A Guide To Becoming A Locksmith
There are certain careers that have fallen out of favour due to the changing times. Coppersmith welders had a purple patch in the 80's but is now very much out of vogue, as are numerous other vocations that have beenr eplaced my machines. For some reason, many think that locksmiths don't exist now, when in fact they are alive and kicking and more in demand than ever.
This general misconception could arise from the fact that modern locks bear little if any resemblance to those from the past, so we forget that the locksmith trade has also moved with the times. The Master Locksmith Association is the backbone of the locksmith industry in the 21st century, and they have put together a helpful list of tips and advice for those considering taking up a career as a locksmith.
Ignore The Hype
Do not believe the hype that some training organisation who organise courses to become a locksmith put out there to make us believe becoming a locksmith is effectively a get rich quick scheme. One short course will not make you become a locksmith who can command a salary of 60k a year.
Be Careful
Despite what you may read to the contrary, there is only one locksmith qualification that is nationally recognised and a newly created apprenticeship is the best way to gain this.
Employed or Self Employed
Consider whether you want to be self employed or work for a company. If you want to work for yourself you have to be savvy in not only locksmithing but also accounting, marketing etc. If you work for a company you only have to worry about being a good locksmith, and whilst the money may not be as good as working for yourself, it's a lot less stressful.
Location Location Location
If you are considering moving to a different town or city to be a locksmith do your research. If you want to become set up in Hull for example, find out how many locksmiths in Hull are already in that area and make enquiries if they are looking to take on any more staff. This step is especially important if you are looking to start up on your own as trying to make your mark in an already overcrowded market could prove impossible.
What Services
Think about what services you want to be able to provide to the customer. Do you want to specialise in the commercial or domestic market? Do you want to work with cars or installing safes? These are all specialist fields that require extra training, having two or more of these strings to your bow will definitely enhance your chances of success.
Working Hours
How many hours a week do you want to work? Many People choose offer a 24 houremergency locksmith service which means you could be on call on a rota basis. This does bring in extra cash and it's up to you whether you want to work for a company offering this service or if you want your own company to provide it.
Training
If you are too old for an apprenticeship and are looking for a career change do your research for the best training providers. If in doubt contact the MLA rather than risk training with a body who dishes out qualifications that aren't worth the paper they are written on.
This general misconception could arise from the fact that modern locks bear little if any resemblance to those from the past, so we forget that the locksmith trade has also moved with the times. The Master Locksmith Association is the backbone of the locksmith industry in the 21st century, and they have put together a helpful list of tips and advice for those considering taking up a career as a locksmith.
Ignore The Hype
Do not believe the hype that some training organisation who organise courses to become a locksmith put out there to make us believe becoming a locksmith is effectively a get rich quick scheme. One short course will not make you become a locksmith who can command a salary of 60k a year.
Be Careful
Despite what you may read to the contrary, there is only one locksmith qualification that is nationally recognised and a newly created apprenticeship is the best way to gain this.
Employed or Self Employed
Consider whether you want to be self employed or work for a company. If you want to work for yourself you have to be savvy in not only locksmithing but also accounting, marketing etc. If you work for a company you only have to worry about being a good locksmith, and whilst the money may not be as good as working for yourself, it's a lot less stressful.
Location Location Location
If you are considering moving to a different town or city to be a locksmith do your research. If you want to become set up in Hull for example, find out how many locksmiths in Hull are already in that area and make enquiries if they are looking to take on any more staff. This step is especially important if you are looking to start up on your own as trying to make your mark in an already overcrowded market could prove impossible.
What Services
Think about what services you want to be able to provide to the customer. Do you want to specialise in the commercial or domestic market? Do you want to work with cars or installing safes? These are all specialist fields that require extra training, having two or more of these strings to your bow will definitely enhance your chances of success.
Working Hours
How many hours a week do you want to work? Many People choose offer a 24 houremergency locksmith service which means you could be on call on a rota basis. This does bring in extra cash and it's up to you whether you want to work for a company offering this service or if you want your own company to provide it.
Training
If you are too old for an apprenticeship and are looking for a career change do your research for the best training providers. If in doubt contact the MLA rather than risk training with a body who dishes out qualifications that aren't worth the paper they are written on.
