: Courtesy photo/Chris Hedegaard

 

Ken came to us through our Veteran's door.  He has worked in several cells in our manufacturing business including CNC Mills, Receiving and Part Mark. Ken then settled in on our planning team as a Document Control Assistant where he has spent several months as a valued member of that team.   

 

While working full time at Orion, he attended night school, completing his Associates in Network Systems Administration.  Ken has a background in IT support, including working on a help desk and he is seeking a position as an IT Technician.   

 

If you know of a position for Ken, you can contact him through his Job Developer, Barb Panush at (253) 661-7805 ext. 246 or barb.panush@orionworks.org.

 

Program tours are available!
Orion currently has openings available in all of our training programs (Manufacturing, Office Skills & Customer Service and Contact Center) and for job development.        

 

Individuals who are interested in our Manufacturing training program or our Office Skills & Customer Service training program are invited come and take a tour of the program and facility. 

  • Manufacturing program - every Tuesday at 1 pm
  • Office Skills & Customer Service program - every Wednesday at 1 pm
Contact Center program - pre-testing for computer literacy and customer service competency must be completed first. Contact Jeri Lucas to schedule an appointment at (253) 661-7805.

If you are interested in direct job placement services, please contact a Job Developer at (253) 661-7805.


Orion's Office Skills and Customer Service program

Office Skills and Customer Service program participant receiving training.

 

New contracts in Contact Center = increased training opportunities! 

 

Orion's Contact Center is excited to announce several new contracts that will begin at the end of this year/beginning of 2015.  In 2014, 16 participants trained in either in the front desk, document control or phone agent positions. Additionally, Orion has assisted 9 of these individuals into community jobs with an average wage of $13.04 per hour. With the addition of these new contracts, the number of available training spots will increase!

 

Addition of the stipend

 

In 2014, Orion began offering a $10/day stipend to all students enrolled in in the Office Skills and Customer Service programs.

 

Integration of Customer Service material

 

Orion's Office Skills and Customer Service program has integrated the stand alone Customer Service/Hospitality training into its core curriculum. 

 

Each week clients will be taught a different aspect of what it takes to provide consistent high quality customer service. Topics covered include: Essential Customer Service Traits, Communication, Problem Resolution, Self-Care and more. Each lesson includes instructional readings, reinforcement exercises, and group discussion; project work and opportunities for role playing/videotaping are also built-in to the lessons.  

 

This weekly customer service focus will help prepare individuals to meet the demands of administrative as well as customer service focused jobs.

 


Orion Annual Employer Appreciation Event

Rick Pudmaroff speaking at the annual employer appreciation event.

Orion held its annual employer networking and appreciation event at Emerald Downs in Auburn, WA on Tuesday, October 21st.

Orion honored our employer partners at this event featuring games, food and prizes.

Rick Pudmaroff, Orion staff member and mentor, shared his story and what it means to him to be able to give back and help people succeed.

Thanks to all of our employer partners for a great year!



Orion featured in WSDOT video

Tom Brosius, Orion Industries Vice President and General Manager speaking in the WSDOT video.

Employees of Orion Industries Aerospace division are featured in a video series created by PRR for the WSDOT and discuss the increasing needs for transportation infrastructure in Washington for receiving and shipping freight.

Manufacturing supply chains are heavily dependent on freight transportation. In Washington State, aerospace manufacturing alone creates $51.2 billion in gross business income.

Continued growth and competitiveness in manufacturing relies on high-quality freight transportation infrastructure. See the Washington State Freight Mobility Plan for more!



Orion team member featured in MSC Helps 2014 video

Orion team member Rick Pudmaroff is one of the profiles featured in the video produced for the MSC Helps Luncheon.

Orion Industries participated in a video shoot that Milkman Media produced for Multi-Service Center. MSC created a video that featured a series of success stories. Orion staff member Rick Pudmaroff was interviewed for the video and was a guest at the MSC luncheon where the video was introduced.

In the video Rick shares his story and experiences in getting his life on track. Rick now serves as a mentor helping people through the same types of transitions that he went through. 
 


Orion Decorated Pumpkin Contest

A selection of the decorated pumpkins that were on display.

Orion's Shipping, Receiving and Purchasing team held a decorated pumpkin contest. The pumpkins were on display for all Orion staff, program participants and visitors.

This year Orion had several "great" pumpkins!



Orion Wellness Neon Run!

Wellness committee representatives after completing the Neon Run.


Representatives from the Orion Wellness Committee participated in the Neon Run at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, WA on Saturday, October 4th.

The night run covered 3.1 miles and featured neon paint and glow-in-the-dark powders. And lots of glow sticks!
 
This event is a great activity for both adults and children. And who doesn't like glow sticks?

If you are interested in participating in a future Neon Run check out their web site below:
 

Click on the links below to see archived newsletters:     
Orion Industries
1590 A St Northeast
Auburn, Washington 98002