Security is a primary concern for most families and business owners. Locksmiths are the ones to call when something goes wrong, such as getting locked out of your car or home.
Locksmithing is a versatile job, allowing you to specialize as an automotive locksmith, a home security technician, an emergency locksmith, a commercial locksmith, or a general locksmith. Some locksmiths even design and install electronic surveillance and alarm systems.
The Locksmithing career field is a growing industry that encompasses a wide range of services: servicing and repairing mechanical or electrical locking devices, lock and deadbolt installations, duplicating and copying keys, and bypassing or defeating locks.
The training necessary to become a certified locksmith varies from state-to-state, so it is important to research your state laws when looking to become a locksmith. Some states require you to obtain a state-issued locksmithing license. This generally involves filling out an application, performing a background check, and filing your fingerprints with state and federal registries.
There are three different ways to learn the skills of locksmithing: apprenticeships, training courses, and certification exams.
A locksmith apprenticeship is a great way to learn the technical aspects of locksmithing as well as the business side of this career field. The certified master locksmith, who should have a license or certification, will serve as your mentor.
Here are your next four steps to finding the right apprenticeship in your area:
You can sign up for a locksmith training course online. Completing a training course differentiates you from other possible apprenticeship candidates.
Although this step is not mandatory, it will significantly increase your chances of being hired and provide an additional step up to becoming successful in the locksmithing field.
After deciding what type of locksmith you’d like to become, search for those locksmiths in your area. You can find your local locksmiths through a simple google search or business directory.
It may also be beneficial to stop by your local locksmith businesses to introduce yourself, leaving them with a positive impression and getting to know your potential employer.
Once you get to sit down with your local locksmith for an interview, tell him what makes you the ideal candidate. Here are some tips to remember:
Remember to be persistent, but do not pressure a locksmith who does not have the capacity to take on an apprentice.
Be patient when looking for an apprenticeship; find a certified master you enjoy being around! An interview goes both ways. You deserve to interview your employer just as much as he or she deserves to interview you. Verify that he has the proper certifications.
He should also be a strong leader who has found success in the locksmithing field; if you surround yourself with the best and brightest, you will become the best and brightest!
Community colleges or vocational schools provide training that will offer you additional opportunities for advancement within the locksmithing career field.
You can either attend in-person training or enroll in online training. Vocational programs can last anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. Coursework at a university can last up to 4 years. Stratford Career Institute, Ashworth College, and Penn Foster are all popular online colleges that provide Locksmith training courses.
Vehicle Locksmiths are Always in High Demand
The Associated Locksmiths of America (AOLA) offers additional education for locksmiths, such as seminars and classes either online or at a facility. Locksmith training programs can cost anywhere from $600-$1000 depending on your method of choice. The associated locksmiths of AOLA set the standard for all others in their field.
Want to boost your salary and find more opportunities within your locksmithing career? Gaining certification is a great way to further your advancement as a qualified locksmith. AOLA offers four different levels of certification:
Examinees must pass their certification exam with a 70% accuracy rate or higher. Once they pass the first level of certification, they can move up to the next level. You can also take an exam to become a Certified Automotive Locksmith or Certified Master Safe Tech.
Certified master locksmiths should know the essential skills associated with locksmithing. Three skills you will learn are:
Some other important skills you may learn in training include knowledge of locksmithing tools, how locks are made, and how different locks compare to each other.
Cutting New Keys is an Essential Skill for Locksmiths
Locksmith apprentices can serve anywhere from 6 months to 4 years. Some apprentices are paid, while others are not. After 4 years have passed, the apprentice may have the ability to move up to the journeyman, or mid-level, stage of locksmithing.
Locksmithing can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. The locksmithing career may be worth it for you if you love helping people in crisis, thrive in an ever-changing work environment, and enjoy working with your hands.
According to 2021 wage statistics, the mean hourly wage for locksmiths is $22.98 per hour, and the mean annual wage is $47,810 per year. Locksmiths earn respectable, reliable pay for protecting their communities.
Luckily, the skills locksmiths possess are imperative to society, and this fact will not change anytime in the near future. If you intend to open your own locksmithing business, you can rest assured that it will last. Your unique field of expertise is necessary for people across your community.
Mistakes Happen and People Always Run Into Trouble with Their Locks - Resulting in Consistent Demand for Locksmiths
