Locksmith Training

 

Locksmiths are very important for keeping people’s families, homes, and things safe. Today’s locks and security systems are getting more and more complicated, and this job requires not only dexterity but also knowledge of computers and technical skills. On this page, you can find information about this field of work and how to get started in it.

How does a locksmith help people?

Locksmiths produce keys, fix safes, open, modify, and repair locks.

Their work duties consist of:

• Locks and other forms of door and window closures should be changed or repaired.
• making duplicate keys
• keeping a record of the day a key was issued.
• changing the combination of a safe’s locks
• opening safes with an unknown combination

Locksmiths are now also in charge of maintaining security hardware and software because so many electronic

security systems are now connected to computers and networks. Every day, locksmiths employ a wide variety of tools. They make use of key cutting devices, key blanks, and hand instruments including drills and tubular picks.

 

What Skills Do I Need to Work in This Field?

You will need special training and some personal skills to become a locksmith:

• Locksmiths need to know how to use computers because they have to use security and locking software.
• As a locksmith, you will also need dexterity because you will use hand tools to change and fix locks.
• When installing or fixing locking systems, it’s also important to pay attention to details and know how to figure out what’s wrong.
• It’s important to have good communication skills, especially if you work in a team or have to explain something to a client.
• It’s important to be good at your job and act professionally with clients if you want to build a reputation and find new projects.

Locksmith Education

Even though locksmiths don’t need a specific degree after high school, most employers want them to have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. You can start getting ready to be a locksmith in high school by taking math, metalworking, mechanical drawing, electronics, physics, and English classes. You can learn how to be a locksmith through an apprenticeship or a programme at a community college or technical school after high school. Certificate and diploma programmes usually teach you how to pick different kinds of locks and fix locking systems.

Some programmes also offer specialised training in subfields like automotive locksmithing. There are sometimes classes in the curriculum that cover the legal and business sides of this trade. You can apply for an apprenticeship instead of going to school. This means that you will learn as you work with a professional locksmith. This training period can last anywhere from a few months to four years, depending on the type of programme you choose, the state where you want to work, and the field in which you want to specialise. A lot of locksmiths learn everything they need to know about their job by doing it.

Locksmith Certification

Certification isn’t necessary, but it can help you find a good job and make up for the fact that you don’t have much experience if you’re looking for your first job. ALOA Security Professionals Association has training programmes that help its members get certified. The Association also offers a class called ALOA Fundamentals of Locksmithing, which is a great way to get started in this field.

Students get hands-on experience with the locks and hardware that are used in security systems as part of this programme. When a student signs up for this programme, they get a lab box in the mail with all the tools and hardware they need to do the hands-on exercises for this class. The students can take the theoretical parts of the classes at their own pace online. This will be combined with a one-day training session with an experienced locksmith in the student’s area. You don’t have to be certified, but you can apply for an ALOA credential if you want to.

The following levels of certification are available:

• Registered Locksmith
• Certified Registered Locksmith
• Certified Professional Locksmith
• Certified Master Locksmith

For each of these levels, people who want to get certified have to take an exam. If you get a score of 70% or higher, you have passed the test. There are 4,000 locksmiths across the country who are ALOA-certified.

Post-Secondary Training Programs

There are also technical and vocational schools that offer training programmes. Some programmes are only available online, while others include both classroom and hands-on learning. Penn Foster has a programme for learning how to be a locksmith that you can do online.

This show talks about six different things, including:

• Orientation
• Introduction to Keys
• Locks and Keys Mastering
• Fundamentals of Home Security
• Home Security Wiring
• CCTV, Recording, and Detection Systems

Ashworth College also has an online locksmithing course with real tools and access to online labs and libraries. There are also locksmithing classes on Udemy and other websites that can be done at the student’s own pace.

Most businesses train new locksmiths on the job for anywhere from six months to two years. This means that at first, you will work with a more experienced locksmith who will watch over you. After a few months, trainees know how to work most residential locks and may also be able to help with some light commercial projects.

 

Getting more education

Locksmith associations and schools offer continuing education classes that help locksmiths keep up with the latest technological changes in their field. If you want to get a higher level of certification, these classes will also help.

Locksmith License

Not all areas require locksmiths to have a licence, but in some places, consumers must have a licence to make sure they are safe. The requirements for getting a licence vary from state to state, but usually include:

• submitting an application
• passing a background check
• submitting fingerprints

To become a locksmith, you have to be at least 18 years old.

Before they can get their own licence, locksmiths have to work for at least a year under the supervision of a licenced locksmith in some areas. Some cities and districts need extra paperwork, so it’s best to find out what the licencing rules are in your area before you start this trip. Some locksmiths with a lot of experience decide to start their own businesses. In this case, you will also need a licence to run a locksmith business and money to buy the basic tools you will need.

 

Locksmith Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of May 2020, the median annual wage for locksmiths and safe repairers in the UK was 43,690. According to the median wage, 50% of those in this occupation made less than this amount, and 50% made more. The richest 10 percent earned over 69,170, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than 27,080. Your wage as a new employee will likely be closer to the lower end of this range, but it will increase as you get more experience. Experienced locksmiths have the option of starting their own business, which allows them greater autonomy and the potential to earn more money.

Locksmith Salary by Area

Another important thing that affects a locksmith’s salary is where they work.

According to the BLS report, the state with the highest average pay for locksmiths and safe repairers was the District of Columbia, where workers made an average of 64,250 per year. On the other hand, on average, locksmiths in england made less than 40,000. If you want to move to an area where this job pays better, you should first find out what licencing requirements that area has.

Salary for Locksmiths by Sector of Employment

The pay for locksmiths also varies depending on what kind of business they work for. Locksmiths who worked for colleges, universities, and professional schools, where the median salary for this job was 55,620 per year, said they made more than the average. On average, people who worked in the field of investigation and security services, which is one of the largest fields that hires locksmiths, made 42,910 per year. In 2020, the best place for this job to be was in the federal executive branch, where workers made an average of 59,420 per year.

 

Job Outlook

If you know about the latest locks and security systems, you’ll be ahead of the competition. It’s also important to know how to use the latest tools and locking systems. Even though this industry is becoming more automated, which can lead to fewer jobs, good locksmiths will still be needed to put together, fix, and replace these complicated locking systems.

conclusion

In conclusion, even though this industry is becoming more automated, which may result in a reduction in employment opportunities, skilled locksmiths will still be required to assemble, repair, and replace intricate locking systems.

FQA

Q: What Is the Time Frame for Becoming a Locksmith?

ANS: Through apprenticeships or post-secondary training programmes, one can learn this trade. Your training could last anywhere from a few months to four years, depending on the kind of programme you select. Another reason continuing education courses are crucial is that they’ll enable you to stay current with industry technology advancements.

Q: How Much Money Does a Locksmith Make?

ANS: Locksmiths in the UK made about 44,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020. However, earnings can vary greatly depending on the degree of experience, education, geographic location, and a number of other criteria. The average locksmith makes between 30,000 and 75,000 per year. We are leeds based locksmiths so our earning are slightly lower.

Q: Do I Need to Obtain a License to Engage in This Line of Work?

ANS: Before they are allowed to work with any kind of locking equipment, locksmiths are required to get a licence in several areas. Because some municipalities want additional documentation, it is in your best interest to investigate the prerequisites that are necessary in your area.