The Association of Gunsmiths and Related Trades

The Association of Gunsmiths and Related Trades, (TAOGART), is dedicated to the members of the Firearms Industry, Gunsmiths, Stock and Barrel makers, Firearms Engravers, and Suppliers.

It is the goal of TAOGART to provide the Firearms Industry with a well trained and qualified work force through an Apprenticeship Program accepted by the U.S. Department of Labor and all state apprenticeship administrators.

In order to accomplish this we have asked many of the leaders in the firearm industry to contribute their knowledge and experience to the development of the program, this included professional classic, rifle, pistol and shotgun smiths, stock and barrel makers, firearm engravers, accredited gunsmith schools, manufactures, and suppliers. 

With the information gathered from these sources we were able to develop a standardized  training regiment for the apprentice program.

A set of work books and competency tests for each of the classifications were developed, while providing room for the sponsor to use their own judgment and style in teaching the fine points of the trade.

We believe this comprehensive Apprenticeship program will meet the Firearms Industry's need for a qualified work force long into the future.

At this time we are waiting for the Dept. of Labor to approve our procedures until then we will offer our help to applicants by developing course curriculum for community collages with machine technology programs and with courses that pertain to the related study requirements.

At this time we are taking applications for sponsorship and for apprentices.