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 August 21, recognizing 17 graduates who completed intensive, hands-on training in welding for careers in the defense manufacturing sector.

After completing the four-month program, these graduates are prepared for immediate employment within the submarine and defense industrial base. They completed a rigorous, accelerated training experience designed to build technical skills, discipline and the attention to detail required in high-stakes manufacturing environments that support national defense.

Students in this cohort represent 13 states, highlighting the program’s national reach. To date, ATDM graduates have come from nearly every state and are supporting critical defense manufacturing needs nationwide.

“Your greatest accomplishment will not be the number of welds you make,” Jason Wells, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement at IALR, told the graduates. “It will be the number of people who can safely depend on the number of welds that you make.”

Supporting National Defense Through Workforce Development

The United States faces an urgent workforce challenge: tens of thousands of skilled trades professionals are needed in the coming years to meet production goals for submarines and other naval vessels. Traditional training pipelines cannot scale quickly enough to meet this demand.

ATDM was created to address that need by compressing years of training into a focused, 16-week program that prepares adult learners for immediate employment.

Students train on one of three shifts in one of five high-demand tracks: welding, CNC machining, non-destructive testing (NDT), additive manufacturing and quality control inspection (metrology). Graduates gain the technical expertise required to perform precision work essential to national defense.

To reduce barriers to entry, the program covers tuition and housing, enabling participants from across the country to pursue new career opportunities in Danville.

Preparing a Mission-Ready Workforce

ATDM continues to play a critical role in strengthening the submarine industrial base by rapidly training skilled workers and connecting them with employers across the country.

The program maintains strong outcomes, with approximately 80% of graduates employed within 60 days of completion. Through direct employer engagement, career fairs and industry-informed curriculum, ATDM ensures graduates are prepared to contribute immediately in mission-critical roles.

ATDM Graduates

Welding – 1st Shift

  • Kemaja Davis – GA

  • Astolfi De los Santos – MO

  • Jayden Dudley – NY

  • Benjamen Fernandez – VA

  • Noah Humes – WA

  • Ping Ping Ien – FL

  • Nick Markowitz – NY

  • Ezequiel Reyes-Hernandez – TN

Welding – 2nd Shift

  • Sarah Allen – NC

  • Tyler Livingstone – VA

  • Iagan McGunnigle – CT

  • David Sondag – MD

  • Savanna Willard – VA

Welding – 3rd Shift

  • Nicholas Danvers – MD

  • Kevin Dean – WV

  • Anthony Mannina – IL

  • Treyvian Pritchett – VA

Happy Graduation Moments

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.

Apply to ATDM

ATDM is currently accepting applications from motivated individuals ready to launch a career in advanced manufacturing and support the nation’s defense.

Apply to ATDM Today

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.