CEA Summit East Creates Connections

The two-day event brought together growers, educators, researchers, extension professionals and government representatives for real conversation, hands-on learning and direct access to the research shaping the CEA industry.

101 Graduate from ATDM Program

After four rigorous months of training in the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program, these students (who graduated on Sept. 18 and Oct. 9) are now ready for meaningful careers supporting the production of naval vessels.

Podcast: The Success and Evolution of GO TEC

"One of the first questions companies ask when they're making a location decision is about workforce." - Telly Tucker, IALR President
 
So how do you expand your pipeline of skilled workers while also demonstrating that talent to prospective employers? 
 
That question from companies considering Southern Virginia helped inspire GO TEC, a hands-on career exploration and talent development initiative that introduces middle school students to high-demand career pathways.

The program is now in 84 Virginia middle schools and continues to evolve and make an impact.  

Featured Opportunity: Let Your Voice Be Heard!

IALR is reviewing how its brand is understood and perceived by the people and organizations it serves. Your feedback will help inform decisions about IALR’s name, visual identity, messaging and relationship with its programs and divisions.

Events and Opportunities

• The Southern Piedmont Technology Council is hosting its annual Innovation Stars Awards Banquet on Oct. 27.
  
  

• A free healthcare-focused family engagement event, the Healthy Island event on Nov. 5, will include giveaways and activity stations.
  
  

• Explore hands-on training, meet instructors and see where your skills can take you at ATDM Discovery Day on Nov. 11.
  
  

• IALR has a variety of open career opportunities, ranging from Non-Destructive Testing Lab Technician 3rd shift, Student Success Coordinator, Metrology Instructor. 
  
  

• The Region 6 STEM Ecosystem Summit, hosted at IALR on Oct. 23, will bring together business and industry leaders, workforce partners, higher education, community organizations and students for informative and engaging sessions.

In Other News

• 52 companies participated in the largest ATDM Career Fair to date, connecting with more than 130 career-seeking students from five training tracks.
  
  

• Avio USA broke ground on its $500 million solid rocket motor manufacturing facility in Hurt in a ceremony that included Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger and United States Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao.
  
  

• Governor Spanberger also praised both ATDM and GO TEC as "the programs we are talking about on trade missions” during a lunch event at IALR organized by Cardinal News.
  
  

• A new study from IALR and Virginia Tech researchers examines how potassium concentration, fertilizer source and nutrient solution chemistry influence lettuce growth in controlled environment agriculture systems.
  
  

• IALR has been recognized as an InternshipsVA Top Employer by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
  
  

• Due to the success of the ExTRA initiative, IALR was selected to participate in the inaugural Strengthening Apprenticeship Intermediaries (SAI): Innovators Forum.
  
  

• IALR leaders Telly Tucker and Jason Wells spoke on a panel about regional impact through collaboration, vision and innovation during the Virginia Economic Developers Association annual conference in Danville.
  
  

• 36 new AmeriCorps members kicked off their service terms over the last month! Ranging from youth mental health specialists, healthcare resource specialists and STEM/Literacy tutors and coaches, these members will help meet local needs and drive positive change.