Veterans, transitioning military and other individuals seeking great-paying jobs can gain the skills they need in as little as four months thanks to a new program that places students on the pathway to landing a job in the Defense Industrial Base.
Launched in 2020, the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program, in conjunction with more than two dozen industry partners located throughout the country, is designed to address the skilled labor shortage in the Defense Industrial Base sector. Students can enroll in this 16-week program without experience or a degree. In addition, students will have access to fast-track training, earning recognized national credentials in their choice of one of four areas, which are additive manufacturing, CNC (computer numerical control) machining, metrology in quality control, and welding. Applications are currently being accepted for classes beginning April 18, 2022. Tuition is currently at no cost and there is a scholarship opportunity for housing.
This rigorous 16-week training program — eight hours a day, five days a week — is designed on three founding principles to prepare students to immediately take advantage of jobs: speed-to-credential, an unparalleled faculty and an exceptionally low student-to-instructor ratio.
“Our team surveyed 26 companies prior to the program’s inception to understand what they expect from entry-level employees to help us better align our curriculum with their needs,” said Karen Hardy, ATDM project manager. “We continue to monitor feedback from both the employers and our students as we move forward so that the program reflects the latest in technology and training.”
Let’s take a closer look at what each of the four areas of training entails in the ATDM program. All training is done on modern, industry-relevant equipment.
Additive manufacturing
Students learn how industrialized 3D printing has the potential to modernize global manufacturing. Program participants will work in 3D space, interpret blueprints, perform precision measurements, create 3D models and toolpaths, operate 3-axis metal and composite extrusion printers, and understand mechanical behavior and materials properties. Additional skills taught are reverse engineering and 3D scanning inspection, as well as spending four weeks learning the fundamentals of machining and the basic ability to operate a CNC mill.
CNC machining
CNC machine operators manage computer numerical control equipment from setup to operation, setting up fixtures and tooling, monitoring machinery, solving issues, inspecting finished products and leading test runs. Program participants will learn proficiency in the following core competencies: technical math, blueprint reading, precision measuring tools, tooling applications and CNC lathe/mill operations.
Metrology in quality control
Metrology is the science of dimensional measurement. It is a sophisticated form of quality control. Program participants will use measurement tools such as tape measures, steel rules, micrometers, calipers, gage blocks and indicators. These tools measure parts and features that can vary by plus or minus 1 inch down to .0001 inches. Participants will learn how to make sure the machined, welded or printed parts are within blueprint specification so that the part does not fail when put in use.
Welding
Designed for individuals with little to no previous welding experience, participants will learn multiple weld processes such as flux-cored arc welding, MIG welding and TIG welding, as well as vertical, horizontal and overhead positions. The training also includes blueprint reading and interpretation and welding safety.
Certifications and job placement assistance
Nationally recognized credentials are also available for each of the four programs, and every student who enrolls will have the opportunity to apply for certifications. Following completion of the course, the ATDM staff will offer job placement assistance with companies in the defense manufacturing community.
For more information about the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program or to apply, click here.
