Student Resources

Paying and Qualifying

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

Who qualifies?

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be a US citizen or have a work visa

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

Care and Resources

Student Support Services

  • Mock-Interviews – This service helps students learn how to answer difficult questions, develop interview strategies, improve communication skills, and reduce stress before an actual interview.
  • Resume Assistance – This service provides one-on one-support to help students brainstorm, edit, and format the layout of a resume. Students will leave the program with a professionally completed resume.
  • Food Insecurity – Food insecurity is a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. Our goal is to ensure that no member of the ATDM family goes hungry. As a result, we have a list of resources and services available to assist.
  • Academic Support – Trained peer and professional tutors are available to tutor specific subject areas and to assist students in developing effective learning strategies.
  • Housing – ATDM students will be provided with housing in the Danville River District during the four-month training. Apartments are furnished with access to a washer/dryer inside the apartment building. Internet is provided as well.
  • Transportation – Transportation to and from class will be provided to ATDM students.
  • Healthcare – Students will access a community resource guide that provides information for basic healthcare needs.
  • Clothing – Students will have access to resources that provide free emergency clothing to people that have an immediate need for clothing.
  • Veteran Benefits – ATDM staff will work with veterans to provide opportunities and services that may be useful.
  • Technology – ATDM staff will work with students who need technology outside of class hours. The goal of this service is to remove the technological barrier outside of class.
  • OSHA Training – All students will be required to complete the OSHA-10 training prior to starting class. The training will be available to each student during the onboarding process.
  • Job Relocation Assistance – Non-sponsored career seeking students who complete the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program may be eligible to receive financial assistance when relocating from the ATDM program to a full-time SIB/DIB job.
  • Job Interviewing Assistance – Non-sponsored students who are seeking employment in the SIB/DIB industry may be eligible for financial assistance and support with the job interview process.
  • Childcare – If there is a need for childcare, students will be provided with a list of potential childcare facilities whose hours can accommodate their need 24/7.
  • Additional Resources - Based on students’ needs, additional resources can be arranged once identified by the ATDM staff.

Student Resources

  • Mary M. Barksdale Library (Danville Community College)
  • Childcare Resources for Students – See Student Support Staff for a complete list of childcare facilities

Emergency Care

  • Centra Medical Group – Danville (434-857-3600) 414 Park Ave Danville, VA 24541
  • Centra Medical Group – PrimeCare East (434-791-2612) 404 Airport Dr. Ste A Danville, VA 24540
  • MedExpress Urgent Care (434-792-2907) 133 Enterprise Dr. Danville, VA 24540
  • PATHS Community Medical Center, Danville (434-791-4122) 705 Main St Danville, VA 24541
  • SOVAH Health Danville (434-799-2100) 142 S Main St Danville, VA 24541

Mental Health

  • Danville-Pittsylvania Community Health (434-799-0456) 245 Hairston St. Danville, VA 24540
  • Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute (434-799-6220) 382 Taylor Dr. Danville, VA 24541
  • PATHS Community Medical Center, Danville (434-791-4122) 705 Main St Danville, VA 24541

Student Discounts

  • The Cookie Store: 325 Piedmont Dr     
    Students receive a 10% discount
  • Crema & Vine: 1009 Main St     
    Students receive a 15% discount
  • Dell’ Annos Pizzeria: 316 Main St     
    Students receive a 10% discount
  • Dell’ Annos Pizzeria: 10378 Martinsville Hwy     
    Students receive a 10% discount
  • Di’lishi: 309 Main St     
    Students receive a 10% discount (may not be combined with other discounts)
  • Frank’s Italian Restaurant: 1959 Memorial Dr     
    Students receive a 10% discount (may not be combined with other discounts or specials and does not include alcohol)
  • IHOP: 101 Teal Ct     
    Students receive a 10% discount (on all regular-priced items)
  • Kickback Jack’s: 140 Crown Dr     
    Students receive a 10% discount (not applicable to alcohol or daily specials)
  • Los Tres Magueyes: 2818 Riverside Dr     
    Students receive a 10% discount (excludes alcohol and may not be combined with other discounts)
  • Me’s Burgers & Brews: 215 Main St     
    Students receive a 10% discount (excludes alcohol)
  • Monk’s Pretzels: 325 Piedmont Dr (The Danville Mall)     
    Students receive a 10% discount
  • Santana’s Mexican Restaurant: 102 Tower Dr     
    Students receive a 10% discount (excludes alcohol)
  • The Schoolfield Restaurant: 1009 W Main St     
    Students 10% discount (excludes alcohol)
  • Sweet Frog: 165 Hold Garrison Pkwy #590a     
    Students receive a 10% discount

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.