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 Sept. 18, recognizing 74 graduates who completed intensive, hands-on training for careers in the defense manufacturing sector. Graduates completed training in additive manufacturing, CNC machining and non-destructive testing (NDT).
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.
With this graduating cohort, ATDM has now trained more than 1,600 graduates for careers supporting the nation’s defense manufacturing workforce.
“Ideas don’t build things. People build things. And specifically, skilled people do. Every great design eventually has to meet reality, and reality is where you come in. You are the reality that brings ideas to life.” – Jason Wells, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing Advancement, IALR
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. Students in this cohort represent 22 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.
Student Success Story
Student speaker Wayne Ogden reflected on his journey from Texas to Danville and described how the ATDM program helped him build new skills and create opportunities for the future.
“I came here to change my life. I came here to shape my future. I am so grateful to be here today and feel lucky to have had an opportunity to be a part of this program,” he said.
From an ATDM Employer: IperionX
Representing IperionX, Amelia Cheek, HR Generalist and Community Relations Manager, praised the graduates for the work they invested in their training and emphasized the value employers place on the skills developed through the ATDM program.
“I have met many ATDM graduates, and I can say with confidence that the skills you have gained through this program are valued, respected and in demand,” she said.
ATDM Graduates
- Sangkyu An – TX
- Brian Damron – WA
- Calvin Heinly – PA
- Hunter Johnston – KY
- Timothy Nooney – NC
- Sylvanus Odor – TX
- Brian Olsen Jr. – TN
- Kyle Panas – VA
- Andrew Shirley – CA
- Angel Cendejas Jr. – GA
- Jacob Claypool – CA
- Kayden Cummings – NY
- Lyam Harbaugh – GA
- Shane Heck – WA
- Christopher Loper – TX
- Wayne Ogden – TX
- Monica Pegram – NC
- Daniel Phannamvong – TN
- Austin Sauro – WA
- Michael Thompson – TX
- Jeremiah Brown – NC
- Edwin Cervantes-Mendoza – MD
- Scott Hunley – VA
- Russell Kuemmerer – SC
- Michael Lubeski – AZ
- Brendan Miller – FL
- Leighton Mitchell – OR
- Caleb Morningstar – PA
- Kelso Riley – PA
- Christian Shull – VA
- Joleel Terry – VA
- Dwayne Brown – NC
- Kensis Green – NC
- Dale Herring – FL
- Harold Jackman – MI
- Dalton Majors – AL
- Donovan Mills – GA
- Peter Morris – MD
- Clayton Owens – VA
- Fisher Ros – AL
- Rafael Santiago – VA
- Ngai Tai – PA
- LaMarkus Baldwin – VA
- Ellis Battle – NC
- Terrance DeShazor – VA
- Jonathan Gonzalez – NV
- Aaron He – FL
- Graham Hogg – VA
- Eun Lee – VA
- Khalil McVay – CO
- Adrian Nham – VA
- Ellis Sheffield – VA
- Carter Smith – FL
- Justin Anthony – PA
- John Coccimiglio – VA
- Andrew Dunn – MI
- Daniel Garduno – CA
- Sparkles Harris – CO
- Antonio Harris – VA
- Michael Hejny – CA
- Eric Jones – TX
- Giovanni Koppen – AL
- Greg Lacanfora – WA
- Gabrielle Lotter – OH
- John Mason – PA
- Robert Nodine – CO
- Brian Norton – NC
- Jay Pilcher – NC
- Tyler Plotner – VA
- Nathaniel Sainton – MN
- Naimah Sharif – PA
- Serge Soucy – CT
- Ollen Wade – VA
- Hillel White – VA
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 1,600 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.
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.
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.
