Orion's December 2016 eNewsletter
 
 







Crystal at work doing data entry at American Family Insurance.
 
Crystal    

Crystal has been a participant with Orion Industries, Mukilteo (formerly Diversified Industrial Services), since November of 2002. Most of her work experience is in the janitorial field, and she has proven herself to be a dependable employee. 

In October of 2015, Crystal changed her focus, and accepted a data entry position at American Family Insurance. In order to be of value to her employer, Crystal needed to make sure that she maintained a high level of accuracy with the data she was entering. In the beginning, she had difficulty with number and letter recognition. Orion staff began to teach Crystal by calling out the needed information verbally. 
Today Crystal is able to do research and data entry with only periodic prompts, and is completing complex tasks independently. 

The individuals who participate in Orion's work programs face barriers at various levels. Crystal's determination and desire to succeed have allowed her to overcome her barriers. She has been thriving at American Family Insurance, and has now been employed for 13 months.



 

 Lexis (standing) working with his mentor, Erin Mezek, at the reception desk at Orion Industries, Auburn.
 
Lexis  came to Orion through DVR; he was looking to make a career change. Previously, Lexis worked as a caregiver. He is now looking for opportunities that will let him be part of a team.

Lexis began in Orion's Manufacturing Training Program. He spent time in clamp block assembly and conventional machining before transferring to the planning department. In the planning department, Lexis verified work orders and made sure that the work orders were properly collated. He found that he liked the fast pace of the work in an office setting, and transferred into Orion's Contact Center Training Program.  Lexis said, "I learned how to excel at scheduling, and I learned to focus and work efficiently. I enjoy the challenge of a complex task."
Lexis has found working with Orion counselors and his mentors to be one of the best parts of the Orion Training Program experience. Lexis explained saying, "I was surprised that I could work with my mentors one on one while learning the skills that I need to succeed in the future. Orion offers a supportive team of people who care, and who want to see you succeed and learn. Orion helped me face my fears, and helped me become comfortable with new challenges."

Lexis' mentor, Erin Mezek, said, "Lexis is a hard worker. He continuously shows ongoing effort to complete tasks correctly."

Lavada Colon, the job developer who has been working with Lexis, said, "I have noticed that Lexis has grown in the time that he has been with Orion. We challenged him, and Lexis was receptive to the challenge. His confidence has increased, as well as his willingness to step out of his comfort zone."

When Lexis was asked if he had any advice for others who are considering the training programs at Orion, Lexis said, "Take the step and walk through the door, then relax and begin to learn."

Lexis is currently interested in entry level clerical work. If you are interested in learning more about Lexis or would like to see his resume, call Lavada Colon at 253-661-7805, or email Lavada at lavada.colon@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 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.
  • 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.
  • Contact Center Training Program Flyer 
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.

Museum of Flight Ladies who Launch

 Pictured from left to right: Elle Hickman, Liz Hickman, Kiyanah Boatwright, Joanna Boatwright, Tiffany Nicolow, Sarah Bowles,   and Lavada Colon.

Orion staff women, and their daughters, were in attendance at the Museum of Flight's 4th Annual A.M. Flight breakfast, "Ladies who Launch" on Friday, November 4th.

The objective of the event was to raise funds to directly benefit the Museum's programs for young women like Amelia's Aeroclub and Women Fly. Attendees were encouraged to add their support to the Museum and be part of the movement of inspiring young women to pursue careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The featured speaker was Dr. Nathalia Holt, author of Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled US from Missiles to the Moon to Mars.

For more information about the Museum of Flight and the programs they support please see the link: 



Orion Riders Teddy Bear Run

 Members of the Orion Riders at the Mountain View Fire Station.

The Orion Riders went on a "Teddy Bear Run" after work on Friday, November 4th. The Riders delivered teddy bears and other small stuffed animals to the Mountain View Fire Station. The stuffed animals are used by first responders to help children during potentially traumatic events. The Orion Riders are active in their support of the community, and in supporting those who help keep our community safe. 


Orion Industries, Mukilteo, Receives New Exterior Sign

 Orion Industries, Mukilteo's new exterior sign.

Orion Industries, Mukilteo, formerly Diversified Industrial Services, received a new illuminated exterior sign on Tuesday, November 15th. Orion and Diversified merged effective September 1st. Orion will expand the manufacturing capabilities of the Mukilteo facility, and will use the business activities as a platform for training and mentoring opportunities for those who have barriers to employment in the Snohomish and North King County areas.

Orion Riders Treehouse Donation

 From left to right: Victor Molstad, Jason Person, Miley Molstad, Tricia Cleavelin, Freddy Abramson, Laura Haman, Eric Fichter, Randy Gilleland, Paul Binford, and Mary Valle.

The Orion Riders made a donation, including a company match from Orion, to Treehouse on Wednesday, November 16th. Treehouse is a great organization that helps support up to 9000 children in the foster care program each year. To learn more about Treehouse and how you could possibly add your support please see the link:  



Orion's Men of Movember

 The men of Orion who participated in Movember.

Movember was a fun way for several Orion staff members and program participants to promote cancer awareness. We lost a few Movember participants during the month because facial hair can be itchy, but we all had a great time doing our part to raise cancer awareness.


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