The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) celebrated the graduation of the 18th cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program on September 19, 2025. The ceremony recognized 78 graduates who successfully completed rigorous training in specialized manufacturing fields critical to the defense industry, specifically the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB).

This cohort’s graduates completed intensive, hands-on instruction across specialized tracks, including CNC machining, metrology/quality control inspection (metrology) and welding. Each graduate completed over 600 hours of practical training, earning industry-recognized credentials for immediate entry into skilled roles within the MIB.

The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by CAPT. Nick Levine, Program Manager for In-Service Attack Submarines.

“Today marks a significant milestone, not just for you as individuals, but for our nation,” Levine said. “This is not the end of your journey, it’s the beginning. You’ve spent countless hours mastering the intricacies of manufacturing, welding, quality control and more. Now you are armed with the skills to go out into the world and make a difference.” – CAPT. Nick Levine, Program Manager for In-Service Attack Submarines.

Participants in the ATDM program benefit from comprehensive scholarships covering tuition and housing. This support enables learners from diverse backgrounds—including transitioning veterans, industry newcomers and professionals changing careers—to succeed.

Developed in collaboration with the Department of Defense, IALR, Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation and The SPECTRUM Group, ATDM directly responds to defense industry workforce needs. The program is on track to graduate more than 800 students annually.

ATDM Completion Ceremony - Sep 2025

Graduates of the 18th ATDM Cohort

CNC Machining – 1st Shift

Ronald Archer – VA
Jasper Egan – FL
Kobe Goffney – TX
Jade Kataja – AZ
LaDonna Knight – MI
Andrew Leon – TX
John Serrano – VA
Alexander Scott – NC
Raymond Smalley, Jr. – IN
Phuc Tang – VA
Patrick Thweatt – AL
Logan Williams – WI

CNC Machining – 2nd Shift

Eric Crawford – VA
Joel Gallup – CT
Oscar Gonzalez, Jr. – VA
Joshua Green – MD
Winston Heron III – VA
Cain Maxwell – OH
Jacquan Penick – FL
Ryan Ramirez – CA
James Scanlan – PA
Brent Wilburn – GA

CNC Machining – 3rd Shift

Chiara Abreo – NJ
Nicholas Becker – VA
Shamia Davis – SC
Samuel Johnson – FL
Apisit Lewis – VA
Matthew McCabe – FL
Dereck Pyle – NM
Jason Skrabak – DE
Victoria Snow – IN
Treasure Turpin – FL
Isaiah Williams – SC

Quality Control – 1st Shift

Chouaib Aberkane – TX
Anthony Armstrong – TX
John Cox – MA
Quentin Deloatch – NC
Angel Gallaher – NJ
Landry Hughes – VA
Justin Hunn – OH
Jada Jackson – TX
Marco Martoccia – VA
Gerald Moran – VA
LaMonte Nelson-Spears – SC
Michael Pompei – PA
Annica Verhoef – TX
Jabali Wamalwa – CO
Marissa Watkins – FL

Welding – 1st Shift

Makenzie Brewer – NC
Jeremy Burke – NC
Davonte Burroughs – PA
Yurel Chattam – OH
Atlas Dunn – TX
Ellen Friel – NY
Jovon Jackson – CO
Reza Musaiy – TX
Aaron Ramirez – TX
Ramond Spencer – AL
Michael Summers – AL
Zion Thompson – SC

Welding – 2nd Shift

Dylan Carter – AL
Taylor Clary – VA
Corey Erb – NC
Erika Gamba – FL
Forrest Gladney – MO
Ryan Niles – CA
Brian O’Neill – FL
Zacheriah Persing – PA
Ivan Torres – VA
Davictor Wilson – GA

Welding – 3rd Shift

Dominic Baker – IL
Avery Bowersox – NC
Kaiden Brown – NY
Brandon Dugay – CA
Steven Pope – TX
Khoshbeen Rahime – CA
Xavier Topete – LA
Andrew Winslow – DE

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 Defense 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. The Institute’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.