The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Danville Community College (DCC) are pleased to announce the graduation of the latest cohort of the Integrated Machining Technology (IMT) program.
This year’s cohort includes 11 graduates who spent the past nine months building advanced machining expertise while strengthening leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills essential to success in modern manufacturing. Most graduates have secured employment or are actively interviewing with prospective employers while a smaller number plan to continue their studies through IMT’s transfer pathway into Old Dominion University’s Bachelor of Science in engineering technology program, concentrating in manufacturing engineering technology.
The IMT program is a collaborative, capstone-style experience developed by DCC and delivered in partnership with IALR to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. Rather than focusing solely on classroom instruction, students work in a simulated “flow cell” environment that mirrors real-world production. They manage the full manufacturing process, from ordering materials and scheduling machine time to inspecting finished parts and meeting quality standards. This year’s cohort produced scope mounts for shotguns, fishing reels and golf putters.
Through this hands-on approach, students gain experience in multi-axis CNC programming, Lean Six Sigma principles and modern inspection techniques while also learning to communicate effectively, adapt to challenges and take ownership of outcomes.
“This program takes years of learning applicable hard skills and allows students the opportunity to mature those skills in a more realistic environment,” said Jason Wells, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement at IALR. “IMT graduates can immediately come in and contribute at a level that is much broader than simply standing in front of a machine and operating it.”
Employers continue to recognize the value of IMT training. Confirmed employers for this graduating class include IALR’s Center for Manufacturing Advancement, BWX Technologies, GE Aviation, Progressive Machine Works and Sandvik Coromant.
“Programs like Integrated Machining Technology demonstrate what is possible when education and industry work hand in hand to prepare students for the future,” said Dr. Cornelius Johnson, President of Danville Community College. “Through our partnership with IALR, students are gaining advanced technical skills, leadership experience, and real-world problem-solving abilities that position them for immediate success in today’s manufacturing workforce. We are incredibly proud of this 11th cohort and are excited to see the impact these graduates will make across our region and beyond.”
Throughout the program, students also focus on developing soft skills such as leadership, collaboration and conflict resolution, which help distinguish IMT graduates as they enter competitive job markets.
Graduates of the program pursue careers across a range of industries, including aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing, while others continue their academic journeys to build on their technical foundation. Many IMT alumni choose to remain in Southern Virginia, supporting regional manufacturers and contributing to long-term economic growth.
Brandon Furgurson
“Watching this cohort grow from students into confident manufacturing professionals has been incredibly rewarding. The IMT program pushes them beyond the classroom and into real-world responsibility, and they’ve proven they’re ready to step into industry and make an immediate impact.” – Brandon Furgurson, IMT Instructor, DCC
Here’s what a few members of this year’s IMT graduating class had to say:
“This program is hands-on and personal. It’s a nice experience getting to collaborate with your classmates. More people should definitely sign up for IMT.” – Massimo Bianchi, IMT Graduate
“The IMT program is bringing me more opportunities and putting more on my resume. It adds to DCC’s two-year machining program and goes beyond it.” – Ryan Lewis
“I really enjoyed learning the different styles and types of CNC Machines.” – Leah Holder, IMT Graduate
IMT is one of several workforce training programs supported and administered by IALR’s Manufacturing Advancement division, which works closely with regional employers to align education with evolving industry needs.
Ryan Lewis
About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation through applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development initiatives. IALR’s primary footprint includes Southern Virginia and the surrounding region.
About DCC
Danville Community College is a two-year institution within the Virginia Community College System. DCC serves the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County and Halifax County. For more information about the college’s academic programs, visit www.danville.edu.
