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).
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.
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, 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.
