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 Feb. 13. The ceremony honored 44 adult learners who completed intensive training in critical skill sets for building and repairing components within the defense manufacturing sector.
Each completer finished at least 600 hours of hands-on instruction, preparing them for immediate employment within the maritime industrial base (MIB). These tracks equip students with the technical expertise to perform high‑precision processes essential to national defense.
Dominic Lee, CNC Machining student speaker, shared reflections on the journey through the program.
“This program pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Every moment became a lesson, every mistake became an opportunity to learn, and every challenge built confidence and sharpened my skills,” Lee said.
He also praised the work of the instructional staff.
“You didn’t just teach us to run a machine. You taught us to think like a machinist,” he said.
Retired Col. Mike Flanagan, now working with The SPECTRUM Group, praised the graduates for their dedication and highlighted the significance of their achievement.
“We win battles on the shop floor,” Flanagan told the graduates, reminding them of the importance of their roles.
ATDM Graduates
CNC Machining – 1st Shift
- Khyree Campbell – SC
- Maxwell Hackney – NV
- Israel Hernandez – TX
- Anthony Leya – NY
- James Liddell – MD
- Matthew Loomis – WA
- Jeremiah Rickerson – VA
- Elisha Sam – PA
- Stephen Tomczyk – VA
- Austin Turner – VA
- Mohammad Mothasir – VA
CNC Machining – 2nd Shift
- Irvin Barrientos – CA
- Christopher Booker – VA
- Robert Davis – GA
- Martin Gross – CA
- Brandon Nava – FL
- Richard Preston – MD
- Nadia Putnam – VA
- Dylan Ratcliff – FL
- Durham Ryan – MD
- Jeffrey Wells – VA
- Luke West – NC
CNC Machining – 3rd Shift
- Burkett Carver – VA
- Jacob Faulkner – VA
- Brooke Fugate – VA
- James Hagerman – CO
- Devin Hedinger – OH
- Spiros Klentzeris – FL
- Dominic Lee – PA
- Kevin Lee Jr. – VA
- Noah Zeek – NC
Metrology – 1st Shift
- Jonathan Cameron – MA
- Joanna Clemente – MD
- Aspen Dailey – SC
- Justin Farrow – NC
- Audra Fisher – VA
- Caleb Guthery – AZ
- Deborah Hinkle – OH
- Cashion Holt – VA
- Mason McCoppin – GA
- Sean Noto – VA
- Stephan Orth – SC
- Jaxon Souser – VA
- Elizabeth Wurzbach – PA
With more than 1,300 total ATDM graduates to date, approximately 85% are placed in MIB jobs within 30 days of graduation. For this cohort, all 31 CNC Machining students had secured jobs by graduation day.
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.
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. 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.
