Black River Technical College’s (BRTC) Chuck Coe, gunsmithing instructor, and Phillip Dickson, dean of business and technology, were recently asked to attend the 155th Annual National Riffle Association (NRA) Conference in Houston, TX, in order to represent the NRA’s educational interests and showcase the quality of technical education.
This marks the first year BRTC has attended the conference after being accepted as one of only four NRA approved gunsmithing schools in the nation. The trip gave Coe and Dickson time to interact not only with the three other gunsmithing schools but with thousands of NRA members. Dickson said the trip was also great for bringing exposure to BRTC’s gunsmithing program.
The NRA’s annual conference brings together NRA members from around the United States, as well as firearm related-industries. Through the conference, Coe and Dickson were able to make connections with high-profile and local business like Benelli and Nighthawk Industries.
BRTC’s Gunsmithing Technology courses are safety-based and versatile depending on the needs and future aspirations of the student. The program offers three Certificates of Proficiency in Gunsmithing Technology: Riflesmithing, Shotgunsmithing, and Pistolsmithing. It also offers a Technical Certificate in Gunsmithing Technology with a Rifle Emphasis and an Associate of Applied Science in Gunsmithing Technology. The program has awarded 125 credentials since beginning in 2020 with several students coming from out-of-state.
For more information about BRTC's gunsmithing program visit https://blackrivertech.edu/college-coursework/academic-units/technical-programs/gunsmithing/.