Iowa Valley Board approves new Gunsmithing Tech program offered in Grinnell
The Iowa Valley Community College District Board of Directors approved the new Gunsmithing Technology program at the Board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 16. The planning for this academic program has been in development for over a year, and it will be the only one of its kind in the state. This 2-year program is set to launch this coming fall and will be offered at Iowa Valley Community College Grinnell.
“As part of our mission, community colleges develop workforce training programs to meet the needs of local business and industry,” says Robin Shaffer Lilienthal, MCC Provost. “The Gunsmithing Tech program is in response to those needs identified by one of Poweshiek County’s largest employers, Brownells, for highly trained machinists and metal workers in the industry.”
The program will provide highly sophisticated training to students interested in pursuing careers as technicians in the firearms manufacturing and distribution industry and for businesses working with the U.S. military. Gunsmith Technology will prepare individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to make, repair, maintain, and modify firearms using specialized hand tools and machines.
“Interested students have contacted Iowa Valley Grinnell, saying they had planned to go out of state to seek this type of training at colleges in Colorado and North Carolina, but are now pleased to have a high quality, cost-effective opportunity close to home,” says MaryAnne Nickle, Dean of Iowa Valley Grinnell.
This program has a selective application process that includes a background check, separate application, and letter of application and letters of recommendation. The application process will be published on the website by March 15. Only those accepted to the program will be allowed into the gunsmithing courses.