The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) celebrated the completion of the latest cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program on Nov. 14. The ceremony honored 32 adult learners who completed intensive training in welding, a foundational 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 welding track equips students with the technical expertise to perform high-precision fabrication and joining processes essential to national defense.

 

Student speaker Frank Olguin shared reflections on the journey through the program. After returning home from Iraq, where he served in combat and sustained a traumatic brain injury, Olguin faced years of struggle: working low-paying jobs and searching for a sense of purpose. Encouraged by his wife to take a chance on himself, he enrolled in ATDM and discovered a new path forward.

“You are never too old, too broken, or too far gone to learn something new and achieve something greater. For yourself, your family, and for our great country.” – Frank Olguin, ATDM Welding Student

Franklyn Galvan, Human Resources Staff Specialist with General Dynamics, Electric Boat, praised the graduates for their dedication and highlighted the significance of their achievement. Galvan described the depth and discipline of welding, emphasizing its creative and technical demands.

“You learn how to control heat and weld distortion, read blueprints and make welds what they are. It is an art.” – Franklyn Galvan, General Dynamics, Electric Boat

Completers of the Welding Cohort – 1st Shift

  • Kevin Calzada – AZ
  • Camrin Johnson – VA
  • Alicia Massey – NC
  • Jaquan Minor – PA
  • Andrew Montes de Oca – TX
  • Zifyah Mwangi – AZ
  • Aaliyah Peay – SC
  • Brendan Rine – MI
  • Reese Roberts – NY
  • Andrew Strout – NC
  • Isaiah Thomas – VA
  • Nyasia Whitfield – VA

Completers of the Welding Cohort – 2nd Shift

  • Govabdiel Alvarez – WI
  • Jon Austin – VA
  • Gavin Craig – OH
  • Everett Hahn – NC
  • Logan Hirsch – NC
  • Diondre Matos – NJ
  • Corren Odom – GA
  • Frank Olguin – WY
  • Gabriel Simmons – IN
  • Christopher Sinclair – TX
  • Joseph Tulini – NJ

Completers of the Welding Cohort – 3rd Shift

  • Deandre Adams – VA
  • Favian Encinas – PA
  • Morgan Henderson – VA
  • Juan Hil – FL
  • Elery Norris – NC
  • Andrew Pierce – TN
  • Philip Robertson – NC
  • Todd Stevens – WV
  • Monty Williams – NC

Scenes from the Completion Ceremony

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 over 1,000 students annually, ATDM remains a cornerstone initiative in strengthening the U.S. defense manufacturing workforce. With more than 1,100 total completers 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.