Mt. Carmel, IL – Wabash Valley College, in Mt. Carmel, IL, is pleased to announce that students may still enroll in an exciting program in Gunsmithing at WVC that will be starting in the Fall 2019 Semester.
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, over 40 million Americans participate in all of the different shooting sports. That much participation creates a demand for skilled professionals who can build, repair, and modify the wide variety of firearms in use throughout the shooting industry. This program will train students in firearm safety and the history of firearms, stock making, barrel fitting, basic and advanced machining, firearm conversions and repair, as well as professional aspects of being a Gunsmith. Students can graduate with an Associate in Applied Science Degree or a two-semester Certificate, and the knowledge, skills, and abilities to begin a rewarding career in the firearms industry. Employment opportunities exist in the manufacturing area, outdoor sports sales and service, and small business ownership, as well as job opportunities with the FBI and other government and military organizations.
This program is the eighth Community College-based program in the United States and the only one in the Midwest Region of the country. Successful candidates are people who enjoy hands-on “active learning,” have a solid interest in shooting sports, and are motivated to do precise, detail-oriented work and achieve high standards.
The lead instructor for the program is Brian Wick, a master gunsmith with over 35 years experience. Brian has been a firearm and shooting enthusiast since his youth. Over the years he has competed in and won in Trap & Skeet, Cowboy Action Shooting, Combat Action Shooting, and Silhouette Target Shooting. His desire to increase his accuracy in silhouettes was the driving force in his becoming an accomplished gunsmith. A major part of his business has involved custom stock and barrel fitting, as well as accurizing and general repair work. Brian’s other passion is education, and that is what led him to design and develop this new program for Wabash Valley College. He was previously an Automotive Technology instructor and thrives on helping students achieve their career goals.
So, if you have an interest in the firearms industry and a strong desire for an exciting and rewarding career, this definitely is the program that could literally get you “on target!”
For information regarding course schedules and enrollment, contact Tim Zimmer, toll-free at 866-982-4322, or by email zimmert@iecc.edu
Wabash Valley College is a member of the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges District and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.