leading collaborative Innovation
Leading collaborative innovation stems from an innate drive to remain globally competitive. Our Manufacturing Advancement division focuses on meeting and exceeding the optimization and workforce needs of new and existing industry to help them do just that. From its revolutionary home facility, the Gene Haas Center for Integrated Machining on IALR’s campus, the division employs the latest technology and strong partnerships to generate a highly skilled workforce. The Manufacturing Advancement division spearheads Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM), a flagship, growing training program that prepares adult workers to support the defense industrial base. Plus, the division offers extensive resources and services, which includes the Center for Manufacturing Advancement, a collaborative space for technology companies and manufacturers to optimize processes, integrate emerging technologies and discover next-generation capabilities.
Training Programs
In cooperation with strong partners, IALR offers top-rate advanced manufacturing training for students at all levels. Adult learners can complete the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program in just four months. IALR’s Gene Haas Center for Integrated Machining currently houses an elite, advanced integrated machining technology program and CNC teacher training for high school and college instructors. IALR will serve as the satellite location for a manufacturing engineering technology major from Old Dominion University.
Center for Manufacturing Advancement
The Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) offers a platform for leading-edge business success specifically targeted at manufacturing companies establishing or expanding their presence in Southern Virginia. Equipped with resources like the CNC Machining Innovation Lab, the Industry 4.0 Integration Lab and a Metrology Lab equipped with top-tier equipment, the CMA allows advanced manufacturing companies to collaborate and enhance processes, improve quality, integrate emerging technology and discover next-generation capabilities.
Industry Solutions
The advent of Industry 4.0 has created a new level of competitiveness as workforce challenges and optimization opportunities continue to grow. As technology progresses, so does the need to leverage innovative Lean Manufacturing principles and to recruit the skilled talent necessary for operational excellence. IALR’s Manufacturing Advancement division understands these needs and offers the latest technology, expert instructors and a nationally renowned training program to generate a work-ready talent pipeline. The division is also working to provide future collaborative space for manufacturers to optimize processes and stay on the cutting edge.
Building the Pipeline
IALR’s Manufacturing Advancement division has developed an award-winning, nationally renowned workforce development program for advanced precision machining. Thanks to solid partnerships, cutting-edge equipment, an innovative experiential program and a pipeline starting as early as middle school, the program boasts a 99 percent pass rate, and its reach continues to grow. Graduates earn industry-recognized credentials and are placed with leading companies like Rolls Royce and BWX Technologies.
Our Impact
The programs and services facilitated by the Manufacturing Advancement team at IALR contribute to the success and growth of the sector in Southern Virginia and beyond.
A Place for Mutual Success
"IALR is so much more than a collection of programs or a campus; it’s where education, innovation and collaboration meet. Here, shared success happens every day." - Telly Tucker, IALR President
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM)
A consortium among partners such as the U.S. Department of Defense, IALR, Danville Community College, Phillips Corporation and The SPECTRUM Group, ATDM is a prototype for rapidly developing skilled workers to enter the defense industrial base.
Advanced Machining Training
A collaborative, industry-driven model, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and Danville Community College offer a seven-month, advanced-level Integrated Machining Technology training program. Thanks to qualified instructors and state-of-the art technology and training sites, this program has enabled 120 students to take their advanced machining skills training and knowledge to the next level since 2015.
IMT Graduates Find Success
IMT graduates find success in advanced manufacturing. Leading employer Harlow hired their first Danville employees from the renowned training program.
Why Workforce Development Matters
Danville Community College (DCC) and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) embarked on a workforce development project commonly referred to as Capstone in the community. Capstone or the Gene Haas Center for Integrated Machining is a third year advanced machining program for students looking to build upon skills learned during their first two years at DCC.
