A possible education centre for the shooting industry moves forward

In late 2015 Drew Boxall gave a speech at the House of Lords on the need for training to be given to ensure the survival of the shooting industries in Britain. Since then, steps have been taken and the please of learning has made leaps and bounds towards reality.

The project is a joint venture between BASC, Boxall & Edmiston, the GTA and the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers. Each organisation has recognised the need for a such a place of learning to improve and hopefully future-proof the industry.

The education centre, a name for which has not yet been identified, will offer courses to those working in, wishing to enter or interested in the shooting industries.

The aim is to provide access to some of the industries leading experts, providing courses on their areas of speciality. At present, the following elements of courses are being proposed and people will be able to access a variety of modules to create custom made courses:

• firearms safety,
• firearm law,
• the history of firearms,
• bespoke options,
• gun fit,
• gun finishing,
• chequering,
• engraving,
• many more.

To help identify areas that will be most beneficial to those working in the shooting industries; a survey is being created to be held from May 1st to the end of August. The survey will try to identify areas in which education is needed and how someone might be willing to fund the course.

The survey is being run by the expert team at the BASC headquarters, a major stakeholder and existing training provider working to make this place of learning a reality. 

The survey will be well promoted, but it will take an industry-wide effort to get behind the project to ensure funding is available to as many people as possible. Furthermore, if specific areas of teaching are identified that could benefit you or your business, courses will be created to support that, taught by some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry and quite possibly fully funded, giving you more knowledgeable staff to promote your products.

Taking part in the survey is important to ensure those wishing to access funding can, as a proof of need for such courses must be identified before funding can be allocated. 

The survey will be widely promoted in May so please take the time to fill it out, whether in the trade or wishing to join it. For more information do not hesitate to contact Drew Boxall - 01743 762352 - drew@boxallandedmiston.co.uk