ATDM celebrates 1,000th graduate since launch of program
DANVILLE, Va. (July 31, 2025) – Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) recently celebrated its 1,000th program completer, highlighting the program’s continued success in building the defense workforce.
Glenn Claypool was recognized as the 1,000th program completer and joined fellow students in celebrating the cohort’s completion of the 16-week rigorous workforce training. Claypool discovered ATDM after completing a bachelor’s degree in business management and working in sales before deciding to pursue certification in non-destructive testing.
“ATDM has given me a second chance at having a fulfilling career that provides a true sense of purpose,” said Claypool. “It’s not just a job, it’s a path that has equipped me with skills that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Created to support defense manufacturing initiatives across the United States and supply workers for the maritime industrial base, ATDM is well on its way toward its goal of 800-1,000 skilled tradespeople completing the program each year.
“Reaching 1,000 ATDM graduates bolsters a skilled workforce that our maritime industrial base needs urgently,” said Matt Sermon, direct reporting program manager of the Maritime Industrial Base Program. “ATDM graduates are contributing directly to building and sustaining our Fleet. As we scale this proven model nationwide, we’re helping our maritime industrial base develop the workforce needed to maintain maritime superiority for generations to come.”
Will Kaisen, the student speaker for cohort 17, speaks during the ATDM Completion Ceremony.
Graduating students complete 600 hours of intensive, hands-on training over 16 weeks, earning certifications in one of five high-demand defense industry skilled trades. These are high-paying careers in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, non-destructive testing, quality control inspection (metrology) and welding.
“ATDM’s Maritime Training Center is a vital component of the work we do at IALR to support and pioneer new accelerated training methods that build the future workforce for defense, maritime and advanced manufacturing,” said Telly Tucker, president of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans addressed the finishing cohort at their completion ceremony, highlighting her unique connection to ATDM’s purpose as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, as well as being a Navy veteran herself and the wife of a Navy veteran.
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans speaks during the completion ceremony for the 17th cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM).
“This year the ATDM program is celebrating another major milestone, its 1,000th graduate, and that number represents the 1,000 men and women trained with the specialized skills needed to rebuild American manufacturing and support our defense industrial base, and that’s something to be proud of,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Graduates of this program are not just entering a workforce; you are stepping into a mission. Whether you’re heading to shipyards, maritime manufacturing facilities or defense plants across the country – your work will directly impact our national security.”
A distinguishing feature of the ATDM program is that students are prepared for the workforce beyond technical training. ATDM staff assist with resume development, interview preparation and direct employer connections, leading to an 85% employment rate for completers within a month of finishing the program. ATDM partners with more than 200 employers across the United States for job placement as well as job training, a strong indicator of the program’s success.
“ATDM has been a tremendous asset to our workforce development efforts. The program consistently turns out graduates who are not just technically capable, but ready to contribute from day one,” said Kristi Rowe, people director at Keel. “One of our recent hires has already made a strong impression in his welding role—bringing precision, confidence, and a solid grasp of quality standards. What really stands out is how well ATDM’s training aligns with the real-world demands of our work. It makes the transition from training to the job smooth and effective. We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing this successful partnership.”
“I’ve met people from a wide range of backgrounds, different cultures, life experiences, education levels and career paths, but the one thing we all share is that we came to ATDM looking for new skills and opportunities,” said Claypool.
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About ATDM
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) was created to teach the skills needed to increase military equipment production in the United States. The program is located at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia. Students at ATDM are trained in the skills needed to repair, upfit and build submarines, and these skills are transferable to other defense industry companies. Students earn the certifications needed to secure great-paying, in-demand defense industry jobs in these skilled trades: Additive Manufacturing, CNC Machining, Non-Destructive Testing, Quality Control Inspection (also known as Metrology) and Welding. For additional information, visit https://atdm.org/.
About IALR
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.
