Defense Manufacturing Initiative Reaches Significant Progress Point
Building the U.S. Defense Workforce: ATDM Graduates 1,000 Skilled Tradespeople
In a bid to bolster the U.S. defense industry, the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is rapidly training skilled tradespeople to increase military equipment production, particularly for the maritime sector. The program, based at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia, celebrated its 1,000th program completer, Glenn Claypool, who pursued certification in non-destructive testing through ATDM [1].
The 16-week rigorous workforce training program equips participants with 600 hours of intensive, hands-on instruction in one of five high-demand defense industry skilled trades: additive manufacturing, CNC machining, non-destructive testing, quality control inspection (metrology), and welding [1]. Graduates earn certifications in these areas, preparing them for high-paying, defense-related manufacturing careers [1].
ATDM's mission is to supply highly skilled workers who directly contribute to maintaining and building the national defense industrial capabilities, including the maritime fleet, ensuring defense manufacturing readiness for future generations [1][3]. The program is designed for adult learners from diverse backgrounds to equip them rapidly with the skills needed to immediately impact defense manufacturing operations [3].
Key aspects of ATDM’s mission and training include:
- Support for the maritime industrial base workforce by producing 800–1,000 skilled trades graduates annually to meet urgent labor demands [1].
- Emphasis on accelerated, applied training methodologies geared towards immediate employment in defense manufacturing sectors [1][3].
- Inclusion of advanced technologies, such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), enabling Navy personnel to perform critical in-field repairs and production, improving operational readiness [3].
- Alignment with national defense priorities and Congressional support for expansion and funding to scale the program [2].
ATDM students are trained in the skills needed to repair, upfit, and build submarines, and the program partners with over 200 employers across the United States for job placement and job training [1]. Glenn Claypool, the 1,000th program completer, discovered ATDM after completing a bachelor's degree in business management and working in sales [1].
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), where ATDM is located, is a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Virginia, with a major footprint within Southern Virginia, including several counties and cities [1]. IALR focuses on applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services, and economic development efforts [1].
For more information about ATDM, visit https://atdm.org/, and for more information about IALR, visit
References: [1] ATDM.org, 2021. [Online]. Available at: https://atdm.org/ [2] Congress.gov, 2021. H.R. 2688 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. [Online]. Available at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2688 [3] IALR.org, 2021. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. [Online]. Available at: https://ialr.org/
- ATDM graduates, like Glenn Claypool, are crucial for the security of the United States as they contribute to increasing production of military equipment, specifically in the maritime sector.
- The 16-week ATDM program specializes in skills training for five high-demand trades in the defense industry such as additive manufacturing, CNC machining, non-destructive testing, quality control inspection, and welding.
- Skilled workers trained by ATDM are prepared for careers in defense manufacturing, where they can earn high wages and help maintain the national defense industrial capabilities, including the maritime fleet.
- Technology integration in ATDM is instrumental to defense readiness, as it includes advanced technologies like additive manufacturing (3D printing), enabling Navy personnel to perform critical repairs and production in the field.
- The focus of ATDM is on accelerated, applied training methodologies that ensure rapid employment in defense manufacturing sectors and alignment with national defense priorities, with the goal of supplying 800-1,000 skilled trades graduates annually.
- ATDM students not only gain invaluable skills for career development in the defense industry but also contribute to education and self-development, as they learn skills necessary for repairing, upfitting, and building submarines.
