The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) celebrated the completion of the latest cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program on Dec. 12. The ceremony honored 58 adult learners who completed intensive training in CNC machining, non-destructive testing and additive manufacturing — three critical skill sets for building and repairing components within the defense manufacturing sector.

Each completer finished at least 600 hours of hands-on instruction, preparing them for immediate employment within the maritime industrial base (MIB). These tracks equip students with the technical expertise to perform high-precision processes essential to national defense.

Eli Noles, CNC machining student, shared reflections on the journey through the program.

“Manufacturing isn’t just about programming, machining or quality checks. It’s about taking raw material, whether it’s metal or your own potential, and shaping it into something you can be proud of.” – Eli Noles, ATDM CNC Machining Student

Admiral James G. Foggo, U.S. Navy (Retired), Dean of the Center for Maritime Strategy at the Navy League of the United States, praised the graduates for their dedication and highlighted the significance of their achievement.

“You’re about to embark on a career where the highest standards of excellence are the norm… The safety of our most precious commodity — our American sailors — will soon be in your hands.” – Admiral James G. Foggo, U.S. Navy (retired), Navy League of the United States

Additive Manufacturing Cohort – 1st Shift

• Jonah Downer – VA
• Douglas Drakeley – CO
• Donovan Edwards – VA
• David Flannery – CO
• James Furey – FL
• Manley Irish – ME
• Jack Moran III – CA
• Dylan Ringer – VA
• Thomas Spear – CA
• Ronny Vargas – TX

CNC Machining Cohort – 1st Shift

• Cedric Bond – CO
• Benjamin Burton – MT
• Kevin Cox – VA
• Naheem Cuttino – NC
• Kyler Harris-Mazzone – VA
• Jeffrey Maghinay – CA
• Eli Noles – AL

CNC Machining Cohort – 2nd Shift

• Wyatt Estes – NC
• Edward Franklin – VA
• Buddy Holloway – VA
• Samuel Kebede – MD
• Sean Kehoe – VA
• Austin McClellan – MD
• Diego Ramos Velandia – NY
• Corey Recai – NY
• John Roy – TX
• Kaleb Roy – TX
• Joel Vazquez – FL

CNC Machining Cohort – 3rd Shift

• Maureen Belko – VA
• Mario Benedetti – FL
• Derek Borruso – CT
• Jacob Drewer – VA
• Daniel Guerrero III – TX
• Andrew Keen – VA
• Lucas Keen – VA
• Mohommad Khawari – VA
• Jeryn Laeder – GA
• Joseph Sirtori – VA
• Andrew Wilson – NC

NDT Cohort – 1st Shift

• Jordan Atlow – MD
• Rylee Blackham – CA
• Payton Bradbury – OH
• Edmund Danielson – AZ
• Roger de Rozario – TX
• Caroline Doss – VA
• Nicole D’Souza – MO
• Devin Duke – NC
• James Etheridge – TN
• Brian Gonzalez – VA
• Fahim Huq – NY
• Trey Marquardt – NC
• Xavier Robinson – VA
• Kayle Santiago – VA
• Trevor Sines – NC
• Brodie Travis – CA
• Nikehl Williams – VA
• Jarvis Wilson – VA
• Alexander Zbozny – PA

Participants in the ATDM program benefit from comprehensive scholarships covering tuition and furnished housing. This support enables individuals from diverse backgrounds, including transitioning service members, career changers and industry newcomers, to prepare for and find successful manufacturing careers.

With a goal of training 1,000 students annually, ATDM remains a cornerstone initiative in strengthening the U.S. defense manufacturing workforce. With more than 1,100 total completers to date, ATDM boasts an approximately 85% completion rate and, for completers, an 85% placement rate within 30 days of completing the program.

About ATDM

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program provides focused, industry-driven training to equip participants with skills critical for defense manufacturing. This initiative is funded through the National Imperative for Industrial Skills by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program Office within the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. The organization houses and leads the ATDM program with the support of various partners.