Page 28: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 2025)

TRAINING & EDUCATION | ATDM “ATDM is contributing to a national movement that is making America stronger, safer, and more secure. The work you’re doing matters to our military, our economy, and the future of this country.” – Acting Chief of Naval

Operations Adm. Jim Kilby establish a steady and sustainable ? ow of quali? ed workers dents. A company can send an employee to learn a new skill for the naval shipbuilding and repair sector of the maritime and earn the necessary certi? cations; a candidate can agree to industrial base. These workers graduate with more than an work for an employer as soon as the training is complete; or a industry-recognized credential; they leave with experience candidate can attend the course and meet prospective employ- speci? c to the maritime industrial base, minimizing training ers at the job fairs held during the 16-week program.

time once they get to the job ? oor. “We have our students with us, eight hours a day, ? ve days a

According to ATDM’s promotional material aimed at em- week. A traditional welding program will take two years, with ployers, “We can take new hires, regardless of experience, and a variety of coursework. We’re focused. For example, in our train them to SIB certi? cation status in less time, for less money welding program, you’re going to spend the vast majority of than anyone else — most students qualify for full scholarships the time in a welding booth, on your own machine, learning for tuition and housing. We can do this in months, not years.” how to weld,” said Terry.

Each class has 12 students. For every 12 students, there’s

Training Around the Clock one instructor and one technician. Because welding and CNC

According to Wells, the on-site training program is con- machining are in high demand, these courses are conducted ducted at an accelerated rate. “A student that comes to our in three shifts. program lives in Danville for four months. They complete 600 “We’re training around the clock,” Terry said. hours of training over the 16 weeks, which is equivalent to To ensure the training matches what employers require, one year in an accredited career studies certi? cate program. Terry said ATDM stays tapped into the industry, and is re-

So, it’s a very intensive, hands-on training experience.” sponsive to industry needs. ATDM has a good understanding

Wells said the rigorous courses are not for everybody. “We of the shipbuilding enterprise, including large trade organiza- tend to be a really good ? t for mature learners who have been tions like the Marine Machinery Association (MMA) and the in the workforce for a while and want to up-skill themselves, Submarine Industrial Base Coalition.

or who are looking for a new career. Transitioning military “We have the advantage of being ? exible,” she said. “For who want to continue serving their country in their new vet- example, the welding program has been modi? ed to teach eran role have also done well in ATDM.” fabrication in con? ned spaces like one would encounter on a

To qualify, a candidate must pass background and drug ship, where they have to weld out of position.” screenings and achieve a qualifying score on the Testlify As- Terry said the students arrive motivated to learn. A small sessment, a tool used to evaluate applicant readiness and en- percentage of the students already have jobs, and those tend to sure they have the skills needed to succeed in our fast-paced, be some of the better students. Although the students are re- hands-on training programs. sponsible for travel expenses to and from Danville, the tuition “Our goal is to ensure that each student is positioned to and housing (for non-local students) are paid for by the Navy. thrive in a classroom that mirrors real workforce demands,” “Everyone is on scholarship here.” said Joyce Cully, ATDM’s Assistant Director for Recruitment and Admissions. “Part of our success lies in our ability to Creating a Culture identify the students best suited to this type of program and The program has a code of conduct, and there are attendance skill them up quickly so they’re ready for employment.” and academic performance expectations. “We want them to

According to Cheryl Terry, the senior director of program view this as an important job and an investment by the nation. support services, there are several different pathways for stu- We’re creating a culture where both our staff and our students 28 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • November 2025

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