The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program celebrated the accomplishments of its 14th cohort with a graduation ceremony at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) on Friday, Dec. 13. The event recognized 71 graduates who completed four months of intensive manufacturing training housed on the IALR campus in Welding, CNC Machining and Nondestructive Testing.
71 students graduated as part of the 14th ATDM cohort.
The ceremony featured a keynote address by Capt. Matthew A. Hawkins, Director of the Submarine Force Reserve Component, and remarks from two student speakers, Jack McNeel and Trevor Saunders.
The ATDM program is designed to prepare adult learners for critical roles and meaningful careers in the maritime industrial base (MIB), the system of companies that produce parts for the production and maintenance of ships and submarines. Accepted participants in the ATDM program receive scholarships for tuition and housing. The training itself is informed by industry input and aligns with the workforce needs of companies producing equipment for the MIB. The graduates completed 600 hours of hands-on instruction and earned multiple industry-recognized credentials. Many students secure employment offers prior to graduation.
“ATDM gave these graduates the opportunity to develop essential, tangible skills,” said Christa Reed, Interim Vice President of ATDM. “The abilities they gained are directly applicable to current industry needs and will continue to serve them well as they move forward. I want to congratulate the entire ATDM team for a job well done.”
Students from across the nation, representing varied backgrounds, participate in the ATDM program. Some have experience in other industries, some are new to manufacturing and others are transitioning from military service. Beginning in 2025, when the Navy’s National Training Center opens, 800-1,000 students are projected to complete the program annually.
About ATDM
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing was developed as a public-private consortium between the Department of Defense, IALR, Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation and The SPECTRUM Group in consultation with the defense industry. IALR leads a multi-year pilot project to test and evaluate ATDM as a training platform for regional training centers supporting the defense industrial base. The pilot project is funded through the National Imperative for Industrial Skills initiative launched in 2020 by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program Office (IBAS) in 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.
