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Joint DCC and IALR Machining Program Graduates 11th Cohort

Joint DCC and IALR Machining Program Graduates 11th Cohort

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.

Danville Community College Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Diesel Technology Training Program

Danville Community College Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Diesel Technology Training Program

Danville Community College (DCC) officially celebrated the launch of its new Diesel Technology Training Program with a ribbon cutting ceremony held on October 16 at the new training location at 120 Staton Ave, Ringgold. The event brought together students, stakeholders, industry partners, and local officials to mark the beginning of a new era in workforce training for Southern Virginia.

The ceremony featured remarks from DCC President Dr. Cornelius Johnson, VCCS Chancellor Dr. David Dore, DCC Vice President of Workforce Services Jessica Dalton, Ben Davenport of Davenport Energy and First Piedmont Corporation, and Telly Tucker, President of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Following the program, guests gathered with students and faculty to cut the ribbon on the newly outfitted training facility.

“Today’s ribbon cutting marked a powerful step forward for our college and our community,” said Dr. Johnson. “This program not only provides cutting-edge training for our students, but also supports the region’s economic growth by preparing highly skilled technicians to meet industry demand.”

Vice President Dalton underscored the importance of the program’s industry alignment.

“This program was built in direct response to the workforce needs voiced by our regional employers,” said Dalton. “By training diesel technicians here at home, we’re creating career opportunities for our students while ensuring our local industries have the skilled workforce they need to thrive.”

“There is an enormous shortage of diesel mechanics which has affected the ability of trucking, agriculture and grading equipment to operate efficiently,” said Mr. Davenport. “We are very proud to see our community college, DCC, step up to address this workforce training need. DCC’s role in the future workforce training needs for an ever-evolving skills requirement will continue to make our region a great place to do business.“

“Catalyzing a promising future for our region and citizens is what IALR is all about,” said Tucker. “This exemplary new training program offers yet another high-demand, well-paying career path, and I’m sure it will, over time, provide a sustainable pipeline for our region’s businesses. We are excited to play a role in supporting this critical endeavor of Dr. Johnson and his exceptional staff at DCC.”

The Diesel Technology Training Program is housed in a facility owned by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Foundation and outfitted with specialized equipment for hands-on training. Students in the program will gain practical skills in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining diesel engines and equipment, preparing them for high-demand careers in transportation, logistics, and heavy equipment industries.

By celebrating this launch with community leaders, students, and partners, DCC reaffirmed its role as a Leader College for the region, driving workforce innovation and student success.

Tenth IMT Cohort Graduates

Tenth IMT Cohort Graduates

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Danville Community College (DCC) are pleased to announce the graduation of the 10th cohort of the Integrated Machining Technology (IMT) program. Over several months, these 14 students refined advanced machining skills while embracing vital leadership and problem-solving practices, preparing them for high-demand roles in today’s modern manufacturing sector.

The IMT program is a collaborative effort between DCC and IALR, offering a capstone-style experience that pushes students beyond typical classroom training. They spend time in a simulated “flow cell,” juggling everything from ordering raw materials and scheduling machine operations to conducting inspections on finished products. By taking full responsibility for every stage of production, they gain a strong command of multi-axis CNC programming, Lean/Six Sigma principles and effective teamwork and leadership strategies.

“We see each cohort of IMT students taking real responsibility for the entire manufacturing process, from idea to final inspection. That level of ownership produces confident, capable graduates who are ready to make a difference in advanced manufacturing. IMT graduates train on the latest equipment with industry-informed curriculum, generating the ideal pipeline for career-ready talent.” – Jason Wells, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement at IALR

“The success of our Integrated Machining Technology graduates reflects the power of hands-on education, industry partnership, and student determination,” said Dr. Cornelius Johnson, Interim President of Danville Community College. “These graduates are stepping into high-demand careers with the skills and confidence to make an immediate impact. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the role they will play in strengthening our regional workforce.

Throughout the program, students also sharpen soft skills like teamwork, conflict resolution and leadership—competencies that set them apart as they enter their careers.

Graduates of IMT often move on to rewarding positions across industries such as aerospace, automotive and defense. Many choose to stay in Southern Virginia, where their expertise bolsters local companies and helps drive economic development. Over its 10-year history, the IMT program has produced a total of 160 graduates with the skills to positively impact the workforce of regional manufacturing companies.

“This program prepares us for those advancements in technology and manufacturing,” said Parker Turpin, who will be working in a local machine shop. “The program raises the bar higher and higher to prepare students for the actual workforce.” 

“It’s definitely been beneficial learning the different manufacturing techniques,” said Jackson Wiles, who is interviewing with multiple companies. “We learned more about the coordinate measuring machines, and I became familiar with three plus two machining, five-axis machining and advanced tool paths.”

MEP—an aerospace firm in IALR’s rapid‑launch space—hired a 2024 IMT graduate full‑time, then took on a 2025 cohort member part‑time during the program; that student now joins MEP full‑time after graduation.

“The complexity of the work we do at MEP can be demanding, even for experienced CNC machinists, but our IMT students hit the ground running,” said Forrest Ashworth, Operations Manager with MEP. “Their problem-solving abilities, positive attitude, and willingness to go the extra mile have made them strong assets to our team. IMT graduates bring a high level of skill, dedication and professionalism that aligns perfectly with our mission at MEP.”

Founded a decade ago to meet an urgent regional need for higher‑level machining talent, IMT was shaped by local industry and education leaders who saw advanced skills as the key to economic growth. IMT is one of several training programs supported and administered by IALR’s Manufacturing Advancement division. 

“We were looking at what would give us a competitive advantage as a region. A group of thought leaders saw that a skilled workforce would be that competitive advantage,” said Troy Simpson, who helped launch the program and later led IALR’s Manufacturing Advancement division.

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 on Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg and the cities of Martinsville and Danville.

About dcc

Danville Community College is a two-year institution of higher education under the statewide Virginia Community College System. DCC’s service area includes the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County and Halifax County. For more information about the College’s programs of study, visit www.danville.edu.

 

Transfer Pathway Established for Integrated Machining Technology Students

Transfer Pathway Established for Integrated Machining Technology Students

Danville Community College (DCC) and Old Dominion University (ODU) inked an agreement at a signing event on April 18, 2025, that establishes a seamless transfer pathway for students enrolled in DCC’s Integrated Machining Technology (IMT) Program to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Manufacturing Engineering Technology at ODU. IMT is a nationally acclaimed advanced third-year training program instructed by DCC and housed and financed by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).

Under this agreement, students who complete the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Integrated Machining Technology via the DCC-IALR partnership will be eligible to transfer approximately 70 course credits to ODU. Students will then complete an additional 71-74 credits at ODU to earn their bachelor’s degree, creating a streamlined, cost-effective educational pathway for those seeking advanced credentials in the manufacturing field.

“This agreement represents an incredible opportunity for our students to build on the high-level technical skills they’ve gained in DCC’s Integrated Machining Technology program and take the next step toward leadership and innovation in advanced manufacturing,” said Melissa Mann, Dean of Career and Technical Education at Danville Community College. “We are proud to partner with Old Dominion University to provide our graduates with a clear, attainable route to a bachelor’s degree.”

From left to right: Dr. Vukica Jovanovic, Chair of the Department of Engineering Technology, Old Dominion University; DCC Interim President Cornelius Johnson; DCC Dean of Career and Technical Education Melissa Mann; IALR Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Amanda Hylton; IALR Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement Jason Wells; IALR President Telly Tucker.

The agreement is designed to eliminate transfer barriers, promote academic progression, and support the growing demand for highly trained professionals in Virginia’s manufacturing sector.

Dr. Gabriel Olmstead, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs & Student Services at DCC, emphasized the impact of the agreement on workforce development:

“This transfer pathway not only supports our students’ academic goals, but also strengthens the regional and statewide workforce by preparing highly skilled, credentialed graduates ready to lead in advanced manufacturing environments.”

Dr. Cornelius Johnson, Interim President of Danville Community College, celebrated the partnership as a step forward in higher education collaboration. “We are deeply grateful for this partnership with Old Dominion University and the IALR. Together, we are investing in students, in innovation, and in the future of Virginia’s economy,” said Johnson. “This agreement exemplifies what can be achieved when institutions come together with a shared vision for student success.”

“This partnership with ODU validates the high level of training our students receive in the Integrated Machining Technology program,” said Brandon Furgurson, IMT Professor at Danville Community College. “It’s a great feeling to know that our graduates can now transition directly into a bachelor’s degree program that builds on their hands-on experience and prepares them for advanced roles in the manufacturing industry.”

“As an electrician myself, I strongly believe in creating accessible engineering pathways and promoting affordable education that allows students to graduate with less debt,” said Dr. Vukica Jovanovic, Chair and Full Professor for the Department of Engineering Technology at Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology at ODU. “We’re proud to support alternative routes to becoming engineers through our degree completion programs – especially programs like Manufacturing Engineering Technology, which are available through ODU Global.”

The first of its kind in Virginia, ODU’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree pathway originally launched in 2022 as part of the Virginia Maritime Industrial Base Consortium’s (VMIBC) “Talent Pipeline Initiative.” VMIBC includes ODU, IALR, DCC, Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) and others. P&HCC worked with ODU to develop the associate degree curriculum for the Virginia Community College System, and IALR is continuing discussions with ODU to provide future on-site classes in support of the program. IALR also houses and finances IMT, instructed by DCC and the latest pathway addition for the associate and bachelor’s degrees.

“Our partnership with DCC to deliver the IMT program has contributed a phenomenal impact – from enhancing students’ lives with high-paying jobs to meeting industry’s need for a high-quality workforce,” said Telly Tucker, President, IALR. “Helping both of these groups excel even further, thanks to ODU and others, will be a tremendous asset for our region – one we look forward to making more accessible in the coming years.”

This articulation agreement is now in effect and will apply to all students currently enrolled in or entering the DCC Integrated Machining Technology program at IALR who wish to pursue further study with ODU.

“This new transfer pathway builds on the strong foundation we’ve already established through our partnerships with local K-12 programs like George Washington High School and the Pittsylvania Career and Technical Center,” said Kevin Poole, Precision Machining Technology Professor at Danville Community College. “Now, students who begin their training in high school can see a direct line to a bachelor’s degree and a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing. It’s a full-circle opportunity that sets them up for long-term success.”

“This transfer agreement gives our students a clear path to continue growing both academically and professionally,” said Joshua McDowell, Precision Machining Instructor at Danville Community College. “They’re not just learning to run machines—they’re developing the foundation to become the next generation of manufacturing engineers and industry leaders.”

 

ATDM Students Contribute to the Community

ATDM Students Contribute to the Community

Growing up, Mychal Carter lived in Section 8 housing and frequently visited food pantries with his mom.

After spending 10 years in the hospitality industry and then working as a deckhand on bulk carriers in the Great Lakes, Carter recently completed the welding track of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. During his time enrolled in ATDM, Carter volunteered his time at food pantries and other service opportunities, giving back to Danville and Southern Virginia.

Mychal Carter was the student speaker at the ATDM completion ceremony on Oct. 25.

“It’s coming full circle. Being on the other side of it and being able to help people has been incredible,” he said.

A four-month program based at and instructed by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), the ATDM program prepares adult learners for manufacturing careers that support the defense industrial base and maritime industrial base – the system of companies that produce parts and equipment for the U.S. military.

The ATDM staff is working hard to provide quality instruction and a variety of career and support services and to give students opportunities to contribute to the success of Southern Virginia.

“We’re trying to meet the needs of our students and meet the needs of the people in Danville and Southern Virginia at the same time. Many of these organizations help our students, so we are contributing to them as well.” – Sherlina Thomas, Ph.D., Assistant Director, ATDM Community Engagement and Support, IALR

  • Students have logged more than 80 volunteer hours
  • Students have worked with four community-focused organizations
  • These students have served approximately 7,900 Southern Virginians

ATDM Students from All Walks of Life

ATDM is a prototype training platform for rapidly training skilled workers for the defense industry. It is a public-private consortium, in consultation with the defense industry, between the Department of Defense, IALR, Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation and The SPECTRUM Group. ATDM is one of several training programs offered by IALR’s Manufacturing Advancement division. 

Thanks to federal funding from the U.S. Department of Defense and Navy, ATDM students receive tuition scholarships and access wrap-around support services such as housing, career preparation and transportation at no cost.

These services are designed to make the ATDM program more accessible to students from all different career, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds. To date, students have come from 46 states and range in age from 18 to 50.

The ATDM team at IALR also helps connect students with needs to relevant resources and organizations for food insecurity, medical care and more.

“Many students come to the ATDM program looking for a new career and a completely fresh start, and many leave everything behind,” Thomas said. “Our goal is to support those students who are facing food insecurity and need additional resources.”

Many of those same students – as well as those who aren’t utilizing the services from area nonprofits – are now contributing to the success of those programs.

“I was expecting to come here and focus on welding,” Carter said. “We’re provided housing and training at no cost, so I just thought it was the right thing to do to give back to the community providing for us.”

Contributing to the Community

The ATDM team places significant emphasis on community outreach and engagement. The goal is to connect the students with the community and its resources and encourage them to invest back into the community.

Students have spent time helping Habitat for Humanity with the construction of homes, supporting food pantries and community distribution/outreach efforts, and cleaning up community spaces. In November, they are scheduled to participate in a suicide prevention walk.

Students have volunteered with:

  • God’s Final Call and Warning
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • God’s Storehouse
  • Abundant Life Outreach
  • Vance Street Baptist Church
  • Changing Lives Outreach Center
  • Feeding Southwest Virginia
  • Right Touch Christian Center
  • Danville Parks and Recreation

In many cases, Thomas can gather 20-30 students to help with a given activity, allowing them to make a significant impact in a relatively short time.

God’s Final Call and Warning—a local nonprofit that provides resources to those in poverty and holds monthly giveaway events—is one of the organizations that ATDM students have supported the most. While ATDM students utilize the food and clothes provided, they also volunteer during the giveaway events for the community.

“For the last several months, we would not have been able to do what we did without these students. They really help us get a lot done and serve a lot of people. When you have massive numbers of people, you need lots of people to organize the process. Otherwise, things become chaotic.” – Ralph Rhyne, God’s Final Call and Warning

During these events, the ATDM students manage different stations and ensure that everyone coming through receives an appropriate amount of supplies.

“The ATDM students have been an immeasurable help,” Rhyne said. “They help us organize and serve the crowd. We depend on them.”

A More Meaningful Experience

Allowing students to contribute and volunteer does not just benefit the organizations and people they serve. These experiences also help the students themselves.

“If you feel like you have stake and ownership, if you’re giving back and investing, you will be more successful and have a better chance of completion,” Thomas said.

Recent welding graduate Hanna Williamson participated in almost all the volunteer activities offered during her four-month experience.

“It’s a nice feeling. I would be out in the community and see students from the ATDM program, but then I would see people from the community that I volunteered with and people who came to get services.” – Hanna Williamson, ATDM Welding Graduate

Carter plans to take his volunteer experience to his new career and home.

“It kept me humble throughout this process and made me want to volunteer more down the road wherever I end up,” he said.

Community organizations and nonprofits interested in supporting ATDM students or having ATDM students support them should contact Sherlina Thomas.

 

 

Inside IALR Podcast: The Academy for Engineering and Technology

Inside IALR Podcast: The Academy for Engineering and Technology

The Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET) is a two-year, dual-enrollment program housed at IALR. It provides experiential learning activities focused on theory and design. Students earn college credits from Danville Community College in math, engineering and English courses. The program is supported by a partnership between IALR, Danville Community College, Pittsylvania County Schools and Danville Public Schools.

This episode of Inside IALR features AET’s Coordinator and Engineering Instructor, John Hatchett, 2016 graduating AET class and current PhD student, Shelita Hall, and 2024 AET graduate Caleb Pearson.

  • John discusses the goals of the program and highlights how the curriculum provides transferrable skills – like problem-solving and collaboration – that students will need in any career.
  • Shelita talks about what she is currently doing and how the AET program helped prepare her for higher education and her career with NASA.
  • Caleb reflects on what the past two years have been and how it has shaped and ultimately connected everything in his life.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Ninth IMT Cohort Graduates

Ninth IMT Cohort Graduates

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Danville Community College (DCC) are proud to announce the graduation of the ninth cohort of the Integrated Machining Technology (IMT) program. A collaborative effort between DCC and IALR, this program is available to students who have completed a two-year precision machining program or who have equivalent work experience and want to further their skills and leadership potential.

These nine students completed the seven-month program at the end of March. 

“The DCC Career & Technical Education division congratulates the 2024 IMT program graduates, We are proud of their hard work and are excited for their journey into the field of Integrated Machining. These students have exhibited the necessary skills and preparedness to illustrate they have what it takes to excel in the industry. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the IALR for their contributions to the program. Our continued partnership allows DCC and the IALR to create unique educational opportunities, like IMT, in our community and region.” – Melissa Mann, Dean of Career & Technical Education at Danville Community College

“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our ninth cohort of IMT graduates. These students have worked hard to develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the manufacturing industry, and we are confident that they will make valuable contributions to the workforce. I am grateful for the unique partnership between IALR and DCC that has allowed us to collectively drive economic growth and create opportunity.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

The IMT program provides students with comprehensive instruction in machining technology, preparing them for careers in industries such as aerospace, automotive and medical equipment manufacturing. Through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment, students gain practical skills in blueprint reading, CNC programming, precision measurement and more.

The classes are set in a flow cell environment with hands-on training that matches industry’s needs, providing students with a unique opportunity to develop practical skills in a real-world setting. The program emphasizes soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded and prepared to excel in today’s competitive workforce.

As the ninth cohort completes their training, they join the ranks of previous graduates who have gone on to secure rewarding careers in machining and manufacturing. Many graduates have found employment at leading companies in the region, contributing to the growth and success of the local economy.

Two of the graduates in this cohort have joined the team at IALR. Austyn Roten joined the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program as a Precision Manufacturing Technician while Holly Lyle now works as a Metrology Technician for ATDM.

“I learned a lot going through IMT. The instructor pushed us to learn more about what we weren’t confident in and encouraged us in what we excelled at. I originally wasn’t planning on doing IMT after I graduated from DCC, but I am very glad I did.” – Holly Lyle, ATDM Metrology Technician, IMT Graduate

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 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. Learn more.

About DCC

Danville Community College is a two-year institution of higher education under the state-wide Virginia Community College System. DCC’s service area includes the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County. For more information about the College’s programs of study, visit www.danville.edu.

Tenth ATDM Cohort Graduates

Tenth ATDM Cohort Graduates

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) celebrated the achievements of 59 students who graduated as part of the program’s 10th cohort during a ceremony on Friday, March 29, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). 

10th cohort of ATDM students at 3.29.24 graduation

The 10th cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program celebrates their graduation.

A 16-week, hands-on program, ATDM prepares adult learners in the skills needed to work in the submarine and defense industrial base – the system of companies that produces parts and equipment for the U.S. military. ATDM includes 600 hours of instruction and produces skilled talent with industry-recognized credentials. This program expands the pool of skilled workers in five tracks – welding, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, non-destructive testing and quality control inspection (metrology) – needed to develop submarines and other military equipment. 

During the ceremony, welding student Berlutchy Jean Pierre thanked his support system and the staff of ATDM for his experience and offered words of encouragement to his fellow classmates as well as the next cohort. 

Berlutchy Jean Pierre, ATDM student

ATDM welding student Berlutchy Jean Pierre presents the student testimonial at the March graduation ceremony.

“For those graduating today, go forth and do great things. For the new cohort, we got through it and so will you. Just keep pushing.” – Berlutchy Jean Pierre, Welding Student, ATDM 

Dr. Carlton E. MeBane II, CPO USN, Retired, NAVAIR Command Property Office Policy Branch Head, shared a keynote address imparting words of wisdom for the students as they enter the workforce and continue to grow as professionals. 

Dr. Carlton E. MeBane II, CPO USN, Retired, NAVAIR Command Property Office Policy Branch Head speaks

Dr. Carlton E. MeBane II, CPO USN, Retired, NAVAIR Command Property Office Policy Branch Head, presents the keynote at the March ATDM graduation ceremony.

“Your professional development starts with you. Your achievements start with you. Do the work and push yourself, but put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others. You’re making your nation and ATDM proud, but also take care of yourself.” – Dr. Carlton E. MeBane II, CPO USN, Retired, NAVAIR Command Property Office Policy Branch Head 

This cohort brings the total number of ATDM graduates to 472 since the program launched in 2021. 

Approximately 800-1,000 students will graduate from the ATDM program annually starting in 2025. The Navy’s National Training Center, which is housed on IALR’s campus, is under construction and slated for completion in 2025. Each of the five tracks will be offered across three shifts when the training center is completed. 
 
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 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. To learn more, click here. 

ABOUT ATDM 
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing is a prototype training platform for rapidly training skilled workers in key trades such as CNC machining and welding for employment in the defense industry. ATDM was developed as a public-private consortium between the DoD, IALR, Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation and The Spectrum Group in consultation with the defense industry. IALR is leading 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 which was 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. To learn more, click here.

81 Students Celebrate Completion of ATDM Program

81 Students Celebrate Completion of ATDM Program

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) celebrated the accomplishments of 81 students who graduated as part of the program’s ninth and largest cohort during a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 2, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).

A 16-week, hands-on program, ATDM prepares adult learners in the skills needed to work in the submarine and defense industrial base – the system of companies that produces parts and equipment for the U.S. military. ATDM includes 600 hours of instruction and produces skilled talent with industry-recognized credentials. This program expands the pool of skilled workers in five tracks – welding, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, non-destructive testing and quality control inspection (metrology) – needed to develop submarines and other military equipment.

During the ceremony, welding student Nicholas Ortega shared a brief testimonial about the impact that the ATDM program has made on his life.

“Everyday my welding skills improved, and I began to realize my potential. ATDM gave me a foundation. As I move forward, I will always have ATDM with me.” – Nicholas Ortega, Welding Student, ATDM

Tom Kearney, a retired Rear Admiral with the U.S. Navy and a member of the SPECTRUM Group, shared a keynote address highlighting how the parts that these graduates will go on to weld, print, machine, measure and test will be critical components of submarines.

“Submarines turn everything you learned at ATDM into reality. You’re not just making parts that can work under normal conditions. All of these parts need to function at greater than 800 feet under the ocean. Some of the parts you will be making have to function for 30 or more years under significant stress loads.” – Tom Kearney, the SPECTRUM Group

This cohort brings the total number of ATDM graduates to 413 since the program launched in 2021.

ATDM Completion Ceremony 2/2/2024

Approximately 800-1,000 students will graduate from the ATDM program annually starting in 2025. The Navy’s national training center, which is housed on IALR’s campus, is under construction and slated for completion in 2025. Each of the five tracks will be offered across three shifts when the training center is completed.

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 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. 

About IALR

About ATDM

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing is a prototype training platform for rapidly training skilled workers in key trades such as CNC machining and welding for employment in the defense industry. ATDM was developed as a public-private consortium between the DoD, IALR, Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation and The Spectrum Group in consultation with the defense industry. IALR is leading 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 which was 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 ATDM

IALR December 2023 Newsletter

IALR December 2023 Newsletter

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The December edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…

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Inside IALR Podcast: DCC & IALR: A Strategic Partnership

Inside IALR Podcast: DCC & IALR: A Strategic Partnership

“These are really thought-out partnerships, collaborations. We try to maximize all of our resources…DCC is a friend of the Institute along with the other high ed centers…” – Dr. Jerry Wallace, President of Danville Community College

The “Inside IALR” team is joined by two energetic leaders, Danville Community College President Dr. Jerry Wallace and IALR President Telly Tucker. In their conversation, they discuss the strategic, diverse partnership between DCC and IALR, how each organization enhances each other’s work and the critical roles that we play in economic development initiatives, workforce training and more in Southern Virginia.

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4,000+ Students Connect with Employers at 10th Career ChoICE Youth Expo

4,000+ Students Connect with Employers at 10th Career ChoICE Youth Expo

Tessy Henderson remembers attending the Career ChoICE Youth Expo as a ninth grader with Halifax County High School. Now a welder with Hitachi Energy, this year she attended the Career Expo to show students the welding simulator.

Tessy Henderson remembers seeing firetrucks and ambulances, linemen and utility companies and many other career opportunities while attending the Career ChoICE Youth Expo as a ninth grader. And she remembers the welding simulator.

That was five years ago. A 2022 Halifax County High School graduate, Henderson now does welding work for Hitachi Energy in South Boston. And this year, she got to return to the Career ChoICE Youth Expo with Hitachi, using the welding simulator to show students the basic welding concepts.

“It’s really a full-circle moment. It’s crazy being behind the table this time instead of in front of the table,” Henderson said.

The 2023 Career ChoICE Youth Expo events – hosted at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Chatham and Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville – allowed 4,027 middle and high students to connect with employers and learn about career pathways and employment opportunities in their region. Over its 10-year history, 36,710 students have participated, allowing local employers to inspire and educate the next generation and helping students understand the opportunities available to them.

“This is an opportunity to connect our young people with all the great career pathways available to them in Southern Virginia. Employers have a chance to meet their emerging workforce and talk to them about their careers.” — Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning, IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as the primary organizer, working closely with participating school divisions, employers and volunteers to bring the event to life. The event is funded by sponsorships from local businesses and organizations in the community, including platinum sponsors PATHS, IALR, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, JT-Minnie Maude Charitable Trust, Goodyear, the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) program and Sovah Health.

3,200 students from the following school divisions attended the Career Expo West event at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex: Danville, Halifax, Henry, Martinsville, Patrick and Pittsylvania.  827 students from the following school divisions attended the Career Expo East event at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville: Cumberland, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward Counties. In total, regional employers, organizations, educational institutions and businesses managed 95 activity stations to introduce students to career opportunities and pathways. 

The Career ChoICE Event

Career ChoICE Youth Expo West 2023

Career ChoICE Youth Expo East 2023

Through the Career ChoICE Youth Expo, students IMAGINE their potential, CONNECT with employers and EXPLORE career possibilities. Career ChoICE connects students to regional employment information and employers through hands-on activities, a comprehensive printed career guide customized for the region, and virtual resources.

“The event’s goal is for students to learn about different organizations and employers in the region and what job opportunities are like here in Southern Virginia. We also help students make informed decisions about what steps they would need to take to attain that career.” — Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR

Over the 10-year history of the Career ChoICE Youth Expo, 36,710 students have participated, learning about local career options and development opportunities.

The event format is simple: there are several zones, each of which is filled with employers administering hands-on activities. The students work their way through each zone, interacting with the employers of their choice. Activities range from virtual reality simulations to actual “hands-on” demonstrations and tests to spin-the-wheel style games.

“The employers are doing something that’s a hands-on, brief snapshot of what it’s like to be in their field. Rather than handing them a pamphlet, we really want the students to engage with the employers and ask questions.” — Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR

In addition to the time spent at the Expo, students receive an extensive booklet packed with resources like career assessments, questions to ask employers and consider when evaluating employment opportunities, career readiness skills to develop, profiles of young professionals in the community and much more.

There Are Local Career and Workforce Development Options

The Career ChoICE Youth Expo events do more than just inspire and introduce students to possible careers. The events showcase the diversity and quality of career opportunities in Southern Virginia – and help students understand how to get there. This event – along with many other programs administered by IALR’s Advanced Learning Division – forms a pipeline of students in strategic sectors that are aligned with economic development interests.

At the Career Expo West event in Chatham, there were approximately 70 different stations representing the Virginia Department of Education’s 17 different career clusters, including disciplines like STEM, business management and administration, energy, government, health sciences, law and public safety, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and many others.

At the Career Expo West event in Chatham, there were approximately 70 different stations representing the Virginia Department of Education’s 17 different career clusters, including disciplines like STEM, business management and administration, energy, government, health sciences, law and public safety, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and many others.

“We want students to have a greater awareness of what career opportunities are available right here in Southern Virginia. Through the Career ChoICE Youth Expo events, students learn about high-quality career options right here in their community. What’s better than reading about it or hearing about it from a friend, they actually experience something memorable.” — Telly Tucker, IALR President

But it’s not just employers doing the inspiring. Various educational institutions (including four-year colleges and universities, higher education institutions and workforce training programs) highlight the wide-ranging educational pathways for students. Students engaged with representatives from the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, the Sovah School of Health, Danville Community College, Averett University and Patrick & Henry Community College, among others.

Multiple representatives participated on behalf of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program – a rapid training program at IALR.

“It’s exciting to expose students to the world of manufacturing and help them choose that path,” said CNC Machining Instructor Justin Owen.

Inspiring and Connecting with Future Talent

Shelby Irving (center), Fire Marshal with the Danville Fire Department, says that a few current firefighters had previously attended the Career Expo as students.

“I want to do that when I grow up,” a middle school student exclaimed after experimenting with a CNC machine Danville Community College staff operated. I’m doing this when I grow up,” he repeated.

Joseph Distad, an Assistant Professor of Precision Machining Technology at Danville Community College who had been explaining the machine’s functions to the student, could not help but smile.

“The whole goal of the Expo is to inspire students, to capture their imaginations and show them potential careers. In many instances at the Expo, you can see that inspiration and imagination happening in real time – a truly rewarding experience.” — Joseph Distad, Assistant Professor of Precision Machining Technology at Danville Community College

Shelby Irving, Fire Marshal with the Danville Fire Department, spent the two days at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex letting students try on turnout gear while teaching them about careers in firefighting.

“Over the years, we’ve gotten kids from the career expo that went on to be firefighters with the city,” Irving said.

IALR Shares Partnerships, Progress and Transformation in Annual Report

IALR Shares Partnerships, Progress and Transformation in Annual Report

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has published its 2021-2022 annual report, which highlights innovative and collaborative partnerships across departments that are transforming the economy of Southern Virginia.  

“Significant economic growth has resulted due to robust partnerships across the region. IALR stands ready to serve as Virginia’s go-to partner for education and workforce development, business and economic growth, and a globally competitive business ecosystem.” – IALR President Telly Tucker.

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One of the pivotal moments of the report period is the creation and adoption of the new IALR Strategic Plan, which will guide IALR’s work and efforts for the next five years. With input from key stakeholders, the plan establishes strategic goals to outline how IALR can best capitalize on its unique strengths to impact the region. 

Just some of the new initiatives and programs launched, announced or expanded during FY 21 and FY 22:  

The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) framework is spreading into schools across the Commonwealth. The GO TEC program is just one component of the newly developed and proven EmPOWER system – an employer-driven model to systematically connect students to careers through career awareness, exposure, and engagement and experience. Future and current members of the workforce, as well as businesses, find joint benefits in problem-solving teamships, apprenticeships, externships and internships, mock interview days and more.  

While striving to promote a diversified economy by serving a variety of industries, much of IALR’s impact in 2021-2022 was in the manufacturing sector. Expanding the existing middle-school-through-college workforce development pipelines, the new Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is a rapid adult-learner model that prepares talent for jobs in the defense industrial base. ATDM launched in 2020 and is already proving successful and showing what modern public-private partnerships should look like. In addition, IALR partnered with the Commonwealth of Virginia and Danville Regional Foundation to construct the Center for Manufacturing Advancement, a new destination for manufacturers ready to optimize and scale and home to the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.  

Through the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, a joint project with Virginia Tech, IALR has established itself as a global leader in the CEA industry. The presence of the innovative research and state-of-the-art equipment are already making an impact on Southern Virginia. Thanks to best-in-class resources, including lab spaces and staff, the Applied Research team provided 30 companies with applied research and testing services like analytical chemistry, polymer testing and more.  

In partnership with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) and many other economic development organizations, IALR is proud to champion the area while working with local, regional and state partners. In FY 21 and 22, the Southern Virginia region saw $498 million in announced capital investment and 1,288 new jobs. IALR contributed to economic success by serving as a temporary home for growing businesses by providing critical testing services and lab space to innovative companies across industries. The Bridge to Recovery Program connected companies with suppliers and helped businesses become more resilient post-pandemic.  

The Institute Conference Center hosted a variety of events geared toward the growth of industry sectors and Southern Virginia, including trainings and economic development activities. Numerous companies, including anchor and growing employers held successful job fairs, connecting community members with quality employment. An extensive renovation of the main building and a relaunch of Megabytes, IALR’s on-site café, have allowed the Institute Conference Center to provide even better service for the 20,800 guests who visited.  

57 Students Graduate from Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing Program

57 Students Graduate from Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing Program

A group of 50+ ATDM graduates pose for a picture at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

The 5th cohort of students graduated from the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing Program on May 2.

Local leaders and U.S. Navy representatives gathered to celebrate the 5th cohort of graduates entering the workforce pipeline for the Department of Defense.

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program hosted a completion ceremony on Tuesday, May 2, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of the 57 students in its January cohort, the 5th cohort in the program’s history.

This 16-week, hands-on curriculum rapidly develops skilled workers with industry-recognized credentials for employment in the defense industry. Such skills include welding, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, quality control inspection (metrology) and, for the first time with this graduating class, non-destructive testing. Graduates of the cohort represent 14 states and earned a collective 304 nationally recognized credentials.

“It is extremely gratifying to see another cohort of students graduating from ATDM with the skills needed to meet the high demand of our submarine industrial base,” said Rear Admiral Scott Pappano, Program Executive Officer, Strategic Submarines, United States Navy. “It is important to realize that we are rebuilding manufacturing and the industrial base, which is vital to our national security. The Navy thanks you for what you are doing.”

Event Photo Gallery

Since ATDM instruction first began in 2021, the 5th cohort is the first to complete all training on the campus of IALR, a space upfitted to provide a state-of-the-art bridge training solution. Partner Danville Community College (DCC), which previously co-hosted classes on its campus, will continue to provide premier ATDM training curriculum and instruction. The training partners will then locate the program within a planned new ATDM Regional Training Center, to be constructed on IALR’s campus by 2025. This building will house all training under one roof and accommodate America’s scaling needs for defense manufacturing talent. In addition to program lead IALR, as well as curriculum provider DCC, other partners of the Department of Defense program include technology provider Phillips Corporation and strategic consulting partner The SPECTRUM Group.

“We are thrilled to continue to lead this impactful training program that has improved the lives of so many across our nation thanks to these dedicated partnerships,” said Telly Tucker, President of IALR. “ATDM not only helps provide promising men and women with the skill sets for high-quality employment with leading companies, but it also helps ensure the success of our nation’s armed forces with the equipment they need to safely and effectively protect our nation and allies.”     

“The ATDM program is unique and unlike any training in the nation,” said Dr. Jerry Wallace, President of DCC. “The students are getting an exclusive learning experience and the faculty have the opportunity to be a part of a nationally recognized program helping to improve our country’s defense.”

Vice Admiral Norb Ryan, USN (Ret.) with The SPECTRUM Group expressed his sincere congratulations to all the ATDM graduates as they get ready to launch their careers helping to build our U.S. Navy’s newest submarines.

“To the entire Danville ATDM Team, a heartfelt Navy ‘Bravo Zulu’ for your awesome leadership and inspiring instructional skills in helping these superb graduates achieve their potential and contribute to our nation’s national defense,” said Vice Admiral Ryan.

A student wearing an ATDM shirt walks toward the stage at graduation.

Director of Phillips Corporation, Rick Morgan, said the company is extremely pleased with the progress of ATDM’s suite of advanced manufacturing training programs.

“Phillips is very proud of its collaboration overseeing the creation and delivery of additive manufacturing (AM) curriculums in partnership with our technology vendors,” said Morgan. “We believe that ATDM’s AM training program is, and will increasingly be, an essential resource for accelerating the delivery of skilled technicians to U.S. Navy and all other military service branches. Developing training programs focused on the most relevant applications of AM technology will also be a growing essential resource for a U.S. Defense Industrial Base increasingly charged with building robust, dependable, and innovative supply chain options for our military services.”  

Enroll in the ATDM Program

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 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. For more information, visit www.ialr.org.

About ATDM

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing is a prototype training platform for rapidly training skilled workers in key trades such as CNC machining and welding for employment in the defense industry. ATDM was developed as a public-private consortium between the DoD, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation, and The Spectrum Group in consultation with the defense industry. IALR is leading 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 which was 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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Allison H. Moore, Director, PR & Communications        Faith O’Neil, Director, PR & Marketing

Institute for Advanced Learning and Research                    Danville Community College                       

allison.moore@ialr.org  |  434.766.6766                              faith.oneil@danville.edu  |  434.797.8450

Instructor, Staff Positions Available for Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing Program

Instructor, Staff Positions Available for Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing Program

The Institute for Advance Learning and Research and Danville Community College are collectively hiring 38 positions for the program.

DANVILLE, Va. (March 7, 2023) – The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is hoping to fill 38 positions, including 24 instructors, within the next six months to support the program’s goals of rapidly training adult learners with the skills necessary to enter the defense industrial base. The program, which works to fill high-demand jobs producing parts to repair, upfit, and build submarines for the U.S. Navy, is led by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) as a public-private consortium with the U.S. Department of Defense, Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation, and the Spectrum Group in consultation with the defense industry. Full-time and seasonal intern positions are available at IALR as well as DCC.

Over the next year, the ATDM program will be hiring for positions that support recruitment, veteran recruitment and support, housing and community services, employment outreach, and program support. Additionally, IALR will further support the program by adding positions for grants and contracts specialists, curriculum development, training and technology coordination, and communications and marketing. IALR also plans to hire an Afghan Support Specialist to recruit, translate for, and support students within the Afghan population. A detailed list of employment opportunities is available at ATDM.org/join-our-team.

“These positions are an integral part of ATDM’s mission to quickly funnel workers to the defense industrial base with skill sets that position employers to meet the research and manufacturing demands of today’s military,” said Dr. Debra Holley, ATDM Director. “The experience of these newly hired professionals will equip the ATDM program to ramp up significantly in the next year to achieve ambitious goals set for the next two years.”

DCC also has job openings for instructor and technician positions in the fields of additive manufacturing, CNC machining, metrology, nondestructive testing, and welding—the trades promoted through ATDM.

“Danville Community College is proud to partner with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research to support the continued growth of ATDM,” said Dr. Jerry Wallace, President of Danville Community College. “We are in the process of hiring an additional 14 instructors and technicians over the next 60 days to meet the needs of this exciting program and we anticipate that the number of jobs created through this initiative will only increase in the future.”

ATDM is being scaled as a national defense manufacturing pipeline that, when at full operation in 2024, will provide 800–1,000 qualified candidates to fill critical vacancies across the defense industrial base. Positions are needed to meet the demand, particularly as the program prepares to break ground on a future 100,000-square-foot training facility later this year.

ATDM was created to teach the skills needed for increasing military equipment production. In recent years, other countries have increased military technology production while the U.S. has remained stagnant. Recognizing the need to increase military production, the U.S. government also realized that manufacturing in the U.S. is now a mere 12% of the national workforce sector compared to the start of WWII, when approximately one-third of the U.S. workforce was in manufacturing. ATDM supports U.S. efforts to build a strong arsenal for defense as well as the trained workforce to build that arsenal.

Due to the importance of submarines in military defense, the U.S. Navy is supporting ATDM so students are trained in the skills needed to repair, upfit, and build submarines. These skills are transferable to other defense industry companies, as well. Students earn the skills for 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)
  • Welding

Professionals interested in applying for jobs at ATDM can visit ATDM.org/join-our-team to learn more. For an updated list of the open positions at Danville Community College, visit https://jobs.vccs.edu/. For an updated list of open positions at IALR, visit https://www.ialr.org/employment/.  

Folks who want to learn more about enrolling in ATDM program classes can go to https://atdm.org/atdm-enrollment-application.

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 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. For more information, visit www.ialr.org.

About ATDM

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing is a prototype training platform for rapidly training skilled workers in key trades such as CNC machining and welding for employment in the defense industry. ATDM was developed as a public-private consortium between the DoD, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation, and The Spectrum Group in consultation with the defense industry. IALR is leading 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 which was 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.

MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel Spencer, 540-798-6278, rachel@visitaccess.com.

Danville’s DoD-Funded Training Program Graduates Third Cohort in Shipbuilding and Ship Sustaining Skilled Trades

Danville’s DoD-Funded Training Program Graduates Third Cohort in Shipbuilding and Ship Sustaining Skilled Trades

35 workers from 14 states rapidly trained for employment in defense industry

As a high-performance manufacturing hub, Danville offers an innovative training model that more recently includes a federal pilot project attracting participants on a national scale to defense industrial base trades. The third cohort of students, including 35 adult learners from 14 states, graduated from the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program on Aug. 5. This 16-week, hands-on curriculum rapidly develops skilled workers with industry recognized credentials for employment in the defense industry.

Dr. Debra Holley, ATDM Director at IALR, and Dr. Jerry Wallace, Danville Community College President, award certificates to completers of the third cohort of the DoD initiative to prepare workers for skilled trades positions in the defense industry – the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing Program. Thirty-five individuals from 14 states finished the 16-week program on Aug. 5 and have already received job offers from Newport News Shipbuilding, Electric Boat and BWX Technologies.

ATDM trains workers in key trades to fill skill gaps in welding, CNC machining, quality control inspection and additive manufacturing. The program was developed as a public-private consortium between the U.S. Department of Defense, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation and The Spectrum Group, in coordination with maritime defense industry partners and Navy stakeholders. Scaling the ATDM program is a priority effort planned in the Submarines Industrial Base budget, and a key enabler in the Navy’s ability to reach and sustain the required submarine production cadence, deliver on the construction of the Navy’s number-one priority Columbia Class submarine, and ensure sustainment of existing platforms. This program is also positioned to have a significant impact across all maritime programs and platforms, and includes addressing workforce constraints at shipbuilders, shipyards and the sub-tier supply chain.

“At every level in our industrial base, manpower readiness is not a choice, it is an absolute requirement for success. The people graduating from the ATDM program are how I know our Navy and Nation will continue leading in the maritime domain,” said Admiral Scott Pappano, Program Executive Officer, Strategic Submarines. “There is nothing more important than ensuring we have the workforce to lead, innovate, and execute our Navy’s programs and platforms, and this pipeline provides these men and women with an incredible opportunity to join our mission in family-sustaining careers that are in critical demand.”

IALR is leading the 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 which was 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.

“IALR continues to serve as a leading model of intentional, effective workforce development initiatives to generate a sustainable pipeline of work-ready talent for high-performance manufacturers and other target sectors,” said Telly Tucker, president of IALR. “We thank our ATDM partners and congratulate these students on their accomplishments; knowing that we played a role in securing a high-quality job for these men and women while also helping our nation’s defense manufacturers is extremely fulfilling.”

The ATDM curriculum is customized to the skills and training needs of the naval shipbuilding and sustainment sector of the defense industrial base. Training takes place in Danville on the campuses of IALR and DCC, and DCC serves as the curriculum provider.

“We’re incredibly proud of the DCC Knights who have completed the ATDM training,” said Dr. Jerry Wallace, president of Danville Community College. “Thanks to our strong partnership with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, access to this unique, specialized training is available right here in Danville. These students have mastered skills over the last four months that will propel them forward into high-paying careers, impacting the defense manufacturing industry for years to come. We cannot wait to see where their hard work and dedication leads them.”

Phillips Corporation serves as the technology provider for the ATDM training program, and provides the latest equipment for high-quality, industry-focused training.

“Phillips Corporation is very pleased to continue our training and advanced manufacturing roles with IALR’s ATDM program,” said Rick Morgan, Director, Phillips Corporation. “A terrific example of success related to the mission of this program is that Phillips has hired a recent ATDM graduate of one of the four training programs, in this case a member of the additive manufacturing training cohort. Our new employee, a Marine Corps veteran, will be living and working in Danville for Phillips Corporation on additive and other advanced manufacturing projects as part of Phillips’ continuing commitment and dedication to ‘Team Danville’ programs.”

IALR hosted an ATDM completion ceremony on Aug. 5. Dr. Debra Holley, ATDM Director, and Dr. Jerry Wallace, DCC President, awarded completion certificates. Commissioner Daniel Gade with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services served as keynote speaker. Students hailed from Hawaii, California, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. Of the 35 graduates, two are Navy veterans, two are active Navy personnel, and three are Afghan allies. Fourteen of the students were incumbent workers, sponsored by their employers to advance and expand their skills; sponsoring industry partners included Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Curtiss-Wright (New York), Bearon Manufacturing (Pennsylvania), and others. The remaining graduates are working with ATDM placement staff to gain employment; to date, students have received offers from Newport News Shipbuilding, Electric Boat and BWX Technologies.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, economic development, manufacturing advancement and conference services. 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. For more information, visit www.ialr.org.

Danville Community College is a two-year institution of higher education under the state-wide Virginia Community College System. DCC’s service area includes the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County. For more information about the college’s more than 100 programs of study, visit www.danville.edu.

Completers of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) Additive Manufacturing program receive their completion certificates and are accompanied by DCC additive manufacturing instructor Eric Collie (left).

ATDM CNC Machining participants pose with their certificates of completion, along with DCC precision machining instructor Justin Owen (left) and DCC machining technician Wesley Cifers (right).

DCC welding instructor Brian Penny (front, center) celebrates with completers of the ATDM Welding cohort as well as DCC welding technician Darrell Buchanan (second from right).

Completers of the ATDM Quality Control Inspection (metrology) program celebrate receiving their certificates with DCC dimensional metrology instructor Josh Worthley (right) and DCC metrology technician Jacob Corvin (left).
KYOCERA ‘Signs’ Integrated Machining Interns as New Employees

KYOCERA ‘Signs’ Integrated Machining Interns as New Employees

Manufacturer of high-performance cutting tools leverages Danville-Pittsylvania advanced manufacturing pipeline for high-quality workforce needs

DANVILLE, Virginia – (April 7, 2022) – KYOCERA SGS Tech Hub has hired three student interns who recently graduated from the Integrated Machining Technology (IMT) third-year capstone program, instructed by Danville Community College (DCC) and housed and financed by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).

Students Jonathan Gauldin, Bobby Moran and Joel Oakes celebrated the occasion with KYOCERA by participating in a signing ceremony at the Gene Haas Center for Integrated Machining where they received their training. Gauldin, Moran and Oakes will start on April 11 as Setup A technicians, one of KYOCERA’s highest-level grinding positions. They will join Josh Owen, another IMT graduate, who started at KYOCERA as a Setup C technician on April 4.

“To thrive in a highly competitive global market, there needs to be a system in place that creates a workforce for our future,” said Jason Wells, president of KYOCERA SGS Tech Hub. “The unparalleled training and education that Danville Community College and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research have established, allow companies such as KYOCERA to focus on our core business and growth with less focus on skill development. Our elected officials, community leaders, educators and local citizens have put in the hard work to address skilled workforce development needs.”

Kyocera signs interns as employees

L-R, front row: Joel Oakes, Bobby Moran and Jonathan Gauldin; back row: David Gauldin and Jason Wells (KYOCERA SGS Tech Hub), Troy Simpson (IALR), Josh McDowell and Joe Distad (Danville Community College), and Dylan Hardy (IALR)

The IMT program serves as an optional third year of advanced training for completers of two-year precision machining programs or for those with equivalent work experience. The hands-on instruction by DCC takes seven months and is set in a flow cell environment to build true-to-life advanced manufacturing experience and leadership skills. A 90-hour internship fulfills requirements for an associate degree.

“DCC, in partnership with the IALR, is proud to be a leader in the creation of talent for Pittsylvania County and the surrounding region,” said Dr. Muriel Mickles, interim president at DCC. “The IMT capstone program is an excellent example of many ways DCC is supporting the growth of the manufacturing industry here in Danville while ensuring exciting, high-paying jobs for our students.”

The success of the IMT program has grown since its inception in 2015. Noted by Virginia and Arkansas governors and other localities as a benchmark model, the program also helped seal the win of the location bid for the 2018 Haas Technical Education Center Americas CNC Educators Conference. A team of students won last year’s Project MFG National Skilled Trade Championship, and others have won medals at the SkillsUSA Championships.

“The Integrated Machining Technology program is a key aspect of the progressive talent pipeline the Danville-Pittsylvania County region has championed to attract and retain high-performance jobs and industry like KYOCERA,” said Troy Simpson, director of advanced manufacturing for IALR. “We continue to work with KYOCERA and other companies to ensure the curriculum of DCC and the facilities housed and financed by IALR are state of the art and industry-driven.”

Gauldin, Moran and Oakes will bring the following industry-recognized credentials to their new positions at KYOCERA: MCOSMOS C1 and C2, a cutting technology certificate and the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. Other employers who have benefited from these credentialed IMT graduates in the past include FasTech, Piedmont Precision Machine, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, BWX Technologies and others.

“I am extremely proud of all our Integrated Machining Technology graduates and congratulate Jonathan, Bobby, Joel and Josh on their new journey with such an impactful industry as KYOCERA,” said Dr. Betty Jo Foster, interim president at IALR. “I hope their path to successful employment is an example and inspiration to other youth in our area who seek high-quality jobs and meaningful careers. The partnership between DCC, IALR and industry like KYOCERA offers hands-on instruction that leads to job opportunities for our community and workforce solutions for advanced manufacturers.”

KYOCERA has actively supported the region’s talent development efforts. Wells serves in multiple board positions, including the advisory boards for both Danville Community College’s workforce services programs and the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) program, a GO Virginia-supported program administered by IALR that educates and trains middle schoolers to post-secondary students on relevant career pathways.

In September 2016, KYOCERA SGS Tech Hub announced it would invest $9.5 million and bring 35 new jobs paying an average annual salary of $65,000 to the Cyber Park, a technology park jointly owned by the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County through the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority (RIFA).

The company broke ground in the spring of 2017 on the 30,000-square-foot manufacturing and research hub, which was designed and constructed by Blair Construction and sits on 10 acres directly across from the campus of IALR. The grand opening was celebrated in September 2019.

For additional photos of the KYOCERA signing ceremony for the three interns/new recruits, visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzJLCB.  

ATDM Summit Tackles Skill Gaps in Defense Industrial Base to Support U.S. Navy

ATDM Summit Tackles Skill Gaps in Defense Industrial Base to Support U.S. Navy

 

U.S. Senator Warner serves as keynote speaker for inaugural event

The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Industrial Policy, through its Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program, welcomed key stakeholders to the first Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) Summit at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Va., on August 25. IALR is leading a three-year pilot project to develop, exercise and evaluate ATDM as a potential training platform for a network of regional training centers across the United States.

The ATDM Summit’s theme was “Workforce Challenges in Defense Manufacturing: ATDM – Meeting the Demand for Scale and Velocity.” The event introduced ATDM and discussed how this new program contributes to closing skills and manpower gaps that are impacting the ability of the defense industrial base to support America’s Navy. U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) delivered the keynote speech.

“For years, I’ve been talking about the importance of addressing our nation’s chronic underinvestment in workers. Today, it’s more clear than ever that to maintain the capability of our military, and chart a strategic path forward, we will need to invest in the people who are going to make that possible. That’s our men and women in uniform as well as the civilians and industrial base who support them,” said U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA). “We need innovative approaches to workforce development – like IALR, like the ATDM program – to help make that happen.”

Other ATDM Summit presenters included Jesse Salazar, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy; Rear Admiral Scott Pappano, Program Executive Office, Columbia class submarine program; Adele Ratcliff, Director of Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program; and Troy Simpson, Director of Advanced Manufacturing for IALR.

“As we continue to ensure our national security objectives are met, and that our warfighters have the platforms and systems they need to maintain free access across the maritime domain, I cannot overemphasize the significance of our defense industrial base workforce,” said Rear Admiral Pappano. “We have to demand the same levels of scale and urgency across our shipbuilding and ship sustainment trades as we do our Naval capability, capacity, and readiness…that is exactly what this program is designed to achieve.”

“The advances here in Danville have resonance far beyond shipbuilding and will enable the future of American production by cultivating the people who will build our country back better,” said Jesse Salazar, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy. “The ATDM model, led by Team Danville, will help the DoD scale American capacity to manufacture the exceptional parts, machines, and resilient supply chain materials our warfighters need.”

“The need for the level of training offered by ATDM has been clearly defined, especially in light of the country’s defense industrial base workforce needs,” said Mark Gignac, Executive Director of IALR. “We appreciate the support of Sen. Mark Warner and our other stakeholders which, in addition to support from the U.S. government, will be critical to scale the ATDM program model as we move forward. Much appreciation also goes to our partners, Danville Community College, Phillips Corporation, The SPECTRUM Group, and to funding provided by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program.”

“The ATDM Summit showcases the power of a strong, rebounding community with great leadership,” said Dr. Brian Jackson, Vice President of Workforce Services for Danville Community College, the instructional provider for ATDM. “There are outstanding opportunities in Danville, and it was great to see leadership from around the country focusing on our community and our success.”

“Phillips Corporation is proud to participate with Team Danville in its quest to scale ATDM from its present Pilot stage to a national training program,” said Rick Morgan, Director of Phillips Corporation, the technology partner for ATDM. “We are convinced that ATDM will be a vital resource in addressing the widening gap of advanced manufacturing workers required to support the extensive supply chain needs of our nation’s Defense Industrial Base. The Summit demonstrated that we have achieved a strong alignment of local and national political and industry leaders in support of Team Danville’s ATDM initiatives.”

“ATDM demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships. It is a high-impact program at many levels,” said Charlie Dale, Partner, The SPECTRUM Group. “While addressing critical skill shortages in the defense industry, it provides extraordinary opportunities for a diverse group of women and men to begin careers in advanced manufacturing. Every ATDM student is a true pathfinder in the rebirth of manufacturing in America. SPECTRUM is very proud to be a member of Team Danville and passionate about ATDM’s mission to advance and grow America’s skilled workforce.”

In March 2020, the DoD launched the National Imperative for Industrial Skills (NIIS) Initiative to catalyze coordinated, multi-level public and private efforts across the nation’s industrial skills workforce development ecosystem. NIIS aims to close defense-critical workforce gaps, expand national production capacities, and improve U.S. industrial resiliency. ATDM is the flagship program in NIIS for training skilled workers for America’s defense industrial base in critical trades such as welding, CNC machining, metrology and additive manufacturing.

About ATDM

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing is a prototype training platform for rapidly training skilled workers in key trades for employment in the defense industry. ATDM was developed as a public-private consortium between the DoD, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation, and The SPECTRUM Group in consultation with the defense industry. IALR is leading 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 which was 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. All training is conducted in Danville, Va. For more information, visit www.atdm.org.

See the following Flickr album link for images from the ATDM training facilities open house, the ATDM social and the ATDM Summit: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWv2ova

 Visit https://youtu.be/egldO2Feeck for the ATDM overview video that was shared at the ATDM Summit.

Students, defense manufacturers, educators and supporters attend the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) open house on Aug. 24 at Danville Community College, the instructional provider for ATDM. Stakeholders also participate in an evening social and the inaugural ATDM Summit the following day at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, the ATDM project leader. Sen. Mark Warner served as the keynote speaker at the summit, which focused on “Workforce Challenges in Defense Manufacturing: ATDM – Meeting the Demand for Scale and Velocity.”

 

IALR Awarded $1.78 Million Department of War Contract for New, Innovative Skilled Worker Training Program for Defense Industrial Base

IALR Awarded $1.78 Million Department of War Contract for New, Innovative Skilled Worker Training Program for Defense Industrial Base

The U.S. Army Contracting Command-Rock Island (ACC-RI) has awarded a $1.78 million contract to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Danville Community College (DCC) for a pilot project to develop the prototype training program, Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM). The base year of the contract includes instructional staff and curriculum development to address workforce gaps for Defense Industrial Base (DIB) companies.

“Thanks to this transformative opportunity from the DoD, the ATDM program will allow us to fill critical workforce gaps while building the capacity of our nation’s Defense Industrial Base,” said Mark Gignac, Executive Director for IALR, the fiscal agent and ATDM program lead. “We are fortunate to be joined by exemplary partners—DCC, a leader in workforce development programs; Phillips Corporation, a champion of next-generation manufacturing solutions; and The SPECTRUM Group, a consulting firm experienced in the defense industry. I look forward to seeing the program grow under the leadership of IALR’s Troy Simpson, and I thank Sen. Mark Warner and other legislators for supporting these efforts.”

“Danville Community College’s excellence and experience in technical training aligned to industry needs makes our institution the perfect partner for the ATDM pilot program,” said Dr. Jacqueline Gill Powell, president of Danville Community College. “This program will provide another unique opportunity for our students while training needed workforce for the defense industry. By leveraging our existing advanced manufacturing infrastructure and industry expert knowledge, we are positioned to support the ATDM program now and into the future.”

The initial ATDM pilot will focus on the naval shipbuilding sector and will train skilled workers in the DIB skill gaps of CNC machining, welding, metrology/quality assurance and additive manufacturing. A fast-track, intensive and targeted program, ATDM offers universal application across the DIB and the inherent flexibility to be customized for specific manufacturing sectors. It also addresses one of the top workforce development priorities of the Department of War’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program – the need to train skilled workers at scale and velocity to address skill gaps and manpower shortages in the DIB. The ATDM contract was issued under the CORNERSTONE OTA, an integrated contract vehicle that supports the IBAS program.

ATDM will support the recently launched IBAS National Imperative in Industrial Skills (NIIS) for the creation of an industrial skills workforce development ecosystem. NIIS aims to close existing industrial workforce skill gaps and improve America’s capacity to recruit, train and deliver sufficient numbers of workers with industrial skills to meet defense supply chain requirements. A major objective of the pilot project will be to evaluate ATDM’s contributions to NIIS as a model training platform in a national network of regionally-based training centers serving the various industrial sectors of the DIB.

“Congratulations to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and Danville Community College consortium for securing a $1.78 million award from the Department of Defense (DoD) for their workforce training pilot program, as part of DoD’s National Imperative for Industrial Skills (NIIS) Initiative, which aims to scale up workforce training for our nation’s defense industrial base. The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing pilot program ramps up key skills such as welding, additive manufacturing and metrology, and serves as a model for our nation,” said U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA). “Given significant gaps that exist in our nation’s defense industrial base, we must pursue innovative models of workforce training such as this one in order to meet our essential national security needs. I’m proud to have been part of today’s announcement, and commend all of the hard work that has gone into developing this program. I look forward to seeing the impact of this training in developing indispensable talent for naval shipbuilding. I’m also optimistic about the jobs that this pilot program will create during this difficult time, and the effect that those jobs will have on the regional economy.”

IALR and DCC have partnered with Phillips Corporation, one of the nation’s largest suppliers of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, and The SPECTRUM Group, a leading defense consulting firm. The public-private consortium consulted with the defense industry to develop the ATDM program.

Alan Phillips, President/CEO of Phillips Corporation states, “We are proud to be joining IALR, Danville Community College and The Spectrum Group to team on implementing ATDM in the important mission to bridge the skills gap in the USA’s Defense Industrial Base. We believe IALR has the ideal combination of strong leadership, excellent infrastructure, resourceful strategic partners and a highly innovative training formula that will enable success in executing the objectives of ATDM. We look forward to contributing our advanced manufacturing industry knowledge in the areas of subtractive and additive metalworking technologies as we partner with IALR to offer compelling and deployable training programs.”

“ATDM will take the extraordinary manufacturing and workforce development infrastructure that exists in the Danville region to the national level with the potential to make a significant contribution to our nation’s security. SPECTRUM is delighted to be on the Danville team,” said Charlie Dale, Partner of The SPECTRUM Group.

Photos Courtesy of DCC and the City of Danville

Danville Community College (DCC) students train on the latest precision machining technology as part of Danville-Pittsylvania County’s workforce development model, which has been lauded by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and others as a benchmark program. DCC will work with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, program lead of a newly awarded contract from the Department of Defense, to develop an innovative Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program and address Defense Industrial Base skill gaps in CNC machining and other areas.