Army Veteran, welding student featured as star-skilled tradesperson at NASCAR Cup Series race

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Army Veteran Rodney Handy’s decision to apply to the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program’s welding cohort was largely motivated by his unyielding patriotism. 

“It’s an incredible opportunity to not only receive free specialized training in a valuable trade skill but also to have the opportunity to support our national defense through the private sector,” said Handy, who began his cohort in July 2024 and graduated in October.

In the past two years, 92 Veterans have found renewed purpose and new careers through ATDM, an intensive training initiative designed to prepare workers for roles in the maritime industrial base, focusing on areas like additive manufacturing, CNC machining, nondestructive testing, quality control inspection (metrology) and welding.

Thanks to a partnership with BuildSubmarines.com, Handy was honored as the Star Skilled Tradesperson during the NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 race at Martinsville Speedway. His name was displayed on RFK Racing’s #CarWithAMission Ford Mustang, honoring his military service and bringing awareness to the ATDM program’s mission.

Before transitioning to civilian life, Handy served during the Persian Gulf conflict and was trained in multiple military occupational specialties in the Army. During his first term, Handy served in the communications branch as a tower installer and wire systems installer. Later, he reenlisted for combat arms as an infantryman. Post-military, Handy’s experience as a cellular tower installer for an east coast engineering company prepared him for ATDM’s curriculum thanks to the specialized education he had received in electronic principles, industrial blueprint reading and fabrication. Without any prior welding experience, his skills molded seamlessly into his newfound passion, a commonality he’s seen with many Veterans who have trained at ATDM.

The ATDM program consists of 600 hours of rigorous training condensed into a 16-week program. The rigor of the course starts before the program begins with ensuring students are prepared for learning. Before arriving on campus, welding students at ATDM must first receive their Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 certification, a preliminary safety course to identify, avoid and prevent workplace hazards. Once admitted to the program, students are tested with various assessments segmented into online learning modules. Some of these assessments are based on extensive reading assignments or coursework based on skills required by defense manufacturers and the American Welding Society. Students must keep up with assignments on tight deadlines while applying what they’ve learned in the lab, guided by the expertise of instructors.

Students are challenged academically and physically by heavily involved instructors who make sure strict safety and quality standards are being met during the learning process.

“As the oldest person in the class, seeing how our instructors always came in giving 100%, I had great respect for them. It was really inspiring,” said Handy, who also holds a master’s degree in education. “The program is exactly the kind of experience that a person will get back what they put into it. Prospective students should apply to the ATDM program with the seriousness of mind to make a genuine commitment to the opportunity given to them. Maximum effort will reap maximum results.”

According to Handy, immaculate attention to detail and the flexibility to pivot and learn on the job are essential for aspiring welders. Students must work with discipline in time management skills, academics and physical health.

One of the first welding processes Handy was introduced to was shielded metal arc welding, also known as stick welding.

“There’s a tenderness you must have in the craft. It’s an art. You’re placing beads down on a plate without initially knowing what it’s supposed to look like, but that’s the challenge. You’re working and learning with your hands as best you can to combine everything you’ve learned in the welding lab and the classroom, hustling until you don’t get it wrong,” said Handy. “The curriculum can only help you with a basic understanding of the information. To better understand the ship mock-ups and all the builds that we do, the blueprinting is truly where it all comes together.”

Through extensive training and certification in four welding processes at ATDM, Handy is well prepared for his future. He also appreciated the many doors to professional networking the program opened for him, and the ATDM faculty’s commitment to job placement.

As a graduate, Handy is looking forward to securing employment in the defense industrial base, utilizing his skills in a way that supports his country and community.  

“My experience has been superb all around,” said Handy. “The staff and faculty set high standards but also support the student in achieving those standards.”

About ATDM

Located on the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research campus in Danville, Virginia, ATDM is dedicated to equipping students with the latest manufacturing technologies to support the maritime industrial base. Funded by the Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy, ATDM offers full scholarships that cover both training and housing.

How to apply to ATDM

Visit www.atdm.org.

Select “Apply.”

Complete the easy enrollment application.

Select “Submit.”