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Inside IALR Podcast: Why More Companies Are Hiring and Upskilling Talent with ATDM

Inside IALR Podcast: Why More Companies Are Hiring and Upskilling Talent with ATDM

This episode shifts the focus from student success stories to the broader impact of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program on the maritime industrial base. Joined by Mike Villanueva of BAE Systems, Michael Ripich of ATF, and Justin Scarce from ATDM, the conversation explores how companies are leveraging ATDM graduates to fill vital roles in shipbuilding and defense manufacturing. From welding and NDT to CNC machining, the program’s accelerated, hands-on training is helping employers meet urgent workforce needs.

Hear firsthand accounts of how career fairs at ATDM differ from traditional hiring events, why companies are sending their own employees for upskilling and how ATDM is helping solve one of the nation’s most pressing challenges: building submarines and ships to protect national security.

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ATDM Celebrates Completion of Non-Destructive Testing Cohort

ATDM Celebrates Completion of Non-Destructive Testing Cohort

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) celebrated the completion of the 19th cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program on Oct. 7, 2025. The ceremony honored 20 adult learners who completed intensive training in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), a critical skill set for ensuring the integrity and safety of components within the defense manufacturing sector.

Each completer finished more than 600 hours of hands-on instruction, earning industry-recognized credentials that prepare them for immediate employment within the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB). The NDT track equips students with specialized techniques to evaluate materials and structures without causing damage.

Student speaker Emery Harris reflected on the transformative nature of the program:

“I wanted a career that challenged me in new ways and gave me skills that really mattered. And that’s what brought me to ATDM,” Harris said. “ATDM has been more than just a training program. It’s been a launchpad. It’s given me the tools, the confidence and the direction that I was looking for.” 

Jason Wells, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement, commended the graduates for their commitment and emphasized the broader impact of their achievement:

“This program is unlike anything else in the country. What these graduates have accomplished is extraordinary—not just in skill, but in resilience. Today, we don’t just recognize them as graduates; we honor them as skilled tradespeople whose work will quietly but powerfully shape the safety, strength and future of our nation. ATDM is more than training—it’s about restoring hope, building possibility and renewing the American dream.” — Jason Wells, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement

Graduates of the Non-Destructive Testing – 1st Shift

  • Michael Bowen – LA
  • Michelle Cruz – GA
  • Michael D’Angiolillo – NC
  • Termika Dawkins – SC
  • Casey Draper – VA
  • Corey Hall – MA
  • Thomas Hardin – PA
  • Emery Harris, Jr. – GA
  • Josiah Harris – MA
  • Isaac Hepler – PA
  • Caleb Jackson – GA
  • Greer Jones – VA
  • Caylee Kiley – PA
  • Jacob Krapf – MI
  • Benjamin Lolli – VA
  • Matthew Lyons – PA
  • Morgan McDaniel – FL
  • Dominic Muranyi – FL
  • Christian Rojas-Bartlett – CA
  • Sean Suknaich – OH

Participants in the ATDM program benefit from comprehensive scholarships covering tuition and housing. This support enables individuals from diverse backgrounds—including transitioning service members, career changers and industry newcomers—to thrive.

With a goal of training over 800 students annually, ATDM remains a cornerstone initiative in strengthening the U.S. defense manufacturing workforce.

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.

 

Inside IALR Podcast: Skills, Training and Career Opportunities: ATDM Success Stories

Inside IALR Podcast: Skills, Training and Career Opportunities: ATDM Success Stories

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is preparing the next generation of skilled workers for the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base. With an 85% job placement rate and graduates from nearly every state, ATDM is creating real career opportunities. In this episode, recent graduates Dylan Carter and Angel Gallaher describe how the program equipped them with technical expertise and career-ready confidence.

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Inside IALR Podcast: Women at the Torch: Leading and Inspiring at ATDM

Inside IALR Podcast: Women at the Torch: Leading and Inspiring at ATDM

What is it like to be a woman teaching advanced manufacturing in a field where men make up the majority?

Hear it from three members of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) instructional team: welding instructor Makayla Baker, metrology instructor Holly Lyle and welding technician Autumn King. As the only women on a team of nearly 40 instructors and technicians, they share their career journeys, classroom experiences and what it means to mentor the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Through their stories, you’ll hear how ATDM’s fast-paced, 600-hour program equips students for life-changing careers in welding, metrology and more—and why representation matters in the skilled trades. This conversation highlights the impact of teaching, perseverance, and opportunity.

Welding instructor Makayla Baker, metrology instructor Holly Lyle and welding technician Autumn King

🎙️Topics Covered:

  • How each instructor found her way into manufacturing and teaching
  • What it’s like to guide students in ATDM’s intensive four-month program
  • Challenges and opportunities for women in male-dominated fields
  • Inspiring student success stories, from “last shot” moments to certification triumphs
  • Why role models matter in shaping the next generation of manufacturing talent

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National Defense Manufacturing Program Marks Major Graduation Milestone

National Defense Manufacturing Program Marks Major Graduation Milestone

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 qualifications 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 Cohort 17 Completion Ceremony

“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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MEDIA KIT

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 qualifications 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.

 

IALR Becomes Siemens Digital Industries Software Academic Program Partner

IALR Becomes Siemens Digital Industries Software Academic Program Partner

IALR to use the same technology in its classrooms that companies worldwide depend on to embrace digital transformation and drive innovation

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) today announced it has received a grant of software from Siemens Digital Industries Software.

The software, part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, gives more than 1,000 students access to the same technology that companies around the world depend on to develop innovative products in a wide variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, machinery, shipbuilding, high-tech electronics and many more. This software will be implemented in two primary programs:

  • Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM): Housed at and instructed by IALR, ATDM prepares adult learners for manufacturing careers that support the maritime industrial base. By 2026, more than 800 students will graduate annually from this four-month program, which trains workers in CNC machining, additive manufacturing, welding, metrology and non-destructive testing.
  • Integrated Machining Technology (IMT): A third-year precision machining program offered by IALR and Danville Community College, IMT produces manufacturing leaders with a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes and operations and critical leadership skills.

“IALR is excited to have access to industry-leading software in our classrooms,” said Jason Wells, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement at IALR. “As the industry evolves, our graduates’ STEM skills must also evolve. This technology from Siemens Digital Industries Software will help ensure our students have the relevant digital skills necessary to succeed in Industry.”

Siemens Digital Industries Software is a leading global provider of engineering, manufacturing and electronics software.

The software provided by the Siemens Digital Industries Software academic program delivers technology for different skill levels. Graduates with training, experience and working knowledge of this type of software are highly recruited candidates for advanced technology jobs.

The software for IALR includes the following tools from Siemens Xcelerator:

  • Tecnomatix® portfolio, the industry-leading digital manufacturing software
  • NX™ software, a leading integrated solution for computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE) and the Fibersim™ portfolio of software for composites engineering
  • Solid Edge® software is an intuitive product development platform for accelerating all aspects of product creation, including 3D design, simulation, visualization, manufacturing and design management
  • Simcenter™ portfolio, a robust suite of simulation software and test solutions
  • Siemens’ Tecnomatix FactoryCAD is a top manufacturing simulation tool Engineering‘s expert team leverages for customers to improve their planning and production processes.
  • Jack is a human modeling and simulation tool that enables you to improve the ergonomics of your product designs and to refine industrial tasks.
  • Siemens’ Tecnomatix Plant Simulation is a simulation software used for modeling, simulating, and optimizing production systems and processes.

“Bridging the gap between industry, academia and government is essential to building a sustainable talent pipeline equipped with the advanced skills required for the future of manufacturing,” said Melanie Spare, Director, Academic and Workforce Development. “This partnership exemplifies that mission—by aligning classroom training with the exact tools and technologies used by leading defense manufacturers, we’re not only accelerating workforce readiness, but also reinforcing critical Department of Defense initiatives. Through programs like ATDM and facilities like AM CoE, we’re creating a direct and seamless pathway from learning to doing, ensuring students are job-ready from day one.”

Many of IALR’s Manufacturing Advancement initiatives focus heavily on Department of Defense (DOD) requirements, and this software partnership significantly enhances that alignment. Students in the ATDM program will now train and operate using the same software as leading DOD suppliers, creating valuable continuity between classroom training and real-world defense manufacturing environments. Additionally, several of these Siemens products are already used within IALR’s Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) and the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) due to their compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). This further strengthens the synergy between the AM CoE and ATDM, benefiting students by better preparing them for successful careers in defense manufacturing.

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. 

Note: A list of relevant Siemens trademarks can be found here.

Inside IALR Podcast: The Life-Changing Impact of a Four-Month Training Program

Inside IALR Podcast: The Life-Changing Impact of a Four-Month Training Program

In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers talks with Patrick Crowley and Ronald Green, recent graduates from the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program.

Listen in as they share:

  • Patrick’s transition from logistics to CNC machining for more impactful work.
  • Ron’s journey from entrepreneurship in fashion to welding for career stability.
  • Their intense and rewarding four-month ATDM training experience.
  • How they overcame challenges and built camaraderie with classmates.
  • The promising career opportunities awaiting them post-graduation.

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Building the People Who Build Our Fleet

Building the People Who Build Our Fleet

ATDM Graduates Are Powering America’s Maritime Industrial Base

Before ships, submarines and other vessels of the Maritime Industrial Base are deployed, thousands of skilled hands must shape raw material into critical components.

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program in Danville, Va., ensures those hands are ready. It launches motivated individuals from no experience to defense-ready in four months through an accelerated program.

The program is located at and administered by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).

The results are clear: 82% graduate, and 75%-85% launch straight into jobs across the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB).

ATDM’s Six Core Goals

  • Fill skills gaps at scale and velocity
  • Reduce time to talent
  • Expand and mobilize the labor pool
  • Modernize the workforce
  • Increase retention of skilled workers
  • Achieve national reach and scale aligned with demand for workers

Built around 600 hours of immersive, hands-on learning, ATDM compresses years of traditional education into a straight-line employment pathway.

Four recent graduates who spoke on a panel at the 2025 ATDM & AM CoE Summit showed how the model works for participants and employers.

Margaret Abrams — Machinist, Newport News Shipbuilding (Newport News, Va.)

Abrams’s Story

  • The traditional college route wasn’t working, so Abrams sought a new path. She found a Huntington Ingalls Industries/Newport News Shipbuilding job listing that started with four months at ATDM.
  • She completed the CNC Machining track in June 2024, calling ATDM “a dream come true” and noting that “manufacturing was a brand-new animal for me.”
  • Abrams is now a machinist in the nuclear piping shop at Newport News Shipbuilding, where “every part you touch, every piece of material you may handle is eventually going on a military vessel.”

Abrams’s Insights

  • “I cannot express enough how fantastic of an opportunity ATDM is.”
  • Reminder for future ATDM students: “As a shipbuilder, you are directly responsible for the project’s completion.”
Mychal Carter — Welder, Keel (Charleston, S.C.)

Carter’s Story

  • Carter spent 10 years in hospitality and worked as a deckhand on Great Lakes bulk carriers.
  • An Instagram ad led him to ATDM’s welding track, which he completed in October 2024. He obtained 10 of 12 possible welding certifications while in the program and also spent time serving the local community.
  • Carter landed a job as a welder with Keel (his dream company) located in Charleston, S.C.

Carter’s Insights

  • “This program from the beginning was an incredible opportunity.”  
  • Advice to future students: “It’s all on you. Everything is right here. The support is here.”
  • Advice for employers in the MIB: “We’re all coming in hot. We have a lot of knowledge that we just learned and would like to apply and improve upon what we’ve learned. That’s a lot of energy that we can carry forward.”  
Will Debus — Additive Manufacturing Technician, Austal USA (Charlottesville)

Debus’s Story

  • Debus held a warehouse job and had completed three years of college, but he craved hands-on work that merged his love of computers with real-world results.
  • He finished ATDM’s Additive Manufacturing track in May 2023. “ATDM gave me the knowledge and skill base to put something on the table, something I can be proud of.”
  • Debus now prototypes ship components for Austal USA and recently completed an MIT course to deepen his design expertise.

Debus’s Insights

  • What ATDM taught him: “I might not be able to say I have that answer right now, but I have the tools and the capability to go and find a way to figure that out, and I will get back to you when I have an answer.”
  • Reminder for employers: “We’re still very raw coming out of ATDM. Show up for us the way we want to show up for you.”
Alex Stricklin — CNC Machinist, BWX Technologies

Stricklin’s Story

  • Stricklin held various roles with BWX Technologies (BWXT), including welding and operating a waterjet, furnace and crane. But seeing the CNC machines in the shop sparked his desire to become a machinist; earning a degree looked like a 2-3-year detour.
  • BWXT Management sent Stricklin through ATDM’s CNC track, which he finished in 2022.
  • Stricklin now machines nuclear-grade components at BWXT and continues to expand his skillset and grow with the company.

Stricklin’s Insights

  • ATDM Benefits: “ATDM cuts out the fluff and puts you where you need to be.”
  • He calls ATDM “a straight-line” program that gets people “qualified, and out the door and into jobs to help the industrial base.”
A Model Worth Replicating

During this year’s ATDM & AM CoE Summit, Admiral James Kilby praised companies that hire ATDM alumni, noting they “aren’t just staying relevant—they’re getting ahead.”

ATDM’s scale-and-velocity approach is built for replication, and leaders across the Navy and industry say expanding the model nationwide is essential for sustaining a strong maritime industrial base.

Employers like HII, Keel, Austal USA and BWXT are already reaping the benefits—one motivated graduate at a time.

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Celebrating the 16th ATDM Cohort

Celebrating the 16th ATDM Cohort

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) celebrated the graduation of the 16th cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program on May 6. The ceremony recognized 66 graduates who successfully completed rigorous training in specialized manufacturing fields critical to the defense industry and, more specifically, the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB).

This cohort’s graduates completed intensive, hands-on instruction across several specialized tracks, including CNC machining, metrology and welding. Each graduate completed over 600 hours of practical training, gaining industry-recognized credentials to prepare them for immediate entry into skilled roles within the MIB.

The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Rear Admiral Kent Whalen, who is retired from the U.S. Navy and now serves with The SPECTRUM Group.

“When you show up to your new employer, listen a lot, spend extra time being exposed to everything about the work and your skills as much as you can,” Whalen said. “Ask questions and read. Look for opportunities to upskill and seek additional training.”

Student speaker Ronald Green, a welding program graduate, shared personal insights and reflections on his collective experience.

“ATDM was an opportunity to not only learn valuable skills that provide a viable career path, but also to be able to contribute to something much greater than myself,” Green said. “The last four months here in Danville have been some of the most memorable times of my adult life. I’ve learned so much in a short time. I started out with classmates, who have since grown into my brothers and lifelong friends.”

“Today, we celebrate the achievements and hard work of our graduates who have completed the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program,” said Christa Reed, Interim Vice President of ATDM at IALR. “This milestone represents not only the knowledge and skills gained, but also the dedication and perseverance shown throughout the program. Congratulations to each of you for reaching this significant achievement, and congratulations to the ATDM team for their commitment and effort to ensure student success.”

Participants in the ATDM program benefit from comprehensive scholarships covering tuition and housing, ensuring a supportive environment that enables success for learners from diverse backgrounds, including transitioning veterans, industry newcomers and professionals shifting career paths.

The ATDM program, developed through collaboration with the Department of Defense, IALR, Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation and The SPECTRUM Group, directly responds to defense industry workforce needs. The program is on track to graduate over 800 students annually.

Graduates of the 16th ATDM Cohort:

CNC Machining – 1st Shift

  • Patrick Crowley – WI
  • Jason Lemley – VA
  • Daniel Michel – NY
  • Adam Oak – NH
  • Christopher Pilotte – NY
  • Aidan Randolph – NC
  • Carlin Redhouse – NM
  • Alexander Waters – MI
  • Daniel Wright – TX

CNC Machining – 2nd Shift

  • Sakina Ahmadi – VA
  • Riley Beltz – VA
  • Andrew Boenig – NC
  • Stephanie Chavez – CA
  • Alexis Chevez – NY
  • Sasha Guareno – NJ
  • Calder Holloway – VA
  • Kenneth McNally – VA
  • Craig Poppe – VA
  • Mandy Roman – NY
  • Noah Wells – NJ

Metrology – 1st Shift

  • Hans Christ Abling – NC
  • Robert Campos – AL
  • Stefani Durrell – TX
  • Christopher Gardner – FL
  • Harry Helduser IV – PA
  • Milton Juarez – GA
  • Robert Mack V – VA
  • Arrick McDonell – AZ
  • Ivan Ocampo – CA
  • Precious Papaleo – NC
  • Yowanda Russell – MA
  • Kenneth Tee – CA
  • Tecilian Toh – PA
  • Darrel Wert – AL

Welding – 1st Shift

  • Jacob Baird – OH
  • Gabriel Blanton – IN
  • Trenton Durnell – IN
  • John Harris – FL
  • Isaac Jester – IL
  • Kelsey Miller – IN
  • Jackson O’Daniel – IN
  • Keegan Overton – IN
  • Arelis Romero – IN
  • William Sims – IN
  • Joseph Sisk – IN

Welding – 2nd Shift

  • Chris Fleischer – AK
  • William Gehring – KY
  • Christopher Karlecke – FL
  • Wayne Martin – CO
  • Christopher McKay – MA
  • Kolton Pollitt – IL
  • Alvin Robinson – NC
  • Zach Tamayo – MD
  • Douglas Van Diest – NY
  • Jonathan Vivieca German – OH

Welding – 3rd Shift

  • Ian Carollo – NY
  • Daijon Cook – MD
  • Andon Craven – CA
  • Xavier Gabriel – NJ
  • Ronald Green – PA
  • Colton Lanham – VA
  • Parker Lockhart – NC
  • Dillon Olley – VA
  • Maxfield Weir – NC
  • Jonas Weislogel – NJ
  • Matthew Wryals – NC

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.

ATDM Website 

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 and the cities of Martinsville and Danville.

 

Regional Entities Receive Business Facilities Economic Development Organization Award

Regional Entities Receive Business Facilities Economic Development Organization Award

The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism (DOEDT), in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR), Pittsylvania County Economic Development, and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA), has received the Business Facilities 2025 EDO (Economic Development Organization) Award in the mid-size population category (100k-150k). This recognition highlights the collaborative work that has taken place to rebuild the Southern Virginia economy, showcasing the success of programs created to grow and strengthen the workforce pipeline.

These key organizations across Southern Virginia created a strategic initiative designed to increase employment opportunities with better wages and chances for growth, from a child’s early development to academic opportunities to workforce training.

The EDO Awards shine a spotlight on programs and initiatives that organizations are implementing with a focus on attracting and retaining companies in their communities.

Corrie Bobe, DOEDT Director, shares her excitement, “Receiving the Business Facilities 2025 EDO Award is a proud moment for our organization and is a clear validation of the collaborative efforts that have gone into rebuilding and strengthening our regional economy. It helps demonstrate our region’s dedication to creating sustainable pathways for workforce development—connecting educational opportunities with the skills needed for long-term career success. This recognition showcases the powerful impact of regional partnerships and ongoing investments in workforce development that are positioning Southern Virginia as a destination for both talent and business.”

“Pitsylvania County is proud to be part of the Southern Virginia team that has earned recognition from Business Facilities magazine through its prestigious EDO Awards program,” said Matt Rowe, Pitsylvania County Economic Development Director. “This award is another validation of the importance of communities to collaborate and work together to address the diverse and challenging needs of business and industry. Pitsylvania County, along with its recognized partners, has invested heavily in its skilled trades workforce programs and its shovel ready sites which has resulted in nationally recognized economic activity and positive momentum. Pitsylvania County looks forward to the next chapter of this collaboration and partnership, which will undoubtedly continue to improve the lives of Southern Virginia residents and provide great opportunities for future generations.”

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Business Facilities, but the true reward is seeing companies grow thanks to the region’s strong, innovative workforce pipeline,” said Linda Green, SVRA Executive Director. “From GO TEC’s early introduction of technical skills in middle school, to dual-enrollment programs, SkillsUSA achievements, and advanced college training, Southern Virginia is producing job-ready talent. Our region now trains for the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense around the clock on three shifts with the customized Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing. Coupled with regional investment in childcare and early education, and shared best practices across Virginia and beyond, we’re building a model that prepares workers and supports families.”

“This award reflects the strong collaboration across Southern Virginia to align education and training with industry needs and economic development goals,” said Telly Tucker, President of the IALR. “We’re collaboratively building a skilled talent pipeline that supports business growth and creates lasting opportunity for our communities.”

Business Facilities is a leading full-service media brand specializing in the site selection marketplace and publishes a bi-monthly magazine, e-mail newsletters, and a news portal. To learn more about workforce development in the Southern Virginia region, visit www.discoverdanville.com.

About the Office of Economic Development and Tourism
The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism recruits and retains businesses for the Danville area. The office provides information on available sites and buildings, incentives and other financial resources, and offers a website designed for the business community: www.discoverdanville.com.

Inside IALR Podcast: Measuring Down to the Micron: How Metrology Supports National Defense

Inside IALR Podcast: Measuring Down to the Micron: How Metrology Supports National Defense

In this episode of Inside IALR, we dive deep into the world of metrology, a crucial trade that plays a significant role in national defense manufacturing. The episode features Tony Almeida, Regional Sales Manager at Mitutoyo, and Jarrod Hankins, Metrology Instructor at IALR’s Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program.

Metrology is the science of measurement. It ensures that parts are manufactured with incredible precision, often down to microns. Together, they highlight how metrology ensures that parts used in defense manufacturing, particularly in the Navy’s shipbuilding and repair operations, meet the highest standards of quality.

Highlights include:

  • 0:47 – What is metrology, and how is it used in manufacturing?
  • 3:09 – The role of IALR’s precision metrology lab in supporting the Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center
  • 6:56 – Key metrology tools, from calipers to 3D laser scanning
  • 8:36 – Inside the precision metrology lab: The significance of the Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
  • 17:04 – The importance of calibration and ensuring precision in every tool
  • 22:06 – How metrology helps support the national defense industrial base

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ATDM & AM CoE Summit Bolsters Defense Manufacturing Workforce and Partnerships

ATDM & AM CoE Summit Bolsters Defense Manufacturing Workforce and Partnerships

Leaders from across the defense and manufacturing sectors came together in Danville, Virginia, for the fourth annual joint summit hosted by the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program and the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). Held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), this year’s event, themed All Hands on Deck, focused on addressing workforce and manufacturing shortfalls in Navy shipbuilding and repair.

2025 ATDM & AM CoE Summit

One of the summit highlights was a keynote address from Admiral James Kilby, USN, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, who spoke to the deep investment the Navy is making in workforce development and innovation as the pillars of our maritime strength.

“This Summit extends far beyond a two-day gathering—it’s strengthening America’s maritime industrial foundation,” said Matthew Sermon, direct reporting program manager for the Maritime Industrial Base. “With over 450 participants sharing insights and solutions, the ATDM Maritime Training Center is creating a pipeline of skilled workers, while the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence is revolutionizing how we produce critical components, reducing production timelines from years or months to weeks or days. Both are gamechangers….and together, these complementary initiatives address both the human talent and technological capabilities needed to build and sustain the fleet our nation requires.”

The summit highlighted the growth and momentum of the ATDM program. Earlier this year, the new 100,000-square-foot ATDM Maritime Training Center opened at the IALR campus, expanding the program’s capacity to train more students in its 16-week accelerated program. The ATDM Maritime Training Center provides the space needed for the program to graduate up to 1,000 students per year to meet industry demand, a target it is on track to achieve.

“At IALR, we’re pioneering new accelerated training methods while building the future workforce for defense and maritime manufacturing,” said Telly Tucker, president of IALR. “The new ATDM Maritime Training Center is a vital step in growing the talent pipeline, and by hosting the Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence on our campus, we’re integrating emerging technologies directly into the hands-on training process. This model ensures our graduates are equipped to meet challenges in shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing.”

Alongside workforce training, the co-located AM CoE continues to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing for Navy applications. The center is actively reducing production timelines for complex parts and exploring how advanced processes can support both new builds and fleet sustainment. The AM CoE is also providing connective tissue for ATDM students as they gain experience in additive manufacturing.

Throughout the summit, attendees heard from defense contractors, technical experts and government officials about the real-world impact of programs like ATDM and AM CoE. Representatives from major shipbuilders and supply chain companies discussed how the ability to hire ATDM graduates has shortened ramp-up times and helped meet production schedules.

The summit wrapped up with a clear sense of shared purpose and momentum. By combining accelerated training with cutting-edge innovation, ATDM and AM CoE are shaping a model for how public-private collaboration can secure the future of U.S. maritime power.

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 skills 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.

Visit the ATDM Website 

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.