How to Become a Locksmith

Thinking of becoming a locksmith?

Are you considering a change in career, or are you still in school and are deciding your next move? Working as a locksmith is a great career choice with good prospects and decent wage. However, there are some steps you need to take before you are able to become a locksmith and be ready to work.

We have compiled a list of some tips to help you get started in this chosen career path and give you the best chance of success.

Five steps to becoming a locksmith

1. Do your research

This may be an obvious statement to some, but before making this career move, make sure you have fully researched the role and all it entails.

Search any questions you have such as the average working hours, different types of locksmiths and the estimated salary.

If you have already decided whether you are going to be self-employed or seek employment from a larger company, research how many other independent locksmiths are in your area.

2. Check you have the required skills

Locksmiths encounter a number of situations and so many skills will help you in this career. For example, transferable skills such as problem-solving, the ability to stay calm during stressful situations and good customer service will always be useful as a locksmith.

More specific skills and attributes will also aid you in this career, they include:

  • Carpentry
  • Technical prowess
  • Interest in the job itself
  • Physical dexterity

3. Find a great training course

Once you have deduced that locksmithing is the career for you and that you have the right skills for it, it is now time to seek out some specialised training. If you are planning on working for a larger company then it is a good idea to research what their stance on training is. Do they conduct initial training sessions and that is it? Or do they offer ongoing education that will keep your knowledge up to date?

This is slightly different when you are self-employed as you will need to seek out, pay for and attend courses off your own initiative. It is a great idea to attend a beginner’s course from an accredited provider such as MPL OR MLA to get you started.

4. Decide what service you will offer

There are many different areas you can go into as a locksmith so make sure you have a look at each. Here are just a few specialities you could explore:

  • Commercial - Helping out large businesses by installing state of the art security systems or being their go-to for emergencies.
  • Police force - Working with them to help stop crime. You could be helping them to gain access to properties to search for people or illegal activities.
  • Repossession companies - Aiding these companies by picking locks to properties that have either been entirely repossessed or allowing them to seize goods.
  • General public - You can be on hand to help the general public by responding to calls to change locks, cut keys and assist when they are locked out.
  • Auto-locksmith - Specialising in cars means that you will learn all there is to know about vehicle security systems.

5. Work out start-up costs

If you have decided to become a self-employed locksmith, you need to weigh up the initial costs associated to get you up and running. These may include the price of a work vehicle and petrol, any relevant tools you will need to complete tasks and maybe even a work phone.

There will also be costs in advertising to get your first customers and the running of a website if you choose to have one.

Be committed to lifelong learning

Once you are up and running as a locksmith, the training doesn’t end there. The hardest part - your preparation - is done but you need to commit to continuing this search for new training and experience.

Be on the lookout for opportunities to gain more skills, use advances in technology to your advantage and try out different areas of locksmithing. This is how you can become the best locksmith you can be.