Skip to main content

Funding & FAQs

Paying and Qualifying

This program offers full scholarships available for the entire four-month training period.

Admission to the ATDM Program requires that the individual: 

  1. Be seeking employment within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
  2. Be 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
  3. Be a high school graduate or have earned a GED.
  4. Be a U.S. citizen or residing in the U.S. with a work visa allowing the person to live and work permanently in the U.S.
  5. Can pass a drug screening and background check for employment.
  6. Competitive score on the Wonderlic career assessment (link sent after completed application).
  7. Have access to the internet and email address to complete application materials and acceptance documents online.
  8. Be willing to relocate for training and/or employment.

Please click here to get connected with a counselor.

Funding Support and Costs

Housing

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program offers a scholarship that covers housing expenses. This accommodation consists of a one or two bedroom apartment with utilities and internet connectivity included. The furniture provided includes a bed frame, mattress, dresser, kitchen table and chairs, love seat and coffee table,. Additionally, the apartment is equipped with appliances such as a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Free washer and dryer are included in all buildings. These apartments are conveniently situated in the central River District of downtown Danville, less than 4 miles from the IALR campus. Refer to the images below for a visual representation. (need to attach images, none on website).

MEALS

The ATDM program does not provide meals for incoming students. Students are responsible for sourcing their own food throughout the four-month training period. Nonetheless, IALR has established partnerships with local food banks to assist students facing food insecurity. Please see our Student Support Specialist, or Student Support staff for more assistance with seeking meals.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation to and from classes is arranged by ATDM if needed. This involves a shuttle service between the apartment and the training site, ensuring transportation convenience. However, all students are accountable for their travel arrangements to Danville, Virginia.

Student Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

ATDM is a fast-track training program under the guidance and support of the Department of Defense with a focus on the naval shipbuilding and submarine sectors. Students train in one of the areas NAVSEA (Naval Sea Systems Command) has identified as skills gaps in the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) and Defense Industrial Base (DIB): additive manufacturing, CNC machining, non-destructive testing (NDT), quality control inspection/metrology, and welding.

The U.S. Navy recognizes that new construction and the maintenance of ships and submarines has not kept pace with the need to defend our country. The quality and number of existing shipbuilding trade skill pipelines are insufficient to meet the current and future demand. ATDM is a large part of the Navy’s remedial efforts in the areas of sustainment, new construction, improved presence, capability, and readiness.

Admission to the ATDM Program requires that the individual: 

  1. Be seeking employment within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB); 
  2. Be 18 years old at the time of enrollment; 
  3. Be a high school graduate or have earned a GED; 
  4. Be a U.S. citizen or residing in the U.S. with a work visa allowing the person to live and work permanently in the U.S.; 
  5. Have the ability to pass a drug screening and background check for employment; 
  6. Have access to the internet and email address to complete application materials and acceptance documents online and 
  7. Be willing to relocate for training and/or employment.

 

The ATDM Program is 600 hours, approximately four months. Students attend classes eight hours per day, five days per week.

No prerequisites or job experience is necessary to apply.

Yes! ATDM trains adults with varied backgrounds who are interested in working in the Defense Industrial Base.

Speak with your commanding officer or unit advisor. ATDM trains both active duty and SkillBridge eligible individuals.

Yes.

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, educational levels, previous employment and skills, and locations nationwide. The common thread is a commitment to the Program, dedication to the academic and laboratory workload, the ability to work within teams, and a dedication to excel. Students with those attributes will be successful. ATDM instructors are among the best in the industry, and the ATDM support staff for students is first-rate.

Currently, tuition, housing and transportation are provided for students. Participants are responsible for food, medical care, and other expenses during their four months in the program.

We are always listening to our U.S. industry partners to determine if there are other skills that we need to add to our list of academic courses.

The ATDM staff will offer job placement assistance with companies in the defense manufacturing community.

Absolutely. During the duration of your coursework, the staff will assist you with recommendations on potential DIB/SIB employers, which companies are hiring in your specific skill area, and where those facilities are located. They will also assist with resume and interview preparation, and sponsor industry visits to the school’s facilities.

Presently, the training facilities are located in Danville, VA.

ATDM presently offers five skills areas: additive manufacturing, CNC machining, non-destructive testing (NDT), quality control inspection/metrology, and welding.

  • Additive Manufacturing: The additive manufacturing program trains students to six national certifications in Haas mill operations, Autodesk CAD, SME certified additive manufacturing fundamentals, and lean six sigma yellow belt qualifications, in addition to OSHA 10 general industry Summit training.
  • CNC Machining: The CNC machining program prepares and trains students to nationally recognized certifications in seven areas, including Haas and NIMS lathe, mill, CNC mill, NIMS turning, and OSHA 10 adherence.
  • Non-destructive Testing (NDT) is a testing and analysis technique used by the industry to evaluate the properties of a material, component, structure, or system for characteristic differences or welding defects and discontinuities, without causing damage to the original part. NDT is also known as non-destructive examination (NDE), non-destructive inspection (NDI), and non-destructive evaluation (NDE). All coursework will meet Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) non-destructive testing requirements, as complemented by the American Society of Nondestructive Testing requirements.  
  • Quality Control Inspection/Metrology: trains students in quality control areas such as Mitutoyo MSCOMOS C1, NIMS inspector qualification, and OSHA 10 general industry standards. 
  • Welding: The welding program prepares and trains students to American Welding Society standards in 10 nationally recognized certifications, including flux core, MIG, TIG, and OSHA 10 construction adherence.

Students have the opportunity to earn multiple industry certifications in the Program. They are listed on this website under Programs & Faculty.