How do you build a stronger workforce pipeline? You start with middle school students!

In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers sits down with Telly Tucker, Dr. Melanie Lewis, and Jake Taylor to explore the origins, growth, and future of GO TEC (Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers). What began as a pilot program in three schools has expanded to 84 middle schools across Virginia, introducing students to careers in manufacturing, engineering, automation, robotics, welding, additive manufacturing, and many more in-demand career fields.

The conversation explores how GO TEC supports economic development, strengthens the talent pipeline, aligns industry needs with classroom learning, and helps students make informed decisions about their futures. The group also discusses plans for statewide expansion, national growth, and the long-term vision for GO TEC's impact on workforce development.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching.

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How Carrie Williams Used ATDM to Build a New Career and a New Future

What do you do when life forces you to start over?

For Carrie Williams, the answer was taking a chance on herself. After a divorce left her searching for a more stable future, Carrie relocated from Ohio to Virginia to attend the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Four months later, she graduated from the non-destructive testing track and began a new career inspecting critical infrastructure and supporting industries that help keep people safe.

In this episode, Carrie discusses overcoming uncertainty, stepping outside her comfort zone at age 46, and how ATDM helped her develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed. Carrie also highlights her own career growth in the six months since graduation.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching.

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What happens when you hand the microphones over to the interns?

In this special episode of Inside IALR, President Telly Tucker and Dr. John Hughes, Executive Vice President of Operations, sit down with four summer interns for a candid conversation about career goals, personal growth, college experiences, networking and what it's really like to work at IALR.

The discussion ranges from robotics and semiconductor design to marketing, sports communications, IT support, coffee habits and even solving Rubik's Cubes.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching.

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