The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) celebrated the graduation of the latest cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program on May 8. The ceremony honored 88 adult learners who completed intensive, hands-on training in key trades supporting the defense manufacturing sector.
Each completer finished extensive hands-on instruction, preparing them for immediate employment within the submarine industrial base (SIB), the system of companies that support the construction and sustainment of submarines. These training tracks equip students with the technical expertise to perform high-precision processes essential to national defense.
Ken Hamm, Vice President of Quality for the Engine Systems Business Unit at Howmet Aerospace, delivered the keynote address and encouraged graduates to carry forward a commitment to excellence in their work. Hamm also had a unique connection to this cohort with his son, Aaron, being one of the graduates.
“There are people whose lives depend on the decisions you make on an ordinary Tuesday.” – Ken Hamm, Vice President of Quality, Engine Systems Business Unit, Howmet Aerospace
Margarita Emmanuelli, a non-destructive testing student and Navy veteran, shared her personal journey of navigating career setbacks, major life transitions and ultimately choosing to pursue a new path through ATDM. She described how a period of uncertainty, including job loss and reevaluating her direction, led her to seek out a purpose-driven career in the defense manufacturing industry.
“When my career ended, I felt like I had no purpose, and I had to fix that.” – Margarita Emmanuelli, ATDM NDT Graduate
Emmanuelli has accepted a position as an X-ray technician with Howmet Aerospace in Hampton, Virginia.
Jason Wells, IALR’s Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement, reinforced the importance of the graduates’ role in supporting national security and maintaining the highest standards in their craft.
“In this field, we do not have the luxury for just good enough. Lives depend on what we do. Families depend on what we do. Industries and communities depend on what we do.” – Jason Wells, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing Advancement, IALR
ATDM Graduates
- Charles Adams – NH
- Brandon Buckner – VA
- Connor Charlton – AL
- Shaun Coggins – NY
- Jake Dorais – CA
- Matthew Hungerford – PA
- Wesley Rabens – VA
- Shawn Reid – VA
- Ryan Baber – CA
- Vincent Hegarty – PA
- Thomas Martine – NJ
- William Martin – VA
- Tyler Mazzotta – GA
- Josiah Newell – VA
- Theodore Trombley – CA
- Brian Urbanczyk – FL
- Arturo Villegas – MD
- Logan Audrain – VA
- Kye Houser – WA
- Benjamin Kranc – VA
- Víctor Menchaca – CA
- Michaelangelo Montero – WI
- Brandon Raymond – KY
- Sebien Stone – VA
- Jonathan Stringer – FL
- Ryuuji Abe – GA
- Ebrahim Ahmadi – VA
- Joseph DeMatteo – KY
- William Estes – FL
- Carlos Frias – FL
- Simon Henderson – WA
- Matthew Jenkins – AL
- Julio Olague – IL
- Colton Owens – VA
- Luke Reynoso-Blankenship – AR
- Scarlett Witt – VA
- Appolinaire Zakpo – TX
- Alec Benjamin – NC
- Louis Braxton – CA
- Zachary Chambers – VA
- James Clemente – MD
- Maksim Gorokhov – FL
- Cameron Walker – VA
- Adam Ament – FL
- Brandy Boyer – PA
- James Brown – VA
- Jonathan Dean – CT
- Kaleb Edwards – SC
- Margarita Emmanuelli – VA
- Evan Faircloth – OK
- Kiernan Greene – KY
- Aaron Hamm – NC
- Austyn Hunter – GA
- Jason Miller – PA
- Landen Orellano – OH
- Christopher Otterson – CA
- William Sensenich – NC
- Fabian Solorio-Tapia – PA
- Jayveoun Stansberry – TX
- John Tester – PA
- Nykolas Zollbrecht – NC
- Mohammad Ahmadi – CA
- Payton Benfatti – LA
- Gabriel Brady – MA
- Zackery Cannon – GA
- John Connors – VA
- Seth Geiger – VA
- Riley Hinegardner – MD
- Zachery Jones – NY
- Justin Meyers – PA
- Javier Torres – GA
- Sean Brady – VA
- Andrew Calhoun V – VA
- Tristan Jeddrey – FL
- Melani Luna-Barrientos – NC
- Deshawn Newman – AZ
- Philip Rowles – PA
- Jalen Whetstone – AL
- LeeAnn Winebrenner – WV
- Charles Abell – VA
- Ethan Bond – CO
- Munashe Bosha – MD
- Terrence Davis – OH
- Dominik Dworak – CO
- Bradley Gaddy – NC
- Cole Peterson – PA
- Zeke Sawyer – VA
- Andrew White – AK
Participants in the ATDM program benefit from comprehensive scholarships covering tuition and furnished housing. This support enables individuals from diverse backgrounds, including transitioning service members, career changers and industry newcomers, to prepare for and find successful manufacturing careers.
With a goal of training 1,000 students annually starting in 2027, ATDM remains a cornerstone initiative in strengthening the U.S. defense manufacturing workforce. With more than 1,440 total graduates to date, ATDM boasts an approximately 80% graduation rate and, for those graduates, an 80% placement rate within two months of completing the program.
About ATDM
The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program provides focused, industry-driven training to equip participants with skills critical for defense manufacturing. This initiative is funded through the National Imperative for Industrial Skills by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program Office within the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment.
About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. The organization houses and leads the ATDM program with the support of various partners.
