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 March 13. The ceremony honored 31 adult learners who completed intensive training in welding, a critical skill set 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), the system of companies that support the construction and sustainment of submarines. This track equips students with the technical expertise to perform high‑precision processes essential to national defense.
Jason Wells, IALR’s Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement, encouraged the graduates to remember the criticality of their work in holding the world together.
“Never lower your standards — not for schedule, not for convenience and not because someone says ‘good enough.’ I promise you, ‘good enough’ has never lasted the test of time.” – Jason Wells, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing Advancement, IALR
Romaun Myers, welding student speaker, shared reflections on the journey through the program.
“Welding teaches you a lot about life. If you rush it, it shows. If you cut corners, it shows. But if you take your time and learn from your mistakes and keep showing up, you can create something strong.” – Romaun Myers, ATDM Welding Graduate
ATDM Graduates – Welding
Welding – 1st Shift
- John Arnett – MS
- Antoine Butler – NC
- Shania Galvez – MA
- Nathaniel Harris – PA
- Samuel Komolafe – PA
- Romaun Myers – SC
- Hunter Powell – SC
- Aaron Roach – NC
- John Sampson – VA
- Talha Verjovkins – VA
Welding – 2nd Shift
- Luke Angelides – NV
- Demoines Boyd – VA
- Joseph Dayton – MD
- Braylen Harrell – VA
- Kelsey Hayamoto – WA
- Aydan Hinkley – SC
- Brenda Rivera – AL
- Charles Shoop – VA
- James Tharp – VA
- Cody Ujhelyi – NV
- Gabriel Wright – VA
Welding – 3rd Shift
- Evan Breder – PA
- Isaiah Candy – VA
- Makayla Cummings – NC
- Daemon Hester – VA
- Jack Jones – VA
- Trevor Mills – VA
- William Morris – SC
- Matthew Pulliam – MD
- Kelier Salom – SC
- Christopher Turner – OH
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 1,300 total graduates to date, ATDM boasts an approximately 85% completion rate and, for completers, an 85% placement rate within 30 days 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 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.
