The International Firearm Training Academy (ITA) has introduced two new training modules to enhance career development in the firearms industry. The Maintenance Fitter and Firearms Custodian modules form part of a broader Certified Gunsmith Programme, designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals across state and parastatal organisations, security firms, gun shops, dealerships, and firearm training centres. These modules cover critical aspects of firearm safekeeping, issuing procedures, routine maintenance, and, most importantly, serviceability inspections to ensure firearms are safe and fully operational.
Candidates must hold a Business Purposes competency qualification before enrolling in these specialised programmes. The Firearms Custodian module provides foundational skills for security officers, police officials, and other firearms professionals, training them to field-strip firearms, conduct serviceability checks, and maintain safe handling practices. The Maintenance Fitter training goes a step further, equipping participants with the ability to disassemble and reassemble firearm actions, diagnose mechanical faults, and perform basic on-site repairs—such as replacing a firing pin or adjusting sights—reducing downtime and reliance on external gunsmiths.
“Security officers are often issued firearms that are unserviceable or missing critical components like sights, posing serious risks to both public safety and the officers themselves,” explains Andrew Fuller, Master Gunsmith at ITA. “These training modules not only mitigate these risks but also provide structured career development opportunities in a field with limited formal training pathways.”
Illustrating the gravity of firearm reliability, ITA CEO Nikki Pretorius draws a vivid analogy: “Imagine driving down Chapman’s Peak on a perfect Sunday afternoon. As you approach a sharp bend, you hit the brakes—nothing happens. Panic sets in as you realise the very mechanism meant to save you has failed. Now, imagine facing an imminent threat, drawing your firearm in self-defence, taking a deep breath, squeezing the trigger, and… click—nothing. Training and preparation can mean the difference between survival and catastrophe.”
Pretorius further stresses the importance of responsible firearm maintenance and ammunition control, stating that the new modules aim to instill a culture of accountability throughout the entire firearm management chain. “We must bridge the gap between Business Purposes training and the practical skills of firearm custodians and maintenance fitters. ITA is setting a new benchmark for firearm handling, servicing, and compliance with the Firearms Control Act, ensuring that every firearm issued for use is truly fit for purpose.”
