Orion's December 2018 eNewsletter
 
 









Janet, Orion Manufacturing Training Graduate, at work at the Skookum facility in Kent.

Janet   

Janet discovered Orion's paid training program through Battlefield Addiction, a local nonprofit that supports family members who have a loved one struggling with addiction. Janet has been interested in the aerospace industry as a career since she was a child, as her grandfather was an assembler for Boeing. She really needed a job, and after coming for a tour of Orion's training program she thought it would be her best chance for not only a job, but for what could become a career.

Janet now works at the new Skookum Aerospace Manufacturing facility in Kent, formerly the Provail Fabrication Division, and she credits the training and experience she received at Orion with helping her earn her position at Skookum. "I wanted to learn as much as I could when I was in Orion's Manufacturing Training Program, and I stayed longer than most clients," Janet explained. "My mentor in the Planning Department, Heather McMillen, showed me everything about production control and I learned so much more than I ever thought I would; I really feel that helped me get my job here at Skookum!"

While at Orion Janet received training and worked one-on-one with a mentor in Clamp Block, Chaku, Part Mark, Kitting, Shipping, Receiving, and in Planning.

"Working on the production floor and in production control in the Planning Department exposed me to both sides of a work order, and really let me understand the process!" Janet exclaimed. "My mentors were able to customize the training program for me, which gave me extra learning opportunities, allowing me to deepen my knowledge. I got so much more support than I ever thought I would, and that really helped me move forward. I really had a good experience at Orion!"

Janet loves her job at Skookum. She relates that she was nervous on her first day, but she felt prepared. Janet said, "I was able to pick up the process right away, and I felt like I knew what to do. Orion's program really does work, and it gave me hope. I learned to be accountable, to be on time, and how to contribute to team building. The skills and experience that I got was really amazing! I was able to take my knowledge with me and apply it in my new job, which let me be successful here at Skookum; I've already earned my first raise!"

Congratulations Janet!



 

Max, Orion Manufacturing Training Program Participant.

Lack of work experience was making it difficult for Max to find employment. His counselor at the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) encouraged Max to take a tour of Orion's paid training program. Max's DVR counselor knew that Orion's program would be a great way for him to get the experience he needed.

Max visited Orion's Auburn location to take a tour, and immediately realized that the training program would be a great opportunity for him to gain the experience he lacked. Max had some workshop and metal shop classes in junior high and high school, so he felt comfortable in Orion's production environment. 

"I was surprised by how quickly I learned the skills I needed in each area," Max said. "Over time I had to ask for instructions less and less and my confidence grew."

Cathy Wegner, Max's Job Developer, said, "As Max was working one-on-one with a mentor learning both soft skills and technical skills, we were learning about Max. We learned that Max is most successful when his work tasks keep him moving. Active work is essential for Max; it keeps him engaged."

Orion's Manufacturing Training Program was effectively Max's first job. Max learned about what it means to perform safely in a work environment. He also learned about the importance of adhering to a schedule.

"I learned to not make the same mistake twice," Max stated. "Working with a mentor really helped me and gave me a resource to ensure that I was learning how to do each job the right way. I'm doing stuff that I never thought I would! Orion is a great place to start if your goal is to join the workforce!"

While in the training program Max has gained experience in several areas including Shipping, Chaku, CNC Router, Kitting and Clamp Block. He also attended Shop Math classes. Max lives in the Puyallup South Hill area and is hoping to find a mid-day position close to a mass transit line to help him pay tuition while continuing his education. If you would like to learn more about Max, or if you would like to see his resume, please contact Cathy Wegner at 253.661.7805 x209 or email her at  cathy.wegner@orionworks.org.

Meet a Mentor - Roberto Ripley

Roberto Ripley (left) working with Michael (right), a program participant in Orion's Manufacturing Training Program.

Originally a member of Orion's Contact Center Services division, Roberto Ripley attended mentor training classes with a cohort of other mentors. Roberto then provided one-on-one mentoring to program participants in the Contact Center training program. 

  "I found the interactions with the others in the mentor training classes to be invaluable, and it really showed me that there are multiple perspectives that can provide a solution to a problem," Roberto explained. "I learned that if I have an issue I can reach out to the other mentors. The mentors and Orion staff are a great resource and provide a web of support."

Currently, after transferring to Orion's Aerospace division, Roberto is a mentor in the Manufacturing Training Program offered at Orion's Auburn location, working in the Shipping Department. Roberto related that Luke Kennedy, the previous mentor in Shipping, acted as a support as he learned the area. Roberto said, "Luke provided feedback on what helped him in the role, and on what helped participants learn. The tips that he provided have really helped!"

The training programs offered by Orion provide real world experience, and participants gain both soft skills and technical skills while working one-on-one with a mentor. The mentor plays a vital role throughout each participant's time in the training program.

Roberto understands the importance of the role he performs, saying, "Being able to help someone in need is amazing. In my role I help participants learn to perform a job, and I give them the tools that they need to be successful. I'm helping people get back into the workforce." 

"I come to work every day with the opportunity to teach and give someone the skills they need, " Roberto said. "It feels good to know that you are helping someone take steps to get back on track. Most people have a teacher that they looked up to at some point in their life. I can be that person for someone!"


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:


John Theisen Speaks at UWT
 
John Theisen, Orion's President & CEO, spoke at the University of Washington, Tacoma (UWT), campus on Wednesday, Nov. 28th.

John addressed graduate students in the Milgard MBA program, alumni, and undergraduates, and shared lessons that he has learned through his career. John also shared how Orion's mission of providing training and job opportunities to those who have barriers to employment promotes an inclusive economy and has positive impacts on the community.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session, as well as network at a reception for the event. 

Women of Washington State in Aerospace

Pictured Women of Washington State in Aerospace event attendees.
Orion hosted a meeting of the Women of Washington State in Aerospace on November 14th at our Auburn location. The event was a great networking opportunity!

Auburn Food Bank's 25th Annual Harvest Breakfast

Pictured left to right: Steve & Cathy Wegner, Kathy Powers, Lavada Kindle, Cynthia Kim, Liz Hickman, and Jason Moore.
 
Orion staff attended the Auburn Food Bank's 25th Annual Harvest Breakfast on Friday, Nov. 2nd. For information on how you can support the Auburn Food Bank please visit their website:

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