Do locksmiths have to do training?
As the locksmithing industry isn’t regulated, there is not a specific path to become a locksmith. You can’t go to university and step straight into a job. However, there are different methods of training that locksmiths can do to be the best they can. This includes entering an established company as a trainee, completing accredited courses and using transferable skills to start straight away.
Becoming a locksmith is more about having the right ability and the willingness to always be learning. UCAS outline that some related skills that can help in working as a locksmith are:
- Communication - Talking to customers and colleagues require good communication to ensure that the service delivered is correct and of high quality.
- Problem-solving - No matter how good a locksmith they are, they will always encounter problems. A quick ability to solve these is important in this role.
- Attention to detail - Working as a locksmith involves a lot of small moving parts, so a great attention to detail means that they are less likely to make mistakes.
- Technical ability and mechanical knowledge - Figuring out complex locks or electrical systems can be large parts of the job therefore a natural technical ability and knowledge of mechanical elements will come in handy.
- Customer service - Locksmithing is a customer-facing role and so the ability to deal with members of the public in a calm and patient manner is a must.
Starting as a trainee locksmith
When starting a career as a locksmith, many people enter the industry as a trainee. This can be with a large company such as Timpson Ltd. who will offer initial training at their own facilities, in-house modules and ongoing coaching from an experienced locksmith.
Local companies may also want to take on trainees too. The training may not be as official, but through this route trainees will quickly gain practical skills and an inside knowledge of the industry.
Practical experience needed to be a locksmith
Whilst there aren’t specific roles that lead to a job within the locksmithing industry, there are some previous jobs and practical experience that can feed into being a locksmith. Prior jobs in carpentry or joinery can be incredibly beneficial as well as a great place to start is enrol on a course about locksmithing. This option means that nothing is lost at the end if they find it’s not the role for them, and they would have even gained some valuable transferable skills along the way.
Accredited locksmith courses
MPL City & Guilds
MPL offers City & Guilds and NCFE Level 3 certified courses that will allow users to complete comprehensive training that will cover everything they may be faced with as a locksmith.
With all training delivered from their specialised centre in Wakefield, those who choose this course can be sure they’ll receive ample knowledge and hands-on experience.
Master Locksmiths Association (MLA)
As a recognised authoritative body by the Home Office, police force and British Standards Institute, it’s safe to say that a course from MLA is a good place to start as a locksmith. There’s a number of courses to pick from, ranging from one to five days and covering a number of topics, specialist techniques and locksmithing tools.
This is a great option for those who have no industry experience and would like to start their locksmithing career with all the knowledge necessary.