How to Become a Locksmith Practitioner

What does a locksmith do? Locksmiths help people and businesses safeguard valuable items from fire, theft, vandalism and other forms of damage or loss. These professional craftsmen are trained to understand the inner mechanism of locks, keys and safes. They use their skills and knowledge to repair, open and in some instances, customize locks and safes. What are the services offered by a locksmith practitioner? A locksmith practitioner is a formally trained craftsman who has the necessary skills to open and install padlocks, door locks, deadbolts, safes, automotive locks and modern electronic locks. Other skills possessed by a locksmith practitioner include:

Installing new locks on homes, offices, and cars Making duplicates of locks and keys Creating master keys for a lock Opening locks and safes Setting up and fixing electronic lock systems

Businesses and individuals may also be consulted by locksmiths to determine the locks or security system that best fits their requirements. Though most locksmiths are hired by a security company, some establish their own business as a freelance contractor. You may also find locksmiths working full-time with a building maintenance crew, or for a hotel, casino or storage facility. What are the steps to becoming a locksmith practitioner? Planning and specialized training can prepare you for the locksmith trade. Take these steps to learn how to become a locksmith. Feltham and other towns in London don’t require a license to practice locksmithing. Aspiring locksmiths, however, should earn a high school diploma or GED. Basic education provides a background for success in the workforce and the essential qualification for many locksmith training courses and entry level positions. You can prepare yourself for a career in locksmithing by taking classes in applied trades such as communication, customer service, workshop, and business management. Enroll in and complete a locksmith training program. You can easily find locksmithing courses at trade schools, public colleges and through the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). The MLA even offers financial aid for qualified applicants. Servicemen working for the military have access to military locksmith training programs. Start out by working as an apprentice to a professional locksmith. Dulwich, for instance, has established locksmiths who provide hands-on training to hardworking apprentices. This type of experience can help you apply your classroom training and make a name for yourself in the job market. Pass a certification exam given by the MLA. Though locksmiths are not licensed by the government, most employers or clients require some form of certification for you to work as a locksmith practitioner. Whether or not your locality requires it, becoming certified is an important step towards establishing your credibility and value as a professional locksmith. Keep in mind that there are various levels of certification for locksmiths. As locking mechanisms become more sophisticated, the minimal requirements for locksmiths will eventually increase. The MLA offers over 100 courses in locksmithing, scoping every aspect of the lock and safe trade. Courses usually cover advance locking technologies such as automotive keys and electronic-coded locks, transponders, keyless mechanical locks and many others.