Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) celebrated the achievements of 56 students who graduated as part of the program’s 12th cohort during a ceremony on Aug. 7 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). This program prepares adult learners for manufacturing careers.
The keynote speech during the event was all about the impact these graduates will make.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re going to work. You are contributing to national security. You are helping the United States of America exercise power projection and diplomacy from whatever shop floor or office you’re going to work in.” – Command Master Chief Jeff Hiscocks, Program Executive Office, Team Submarines
A 16-week, hands-on program, ATDM prepares adult learners with the skills needed to work in the submarine and defense industrial base – the system of companies that produce 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.
This cohort included students from welding, CNC machining and metrology across multiple shifts.
During a speech during the graduation ceremony, metrology student Qian Yi (Cyndi) Rong shared her experiences working full-time while completing the ATDM program. After experience as a machinist and working in leadership roles in the hospitality industry, Rong now plans to work with BWX Technologies in Lynchburg.
“The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training have prepared us to tackle real-world problems. But beyond the technical knowledge and practical skills, this program has also taught us the importance of perseverance, collaboration and adaptability.” – Qian Yi (Cyndi) Rong, Metrology Student
This cohort brings the total number of ATDM graduates to 615 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, housed on IALR’s campus, is under construction and slated for completion in 2025. When the training center is completed, each of the five tracks will be offered across three shifts.
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 primary footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg, along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. IALR houses and leads the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program with the support of various partners.
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 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.
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