Orion's November 2018 eNewsletter
 
 









Elliot, Orion Community Employment Participant.

Elliot   

The Washington State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) recommended that Elliot come to Orion for job placement services. Orion's employment consultants identified jobs in the area and  helped Elliot with the application process and to prepare for interviewing. Elliot was able to locate a courtesy clerk position at the Lynnwood Fred Meyers. This position works well for Elliot as it is within easy commuting distance from his home.

Christen Diamond, Elliot's employment consultant, said, "Elliot was amazing at applying himself. He is a strong communicator and has a great interview technique. He is outgoing and has proven to be a hard worker."

Ian, the Lynnwood Fred Meyer Front End Supervisor, related, "I have worked with several employees placed with a Community Employment program. In my experience they are hard-working and demonstrate that they are appreciative of the opportunity. Initially we work to set the expectation, and once their performance meets that then their personality begins to come out, making it easier to connect."

Elliot said, "Having Chrissy available as a job coach has been really awesome. She helped me with check lists for different parts of my job, so that I can make sure I do everything in the correct order. It's been really cool knowing that Orion is there when I need them!"

Congratulations Elliot!



 

Shaun, Orion Manufacturing Training Program Participant.

From a young age Shaun has always been interested in building things. He likes to spend his free time building scale models using Legos and K'nex building block systems. Shaun graduated from high school where he was in the Youth Aerospace Program. While looking for his next opportunity, Shaun toured the paid Manufacturing Training Program at Orion's Mukilteo location, and he decided to sign up for the program.

Shaun learns best with hands-on experience. He likes to feel how the parts fit together. He is also very organized and began sorting the parts needed for various jobs in an effort to reduce any possible confusion. His method has had a positive effect, greatly increasing the speed of his work flow.

"I have always wondered how airplanes are built," Shaun explained. "In high school I went on a tour at the Boeing plant and got to see how the outside of the plane is put together. At the time I wondered how the inside of the plane was done, and now I'm helping to build wiring parts for the interior!"

Working with a mentor has been a good experience for Shaun. The mentor is there to provide support and help out on the spot if needed. The mentor offers advice and can make minor corrections as the participant is learning a new job. Shaun said, "I like to discover new things, and I like learning about the process. Now I know the purpose of each tool, and I know which is the right tool for the job. Working with a mentor has helped by showing me that I can learn from a mistake. Orion's Manufacturing Training Program has been very good for me; I want to do my best and keep moving forward!"

While in the training program Shaun has had perfect attendance. He has gained experience in several areas including Bond, CNC, Inventory, Wire, and Mechanical Assembly. If you would like to learn more about Shaun, or if you would like to see his resume, please contact Lavada Kindle at 253.661.7805 x262 or email her at  lavada.kindle@orionworks.org.

Meet a Mentor - Lexi McCarver

Lexi McCarver (left) working with KJ (right), a program participant in Orion's Manufacturing Training Program.
The training programs offered by Orion provide real world experience, and participants gain both technical skills and soft skills while working one-on-one with a mentor. The mentor plays a pivotal role in each participant's journey through the training program.

Lexi McCarver is a mentor in the Manufacturing Training Program offered at Orion's Mukilteo location. She enjoys the challenges of being a mentor, and not only showing participants how to perform a job, but also showing them the level of job performance that a supervisor expects. 

"I work with each participant and help them learn how to establish and reach their goals," Lexi explained. "I have learned that I enjoy training people. A key for me has been to treat everyone equally, although each person is an individual and has different needs. Each person communicates and learns differently. I find it both challenging and rewarding when I can help someone work through their barrier. Often a barrier can be turned into a strength. I start by asking myself 'How can I help?' and the answer is always different."

Orion supports mentors through formal mentor training, and through support from employment services staff. Lexi said, "The mentor training I received provided an overview, and an outline of what to expect, but I found that actually engaging is what made the mentor role easier for me. Finding solutions that work for each different person becomes easier with experience. All of the mentors here motivate and support each other. We keep each other on track, and at weekly meetings we celebrate even small successes."

"I am most proud when I can see the 'light bulb' moment, that moment when a participant turns the corner on something and begins to understand," Lexi related. "To be part of someone building a new foundation is amazing!"


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 is Hiring!
Join Orion's award-winning team! Orion is a leading manufacturer and supplier for the aerospace industry. We offer competitive wages and 100% employer paid benefits, 401(k) matching, 11 paid holidays and a generous paid time off plan.

Orion is a nonprofit with a mission of helping those who need job training. We are looking for experienced individuals who have a desire to share their knowledge and make a difference in our community. 

Orion is a business with a purpose! For more information see our video and visit the careers page on our website:


Aerospace Futures Alliance Summit 2018

Pictured left to right: Sean Dwyer, John Theisen, Chris Hedegaard, Tom Brosius and Raymond Moe.
 
Orion staff attended the Aerospace Futures Alliance Summit on Wednesday, October 10th, 2018. The Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA) is an advocacy organization for the aerospace industry in Washington State. The event featured keynote speakers and presentations outlining the growth and opportunities of the aerospace industry in the Puget Sound region.

To learn more about the AFA visit their website:
https://www.afa-wa.com/

The Leadership Institute of the South Puget Sound

Pictured left to right: Executive Director, Dr. Skip Roland, Regents - Kristina Pressley, Allison Hyde (Arts Director for City of Auburn), Executive Committee Co-Chair Nancy Colson, Institute Board of Regents Founder, Lynn Norman, Mayor Nancy Backus, and Senior Fellow, Jim Felty.
The Leadership Institute of the South Puget Sound, an initiative of the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, held their 2018-2019 new class Orientation at Orion's Auburn location on Saturday, October 20. Dr. Skip Rowland, Executive Director and Lead Instructor of the Institute hosted local city officials, Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Members and community members in welcoming the new class.

The Leadership Institute provides state-of-the-art-and-science leadership education through study missions, guest speakers, experiential learning exercises, literature reviews, and class projects.

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/LeadershipInstituteofSouthPugetSound/

3rd Annual Battlefield Addiction Dinner and Auction

Pictured at the event are Orion staff members Kristina Pressley (and her husband, Bryan), Lisa Johnson, Lavada Kindle, Jeri Lucas, Tricia Cleavelin, Joe Hoeft and Jason Person.
 
Orion staff members were out on the evening of Saturday, October 20th, to support an organization that is doing great things in our community. Battlefield Addiction held their 3rd Annual Dinner and Auction with the proceeds supporting their work in partnership with treatment centers, intensive outpatient facilities and sober living programs.

Battlefield Addiction is a team of recovered addicts, community and family members working together to fill the gaps that currently exist in the treatment/recovery world.

Diaper Drive

Joe Hoeft (left) and Cathy Wegner (right), pictured with the Orion pickup truck loaded with donated supplies.
Orion collected diapers and wipes October 15th through October 19th to benefit the Auburn Food Bank.

In addition to the supplies, Orion staff and partners in the community donated $340 during the drive.

Visit the Auburn Food Bank website to learn about ways that you can help those in our community who are in need:
http://www.theauburnfoodbank.org/


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