News.SD.gov
Today, Gov. Larry Rhoden announced the addition of a new gunsmithing curriculum to Western Dakota Technical College, advancing South Dakota’s pro-2nd Amendment values and expanding the workforce for South Dakota’s defense and firearms industries.
“South Dakota is the most Second Amendment-friendly state in America, and our firearms industry is thriving,” said Gov. Larry Rhoden. “As other states infringe on the 2nd Amendment rights of their citizens and chase away firearms producers, South Dakota is welcoming them with open arms. This new gunsmithing program will support our growing firearms industry and attract even more guns and ammunition manufacturers to South Dakota!”
Gov. Rhoden is awarding $4 million from the Future Fund to Western Dakota Technical College to support the purchase of equipment and related assets and ultimately acquire an accredited gunsmithing school in Colorado. The program will expand hands-on training and help meet workforce needs across South Dakota’s defense and firearms industries. Graduates of the current program find careers with law enforcement, military agencies, and firearm manufacturers.
“Western Dakota Technical College is committed to providing training and education that meets the needs of our industries and South Dakota students,” said Kendra Ericson, president of Western Dakota Technical College. “This allows us to expand our programs and prepare students for high-demand careers while supporting continued industry growth.”
The announcement was attended by several firearms companies headquartered in South Dakota – many of which moved here from states infringing on the 2nd Amendment rights of their citizens. Attendees also included leadership from Western Dakota Technical College, the Board of Technical Education, Rapid City Government, Elevate Rapid City, Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex.
This announcement builds upon Gov. Rhoden’s announcement last week of a new South Dakota Defense Institute in Rapid City. The new gunsmithing program at Western Dakota Tech will support South Dakota’s growing defense industry.
“When I met with Dr. Ericson on my Open for Opportunity Tour visit last year, we discussed this possibility. I went back to the office and got to work to make it happen,” said Gov. Larry Rhoden. “We are here today to celebrate the results of that meeting, and another win for our students, our workforce, our businesses, and our firearms industry.”
Western Dakota Technical College is expected to accept their first class into the program in the fall of 2027.
--------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT WESTERN DAKOTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) was established in 1968 and is the only technical college serving the western South Dakota region.
WDTC offers nearly 40 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction and Manufacturing, Energy and Environmental Technologies, Health Sciences, Legal and Public Services, and Transportation Technologies.
One hundred percent of Western Dakota Tech's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or are enlisted in the military, per the WDTC 2024 Placement Report. There were 249 respondents out of 286 graduates surveyed. [*Placement information is derived from graduate surveys, faculty-collected data, placement surveys started six months after graduation, and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. Overall placement rate is figured by: (responding graduates employed, continuing education, or in military service)/(responding graduates who are seeking employment). The number of program graduates are unduplicated by CIP code.]
Western Dakota Technical College faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, Western Dakota Tech students graduate ready to make a real and immediate contribution to their employers and to their communities.
For information about WDTC, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to Admissions@wdt.edu. Visit us on the web at wdt.edu.
