Keeping the skills and traditional methods of gunmaking alive is a passion close to the hearts of all within John Rigby & Co. and to further this they have set up the Rigby Academy.
The Rigby Academy is the new apprenticeship programme announced by John Rigby & Co to ensure that the traditional methods of gunmaking continue for years to come. It is being headed up by Marc Newton who was trained under the mentorship of Rigby’s former owner and gunmaker Paul Roberts. Marc has been instrumental in gathering together a vibrant and enthusiastic team of gunmakers, most of whom are under the age of 30 years old.
Marc said “I am extremely grateful to be in the position I’m in and at the age I am. I strongly believe as an industry we aren’t doing enough to encourage the next generation of gunmakers to come through the ranks. I would love to see more apprentices training to become gunmakers, than the current trend of those retiring, otherwise these niche skills will be lost and forgotten.”
The Rigby Academy
As part of the Rigby Academy, trainees are invited to apply for an apprenticeship position. If accepted, over the next five years they will complete a structured training programme designed by top and time-served Rigby gunmakers, with all work being overseen by Marc Newton.
Apprentice gunmakers will start their training working on Rigby’s award-winning bolt action rifles, the Highland Stalker and Big Game, before progressing onto bespoke London Best rifles, then finally completing their training on the company’s premium Rising Bite double rifles and shotguns.
The Opportunity
On completion of the apprenticeship, gunmakers will be awarded a Rigby gunmakers’ certificate before being invited to interview with the company’s MD to discuss the opportunity of a full time, permanent position within the company.
How to Apply
If you are interested in starting your gunmaking journey with Rigby, a company steeped in a rich history of British gunmaking and upheld by a highly ambitious team of strongminded craftsmen with a proven track record of success, Rigby invitesyou to email your CV and covering letter to: rigbyacademy@johnrigbyandco.com
Applications are open year-round.
