Inside IALR

Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
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Inside IALR

Inside IALR explores the ways that the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) catalyzes economic transformation. Listen for a behind-the-scenes view of how our programs, people and partnerships are impacting Southern Virginia and beyond. Host Caleb Ayers and Producer Daniel Dalton interview someone new every episode, introducing listeners to IALR leaders and partners, promoting programs and highlighting opportunities to connect with us.   New episodes are published every other Monday.  

  1. JUN 2

    Registered Apprenticeship Best Practices and Lessons Learned

    Registered apprenticeships pair paid, hands-on work with classroom lessons to grow dependable talent. In this Inside IALR episode, host Caleb Ayers talks with: Natori Neal – Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR’s EXTRA programJenny Spitzer – Co-owner, Spitzer Inc. (electrical contractors)Josh Arnold – Master Electrician and lead instructor at SpitzerJacob Oakes – Second-year electrical apprenticeThey share insights on: How a registered apprenticeship is structured, from day-one wages to a journeyman credentialBuilding curriculum around the employer’s real work Why covering tuition and books helps apprentices focus and stayChoosing the right mentors Starting with small cohorts to emphasize quality over head-countUtilizing the free support from IALR’s EXTRA program for designing, funding and sustaining apprenticeship programsThe 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. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    35 min

  2. MAY 19

    The Life-Changing Impact of a Four-Month Training Program

    In this episode of Inside IALR, host Caleb Ayers talks with Patrick Crowley and Ronald Green, recent graduates from the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Listen in as they share: Patrick’s transition from logistics to CNC machining for more impactful work.Ron’s journey from entrepreneurship in fashion to welding for career stability.Their intense and rewarding four-month ATDM training experience.How they overcame challenges and built camaraderie with classmates.The promising career opportunities awaiting them post-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. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    31 min

  3. MAY 5

    Measuring Down to the Micron: How Metrology Supports National Defense

    In this episode of Inside IALR, we dive deep into the world of metrology, a crucial trade that plays a significant role in national defense manufacturing. The episode features Tony Almeida, Regional Sales Manager at Mitutoyo, and Jarrod Hankins, Metrology Instructor at IALR's Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program.  Metrology is the science of measurement. It ensures that parts are manufactured with incredible precision, often down to microns. Together, they highlight how metrology ensures that parts used in defense manufacturing, particularly in the Navy’s shipbuilding and repair operations, meet the highest standards of quality. Episode Highlights  0:47 - What is metrology, and how is it used in manufacturing?3:09 - The role of IALR’s precision metrology lab in supporting the Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center6:56 - Key metrology tools, from calipers to 3D laser scanning8:36 - Inside the precision metrology lab: The significance of the Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)17:04 - The importance of calibration and ensuring precision in every tool22:06 - How metrology helps support the national defense industrial baseThe 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. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    25 min

  4. APR 14

    Restoring Hope: the Mission of God's Pit Crew

    Let's hear from Randy Johnson, founder of God's Pit Crew, a faith-based disaster relief organization headquartered in Danville, Virginia, and Tracy Fink, Vice President of the IALR Conference Center. God's Pit Crew has transformed from a simple altar prayer into an extensive operation that has responded to over 200 disasters across more than 30 states and 15 countries in their 26-year history. Randy shares the remarkable growth of God's Pit Crew and explains their strategic four-pronged disaster response: delivering essential supplies, providing immediate cleanup and tree removal, rebuilding homes—including an unprecedented commitment of constructing 25 new homes this year for Hurricane Helene victims—and redistributing over $5 million annually in donated goods to local nonprofits within 200 miles of Danville. Tracy highlights the longstanding partnership with IALR and details the annual benefit banquet hosted every year at the IALR Conference Center, which gathers nearly 1,000 supporters and showcases the organization’s profound impact. Highlights include: • Origins and Growth of God's Pit Crew (00:45) • Comprehensive Disaster Response Approach (02:15) • Building Homes and Restoring Lives (07:30) • Local Community Impact (12:20) • Annual Benefit Banquet at IALR Conference Center (16:50) • Volunteer Stories and Community Spirit (20:05) To learn more about volunteering or donating, visit godspitcrew.org. 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. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    28 min

  5. MAR 31

    Career Exploration in 73 Middle Schools

    Let's hear from Jake Taylor, Technical and Training Manager of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program managed by IALR. GO TEC is an innovative career initiative providing middle school students across Virginia with engaging, hands-on experiences in technology, manufacturing and engineering careers.  Jake shares how GO TEC rapidly expanded from a pilot program in Danville and Pittsylvania County to over 50 middle schools statewide, with further growth anticipated. He explains the strategic approach to maintaining consistency while addressing regional industry differences and details the logistical complexities involved in equipping classrooms, training educators and ensuring continuous program improvement. Highlights include: What is GO TEC? (00:36)Rapid statewide growth (01:42)Hands-on career exploration (04:00)Partnering across Virginia (05:43)Supporting teachers and classrooms (14:38)Bridging the high school gap (23:54)STEM Innovator of the Year Award (27:00)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. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    32 min

  6. MAR 17

    Internship Support for Southern Virginia Employers

    Internships create powerful win-win opportunities for both students and employers when structured properly. IALR's Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Kiana Dillard, explains how these programs build talent pipelines while giving students valuable real-world experience. • Internships provide structured learning opportunities where students develop skills while exploring potential career paths • IALR offers personalized consultation to help businesses create meaningful internship experiences • Successful internship programs require clear goals, meaningful projects, mentorship, structure and paid compensation • Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership provides matching funds covering 50% of costs for businesses with 150 employees or fewer • Success stories include students being hired by their internship employers after demonstrating valuable contributions • Alternative work-based learning programs include teacher externships, STEM camps, career fairs and apprenticeships • Internships don't have to be full-time summer experiences—part-time positions during academic terms can work well Learn more and get connected to resources: https://www.ialr.org/supporting-internships/host-an-intern/ 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. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    19 min

  7. MAR 3

    From Trainees to Trainers: The ATDM Additive Journey

    This episode features Daniel Hyler and Tim Holland—two graduates turned additive manufacturing instructors with the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Hear them discuss lessons they picked up along the way, plus real-world applications of additive manufacturing in today’s job market. Listen in as they discuss: Jumping from Student to Instructor: How they found their calling in the classroom.The ‘Light Bulb’ Moment: Why watching a student finally “get it” is so rewarding.Industry Readiness: Helping companies embrace the possibilities of 3D printing.Career Pathways: Creating your own opportunities in an evolving field.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. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    31 min

  8. FEB 17

    Building Stronger Local Food Systems

    In this episode of Inside IALR, Value Chain Coordinator Mitchell Doss highlights a new initiative aimed at strengthening Southern Virginia’s local food ecosystem. Funded by a Tobacco Commission grant, Mitchell’s work focuses on helping farmers broaden their reach to new markets while ensuring communities gain greater access to fresh, local produce and products. Hear how Mitchell’s journey—from IALR intern to horticulture researcher—shapes his approach to connecting producers, institutions, and consumers for an economically vibrant and sustainable future. In this episode: What a Value Chain Coordinator does The importance of robust local food networks for economic growthCurrent gaps and opportunities in Southern Virginia’s food system Strategies for driving collaboration between farmers, buyers and communitiesDetails on upcoming workshops and opportunities to get involvedFor more information on Mitchell’s work and how you can connect, visit IALR.org/valuechain. 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. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories

    22 min
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About

Inside IALR explores the ways that the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) catalyzes economic transformation. Listen for a behind-the-scenes view of how our programs, people and partnerships are impacting Southern Virginia and beyond. Host Caleb Ayers and Producer Daniel Dalton interview someone new every episode, introducing listeners to IALR leaders and partners, promoting programs and highlighting opportunities to connect with us.   New episodes are published every other Monday.  

Information

  • Creator
    Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Inside IALR
  • Show Website
    Inside IALR

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