MCC Launches Gunsmithing Apprenticeship

Published on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025

Montgomery Community College has affirmed its commitment to providing hands-on learning opportunities that will meet workforce needs through employer-sponsored apprenticeships. The college was recently granted provisional approval to offer registered apprenticeships in collaboration with the US Dept. of Labor, ApprenticeshipNC, and the NC Community College System.

The Registered apprenticeship program allows students to receive paid training while learning a skillset unique to a local employer. In turn, apprenticeships provide the host employer a pipeline of potential employees that have received training in the precise skills required by the company. The apprenticeship concept is the gold standard for work-based learning, combining hands-on training with classroom instruction, structured wage progression and nationally-recognized credentials. 

The first Registered Apprenticeship opportunity that will be offered to Montgomery Community College students will be available to students in the Gunsmithing program. OA Defense, a firearms manufacturer who recently relocated to Robbins, NC from Nevada, will be the host company for these apprenticeships. Several students in the Gunsmithing program have begun the application process for apprenticeships that are slated to begin in early 2026.

Mark Dye, Director of MCC’s Gunsmithing Program, is pleased to partner with OA Defense. “OA Defense has an innovative product line, and is on the forefront of design and technology. This apprenticeship program will offer our students an opportunity to gain valuable industry-specific experience, while still pursuing their educational goals. The program is also an excellent vehicle to introduce employers to a well-trained workforce. The apprenticeship concept as a whole is a very forward-thinking approach to technical education.”