Accelerate the development of your skilled workforce

This article was written by Bill Padnos, NFFS Director of Workforce Development. Bill joined the NFFS team on October 7, 2024. His responsibilities will include acting as Network Coach for the Society's new Talent Pipeline Program (TPP) and furthering other workforce development initiatives to assist NFFS member foundries. To read more about Bill, click here.

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the Pittsburgh Talent Pipeline Program Team Kickoff and New Hire Retention Review. During the event, I learned the following:

• The U.S. Navy is very concerned that its fleet is the oldest it has ever been.
• The Talent Pipeline Program is worth the investment in time and resources for both the U.S. Navy and the manufacturing companies.
• The U.S. Navy supports a training center for upskilling your workforce.

As the U.S. Navy continues to ramp up production of vital defense assets, the demand for skilled workers in the Submarine Industrial Base has never been higher. However, the manufacturing sector in the U.S. has drastically declined, representing just 12% of the workforce today, down from one-third during World War II. This shortage of skilled labor due to an aging workforce and the inability to attract the necessary young talent makes it difficult for companies to meet production goals and contribute to national defense efforts.

In response to this need, the U.S. Navy launched the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program to be an ideal solution for employers in the defense industry who need to quickly and efficiently upskill their workforce. Designed specifically to meet the needs of the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB), ATDM equips workers with the specialized skills required to make an immediate impact in defense manufacturing. Whether you are looking to upskill your current team or train new hires, ATDM offers a comprehensive and accelerated training pathway that prepares workers to excel in defense manufacturing roles.

Why ATDM is the Right Partner for Employers
ATDM was established to bridge this gap by providing employers with a fast, effective way to build a strong workforce capable of supporting defense manufacturing. By partnering with ATDM, you can ensure your workforce is trained in the essential skills needed to manufacture, repair, and upfit submarines, as well as other military equipment.

Speed to Skills: Accelerated, Rigorous Training
ATDM’s hallmark is its ability to deliver comprehensive training quickly. In just four months, students complete 600 hours of hands-on, rigorous instruction. This accelerated model ensures that your employees are ready to contribute to your operations in a fraction of the time it would take through traditional training programs.
With a focus on core, industry-relevant skills, ATDM prepares students to make an immediate impact. The program's curriculum is aligned with the current needs of the defense manufacturing industry, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills that matter most to your business.

Specialized Training for In-Demand Roles
ATDM provides targeted training in key areas that are vital to the defense sector. The program offers specialized courses in:

• Additive Manufacturing
• CNC Machining
• Non-Destructive Testing
• Quality Control Inspection (Metrology)
• Welding

These skills are essential for submarine production and repair, but they are also applicable across a broad range of defense manufacturing companies. By partnering with ATDM, you can ensure that your workforce has the precise skills necessary to meet industry demands and maintain high production standards.

Flexible Training Options to Fit Your Needs

ATDM understands that every business has unique workforce development needs. That’s why the program offers flexible options for employers to engage with and utilize the training center.

• Upskill Existing Employees: Send your current workforce to ATDM for targeted training that enhances their capabilities and prepares them for advanced roles.
  
• New Hire Training: Provide new employees with foundational skills through ATDM’s rigorous curriculum, ensuring they are job-ready from day one.
  
• Conditional Pre-Hire Training: Partner with ATDM to pre-train potential hires, allowing them to gain the necessary skills before they officially join your team.
• Hire Directly from ATDM Graduates: Gain access to a pool of highly skilled, pre-certified individuals who have completed the program and are ready to make an immediate impact.

Industry-Recognized Certifications and Job Readiness
Graduates of the ATDM program complete their training with industry-recognized certifications that validate their skills. This means you can trust that workers trained through ATDM are ready to perform at the highest level in the demanding environment of defense manufacturing.

Contribute to the Future of Defense Manufacturing
By engaging with ATDM, your company can also play a crucial role in shaping the future of defense manufacturing. Employers have the opportunity to provide feedback on ATDM’s curriculum, helping to ensure that the training aligns with the latest industry standards and certifications. This ensures that ATDM continues to deliver a workforce equipped with the most up-to-date and relevant skills.

NFFS members are engaged in a sector where speed, precision, and expertise are critical, the ATDM is a tool in your toolkit to ensure your workforce is ready to meet the demands of today’s defense manufacturing landscape. For more information about the ATDM, visit their website at https://atdm.org/. If you are interested in learning more about the Navy Talent Pipeline Program and how to join the NFFS cohort, contact me at bill@nffs.org.