The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program prepares adult learners for manufacturing careers that support the submarine and defense industrial base – the system of companies that produce parts and equipment for the U.S. military. Students from all around the United States with various career backgrounds are completing the four-month training, which is housed at and led by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).

We need Instructors and Technicians to train these adult learners in areas like welding, additive manufacturing, non-destructive testing, CNC machining and quality control inspection (metrology).  

Current Openings 

ATDM Non-Destructive Testing Instructor

ATDM Non-Destructive Testing Lab Technician

ATDM Welding Instructor, 2nd Shift

ATDM FABRICATION WELDING INSTRUCTOR, ALL SHIFTS

ATDM Fabrication Welding Technician, All Shifts

ATDM WELDING TECHNICIAN, ALL SHIFTS

ATDM CNC Machining Instructor, 3rd Shift

ATDM Precision Manufacturing Technicians. Additive Manufacturing, All Shifts

Working at IALR

IALR leadership strives to create a workplace where every IALR employee will experience a positive work culture, receive excellent benefits and make a tangible impact through their career. IALR offers a fast-paced and unique work environment. IALR provides excellent benefits, including affordable medical, dental and vision coverage and participation in the Virginia Retirement System. 

Learn more about IALR Careers

The Training Model

No fluff. No filler.

Students get 1:1 time with the equipment and the instructional staff. Each class has 12 students paired with 12 pieces of equipment, one instructor and one technician.

The model is designed so that adults with no previous manufacturing experience can come to the IALR campus in Danville, Va, for a four-month, 600-hour program that prepares them to walk directly into a new career. Some have decades-long careers in other industries and want to start a new career; others are new to the workforce; and others are former military personnel desiring to continue serving their country.

Many students receive a job offer while they are still enrolled or shortly after graduation. Other students are sponsored by their current employer – meaning that these companies are utilizing ATDM to upskill their existing workforce or train new hires.

The curriculum is informed by what these learners will need to know when they enter the workforce. Industry input was crucial to the program development and in tweaks to the curriculum.

Learn more about the ATDM program Visit the ATDM website.

From OUr Employees

“ATDM is a program that was set up by the Navy to provide skilled workers to the Submarine Industrial Base due to a major gap in today’s workforce. The overarching mission of ATDM and supporting our Nation’s Defense drives me to be the very best for my students, the ATDM team, and my country.” – Robert Eanes, ATDM CNC Instructor

“My experience as an ATDM student was a turning point within my career. Now, as an ATDM Welding Instructor, I’m proud to help others find the same passion and purpose that changed my life.” – Makayla Baker, ATDM Welding Instructor 

The Need

The Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) and Defense Industrial Base (DIB) – the system of companies that produces parts and equipment for the U.S. military – are facing major worker shortages. That is especially true as the Navy aims to grow the fleet of submarines by constructing one Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine and two Virginia-class cruise missile submarines annually starting in just a few years.

To achieve that, 10,000 new workers need to enter the SIB every year for the next ten years.

ATDM is a pilot program that increases the number of available skilled workers for the SIB and DIB by providing adult learners the foundational skills and certifications to immediately enter the workforce. The goal of the program is to establish a steady and sustainable flow of qualified workers for the naval shipbuilding and repair sector of the SIB.

Graduates complete the program with industry-recognized certifications and job opportunities. ATDM staff members work with students on resumes and interview skills and provide connections to companies that are hiring.

Partners

A prime example of what modern public-private partnerships should look like, ATDM is a consortium among strategic partners such as the U.S. Department of Defense, IALR (contracted program administrator and host), Danville Community College (curriculum partner), Phillips Corporation (technology partner) and the SPECTRUM Group (strategy partner).

The ATDM 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.

ATDM is also one of the strongest examples of what full integration of industry in the training process looks like. Key partners collaborate in the time-to-talent process and ensure the unique workforce requirements of shipbuilders and suppliers are fulfilled quickly to meet the critical demands of our nation’s defenses. 

ATDM is one of several training programs supported by the Manufacturing Advancement division of IALR.