Latest news with #ATDM
Business Wire
31-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
National Defense Manufacturing Program Marks Major Graduation Milestone
DANVILLE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) recently celebrated its 1,000th program completer, highlighting the program's continued success in building the defense workforce. 'ATDM has given me a second chance at having a fulfilling career that provides a true sense of purpose,' said Claypool. 'It's not just a job, it's a path that has equipped me with skills that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.' Share Glenn Claypool was recognized as the 1,000th program completer and joined fellow students in celebrating the cohort's completion of the 16-week rigorous workforce training. Claypool discovered ATDM after completing a bachelor's degree in business management and working in sales before deciding to pursue certification in non-destructive testing. 'ATDM has given me a second chance at having a fulfilling career that provides a true sense of purpose,' said Claypool. 'It's not just a job, it's a path that has equipped me with skills that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.' Created to support defense manufacturing initiatives across the United States and supply workers for the maritime industrial base, ATDM is well on its way toward its goal of 800-1,000 skilled tradespeople completing the program each year. "Reaching 1,000 ATDM graduates bolsters a skilled workforce that our maritime industrial base needs urgently," said Matt Sermon, direct reporting program manager of the Maritime Industrial Base Program. "ATDM graduates are contributing directly to building and sustaining our Fleet. As we scale this proven model nationwide, we're helping our maritime industrial base develop the workforce needed to maintain maritime superiority for generations to come." Graduating students complete 600 hours of intensive, hands-on training over 16 weeks, earning certifications in one of five high-demand defense industry skilled trades. These are high-paying careers in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, non-destructive testing, quality control inspection (metrology) and welding. 'ATDM's Maritime Training Center is a vital component of the work we do at IALR to support and pioneer new accelerated training methods that build the future workforce for defense, maritime and advanced manufacturing,' said Telly Tucker, president of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). Congresswoman Jen Kiggans addressed the finishing cohort at their completion ceremony, highlighting her unique connection to ATDM's purpose as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, as well as being a Navy veteran herself and the wife of a Navy veteran. "This year the ATDM program is celebrating another major milestone, its 1,000th graduate, and that number represents the 1,000 men and women trained with the specialized skills needed to rebuild American manufacturing and support our defense industrial base, and that's something to be proud of," said Congresswoman Kiggans. "Graduates of this program are not just entering a workforce; you are stepping into a mission. Whether you're heading to shipyards, maritime manufacturing facilities or defense plants across the country – your work will directly impact our national security." A distinguishing feature of the ATDM program is that students are prepared for the workforce beyond technical training. ATDM staff assist with resume development, interview preparation and direct employer connections, leading to an 85% employment rate for completers within a month of finishing the program. ATDM partners with more than 200 employers across the United States for job placement as well as job training, a strong indicator of the program's success. "ATDM has been a tremendous asset to our workforce development efforts. The program consistently turns out graduates who are not just technically capable, but ready to contribute from day one,' said Kristi Rowe, people director at Keel. 'One of our recent hires has already made a strong impression in his welding role—bringing precision, confidence, and a solid grasp of quality standards. What really stands out is how well ATDM's training aligns with the real-world demands of our work. It makes the transition from training to the job smooth and effective. We're excited about the future and look forward to continuing this successful partnership." 'I've met people from a wide range of backgrounds, different cultures, life experiences, education levels and career paths, but the one thing we all share is that we came to ATDM looking for new skills and opportunities,' said Claypool. MEDIA KIT About ATDM Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) was created to teach the skills needed to increase military equipment production in the United States. The program is located at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia. Students at ATDM are trained in the skills needed to repair, upfit and build submarines, and these skills are transferable to other defense industry companies. Students earn the certifications needed to secure 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) and Welding. For additional information, visit 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
National Post
31-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
National Defense Manufacturing Program Marks Major Graduation Milestone
ATDM celebrates 1,000th graduate since launch of program. Article content DANVILLE, Va. — Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) recently celebrated its 1,000th program completer, highlighting the program's continued success in building the defense workforce. Article content 'ATDM has given me a second chance at having a fulfilling career that provides a true sense of purpose,' said Claypool. 'It's not just a job, it's a path that has equipped me with skills that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.' Article content Glenn Claypool was recognized as the 1,000th program completer and joined fellow students in celebrating the cohort's completion of the 16-week rigorous workforce training. Claypool discovered ATDM after completing a bachelor's degree in business management and working in sales before deciding to pursue certification in non-destructive testing. Article content 'ATDM has given me a second chance at having a fulfilling career that provides a true sense of purpose,' said Claypool. 'It's not just a job, it's a path that has equipped me with skills that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.' Article content Created to support defense manufacturing initiatives across the United States and supply workers for the maritime industrial base, ATDM is well on its way toward its goal of 800-1,000 skilled tradespeople completing the program each year. Article content 'Reaching 1,000 ATDM graduates bolsters a skilled workforce that our maritime industrial base needs urgently,' said Matt Sermon, direct reporting program manager of the Maritime Industrial Base Program. 'ATDM graduates are contributing directly to building and sustaining our Fleet. As we scale this proven model nationwide, we're helping our maritime industrial base develop the workforce needed to maintain maritime superiority for generations to come.' Article content Graduating students complete 600 hours of intensive, hands-on training over 16 weeks, earning certifications in one of five high-demand defense industry skilled trades. These are high-paying careers in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, non-destructive testing, quality control inspection (metrology) and welding. Article content 'ATDM's Maritime Training Center is a vital component of the work we do at IALR to support and pioneer new accelerated training methods that build the future workforce for defense, maritime and advanced manufacturing,' said Telly Tucker, president of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). Article content Congresswoman Jen Kiggans addressed the finishing cohort at their completion ceremony, highlighting her unique connection to ATDM's purpose as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, as well as being a Navy veteran herself and the wife of a Navy veteran. Article content 'This year the ATDM program is celebrating another major milestone, its 1,000th graduate, and that number represents the 1,000 men and women trained with the specialized skills needed to rebuild American manufacturing and support our defense industrial base, and that's something to be proud of,' said Congresswoman Kiggans. 'Graduates of this program are not just entering a workforce; you are stepping into a mission. Whether you're heading to shipyards, maritime manufacturing facilities or defense plants across the country – your work will directly impact our national security.' Article content A distinguishing feature of the ATDM program is that students are prepared for the workforce beyond technical training. ATDM staff assist with resume development, interview preparation and direct employer connections, leading to an 85% employment rate for completers within a month of finishing the program. ATDM partners with more than 200 employers across the United States for job placement as well as job training, a strong indicator of the program's success. Article content 'ATDM has been a tremendous asset to our workforce development efforts. The program consistently turns out graduates who are not just technically capable, but ready to contribute from day one,' said Kristi Rowe, people director at Keel. 'One of our recent hires has already made a strong impression in his welding role—bringing precision, confidence, and a solid grasp of quality standards. What really stands out is how well ATDM's training aligns with the real-world demands of our work. It makes the transition from training to the job smooth and effective. We're excited about the future and look forward to continuing this successful partnership.' Article content 'I've met people from a wide range of backgrounds, different cultures, life experiences, education levels and career paths, but the one thing we all share is that we came to ATDM looking for new skills and opportunities,' said Claypool. Article content MEDIA KIT Article content About ATDM Article content Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) was created to teach the skills needed to increase military equipment production in the United States. The program is located at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia. Students at ATDM are trained in the skills needed to repair, upfit and build submarines, and these skills are transferable to other defense industry companies. Students earn the certifications needed to secure 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) and Welding. For additional information, visit Article content About IALR Article content Article content Article content Article content Media Contact Article content Article content Article content
Business Wire
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
ATDM & AM CoE Summit Bolsters Defense Manufacturing Workforce and Partnerships
DANVILLE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leaders from across the defense and manufacturing sectors came together in Danville, Virginia, for the fourth annual joint summit hosted by the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program and the U.S. Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). Held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), this year's event, themed All Hands on Deck, focused on addressing workforce and manufacturing shortfalls in Navy shipbuilding and repair. The summit highlighted the growth and momentum of the ATDM program. The ATDM Maritime Training Center provides the space needed for the program to graduate up to 1,000 students per year to meet industry demand, a target it is on track to achieve. Share One of the summit highlights was a keynote address from Admiral James Kilby, USN, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, who spoke to the deep investment the Navy is making in workforce development and innovation as the pillars of our maritime strength. 'This Summit extends far beyond a two-day gathering—it's strengthening America's maritime industrial foundation,' said Matthew Sermon, direct reporting program manager for the Maritime Industrial Base. 'With over 450 participants sharing insights and solutions, the ATDM Maritime Training Center is creating a pipeline of skilled workers, while the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence is revolutionizing how we produce critical components, reducing production timelines from years or months to weeks or days. Both are gamechangers….and together, these complementary initiatives address both the human talent and technological capabilities needed to build and sustain the fleet our nation requires.' The summit highlighted the growth and momentum of the ATDM program. Earlier this year, the new 100,000-square-foot ATDM Maritime Training Center opened at the IALR campus, expanding the program's capacity to train more students in its 16-week accelerated program. The ATDM Maritime Training Center provides the space needed for the program to graduate up to 1,000 students per year to meet industry demand, a target it is on track to achieve. 'At IALR, we're pioneering new accelerated training methods while building the future workforce for defense and maritime manufacturing,' said Telly Tucker, president of IALR. 'The new ATDM Maritime Training Center is a vital step in growing the talent pipeline, and by hosting the Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence on our campus, we're integrating emerging technologies directly into the hands-on training process. This model ensures our graduates are equipped to meet challenges in shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing.' Alongside workforce training, the co-located AM CoE continues to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing for Navy applications. The center is actively reducing production timelines for complex parts and exploring how advanced processes can support both new builds and fleet sustainment. The AM CoE is also providing connective tissue for ATDM students as they gain experience in additive manufacturing. Throughout the summit, attendees heard from defense contractors, technical experts and government officials about the real-world impact of programs like ATDM and AM CoE. Representatives from major shipbuilders and supply chain companies discussed how the ability to hire ATDM graduates has shortened ramp-up times and helped meet production schedules. The summit wrapped up with a clear sense of shared purpose and momentum. By combining accelerated training with cutting-edge innovation, ATDM and AM CoE are shaping a model for how public-private collaboration can secure the future of U.S. maritime power. About ATDM Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) was created to teach the skills needed to increase military equipment production in the United States. The program is located at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia. Students at ATDM are trained in the skills needed to repair, upfit and build submarines, and these skills are transferable to other defense industry companies. Students earn the skills needed to secure 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) and welding. For additional information, visit 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
