Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Driving Economic Transformation
The July 2026 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has promoted professional machinist and educator Wesley Cifers to serve in a newly reorganized role.
As of July 1, Cifers serves as Managing Director of ATDM – a 16-week training program at IALR designed to prepare civilians from across the nation for careers building the nation’s next-generation vessels in the submarine industrial base.
“I’m delighted to name Wesley Cifers as the new Managing Director of ATDM. His experience, technical acumen and maturity made him an ideal candidate to become the leader of this critical program here on the campus of IALR,” said Telly Tucker, President of IALR.
Cifers holds more than 15 industry certifications and brings a vast array of experience and knowledge in manufacturing environments to the role. His previous private sector experience, coupled with his time in instruction, curriculum development and program management at IALR, uniquely positioned Cifers to oversee ATDM. In his most recent role, Cifers managed two major additive manufacturing training programs for the U.S. Navy and led all workforce programs for the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) at IALR, after growing through various instructional ranks within ATDM.
“Wesley is a highly credentialed journeyman machinist who started his career with a leading supplier to the federal government prior to joining IALR five years ago and has since grown and moved into the instructional and training realm at various levels. His most recent position grew many of the valuable skills that Wesley will employ in this new role, including juggling numerous high-level stakeholders, managing federal contracts and ensuring quality instruction,” said Jason Wells, IALR’s Executive Vice President, Manufacturing Advancement. “Not only does Wesley possess a balanced and intimate knowledge of the ATDM program and its many facets, but he leads with superb professionalism and integrity, making him an excellent fit for this role.”
Since its inception in 2020, ATDM has graduated over 1,530 students from 47 states, Washington D.C., Australia, Puerto Rico and Guam. The program spans all three shifts and delivers accelerated, intensive training in five key skilled trade areas in high demand by defense manufacturers and critical to national defense, including Additive Manufacturing, CNC Machining, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Quality Control Inspection (Metrology) and Welding.
“I am grateful to work alongside an amazing team at IALR and eager to step into a new role in further support of ATDM to see where the future takes us. Over the last 5 years, I have held several roles with varying responsibility to the program, and I am excited to bring that combined experience into my new position,” said Cifers. “This is a unique program that has changed how our country views manufacturing training and I have witnessed that in real time. This transition is not something I take lightly, and I am looking forward to returning to the ATDM team to continue pushing forward.”
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 War for Acquisition and Sustainment.
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.
In this episode, Senior Facilities Manager Stewart East and Assistant Director of Advanced Training and Operations Wesley Cifers explain:
Preparation: Months of logistical strategizing for a multi-phase relocation
Execution: Coordinating staff, resources, and external partners over the holidays
Outcome: A smoother transition to the Navy’s ATDM Maritime Training Center, where the Accelerated Training and Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program now has a permanent home
Episode highlights include:
