Locksmiths make duplicate keys, do repairs on various locks as well as do installation of new locks in businesses and homes. They are of great assistance to people who lock themselves out of their residences and homes. Self-employed individuals make extra efforts to advertise their services and seek new customers.
Resources:
www.centenniallocksmith.com
www.pennfoster.edu
www.locksmithschool.net

* Career requirements of locksmiths

• – – Degree level- having a degree is not compulsory. Only an apprentice or a training program is necessary
• – – Degree field- Locksmithing
• – – Experience – between 3months-4 years depending on the profession’s sector
• – – Certification and licensure- state issued licenses are required in certain states
• – – Key skills-hand eye coordination, dexterity, spatial perception, mathematical and mechanical ability, knowledge about lock components as well as the ability to use tools associated with Locksmithing
• – – Recommended Salary-$38,600

* Locksmith programs

1. Community college locksmith programs

These programs’ entail hand-on teaching programs. The program consists of several courses that prepare students to run professional locksmith businesses. Here, students learn

• Lock fitting
• Key duplication
• Lock dissembling

2. Locksmith vocational schools

These career schools offer instructional support. They cover the major Locksmithing tasks that include;

• Locksmithing tools
• Home and business security
• Decoding and picking
• Interchangeable chores of basic lock and keys

3. Locksmith college schools

Locksmith college schools offer hands-on projects that are related to the course of study. Their courses cover;

• Master keying
• Installing locks
• Creating keys
• Dissembling and constructing several types of locks
• What Type Of Schooling Do Locksmiths Have? Below are the details;

Step 1- Gaining training in Locksmithing

Aspiring locksmiths must go through some training so that they can learn the necessary skills to make them successful in their careers. Training is mostly available in diploma or certificate programs offered by state locksmith associations, vocational schools or community colleges. The trainees here get trained on how to repair locks in commercial and residential buildings, how to choose the right locks, how to duplicate and make keys, understanding lock mechanisms and doing security tests on locks after installing them. There are also special courses on Locksmithing that include automotive and motorcycle Locksmithing.

Apart from attaining training programs, aspiring locksmiths can gain knowledge by being apprentices under experienced locksmiths. Apprenticeships are mostly unpaid; they enable the trainees to get knowledge on the business, legal and technical aspect of Locksmithing from practicing professionals

Training locksmiths takes from between a period of 3 months to 4 years to complete. The duration is dependent on the sector that they will get employed upon completion.

Step 2-Gaining work experience

There are states hat require locksmiths to work on a full time basis under licensed locksmiths for a period of one year before obtaining licenses of their own. Aspiring locksmiths have to contact local locksmith organizations seeking employment where they can complete their apprenticeship

Step 3-Obtaining locksmith licenses

It’s not every state that requires locksmiths to have licenses but most do so that they can ensure professional standards and consumer safety within the industry. Licensing requirements vary in different states. Most stases will require a locksmith to make an application, pass background checks, and submit finger prints to federal and state fingerprint databases

Step 4- Earning professional certification

There are numerous professional certifications that area available to locksmiths through associated locksmiths of America i.e. ALOA. They include certified professional locksmiths (CRL), Registered locksmiths (RL), Certified professional locksmiths (CPL) as well as certified master locksmiths (CML). All these courses must be examine and the applicants must score a pass mark of at least 70% so that they can earn the certificate. Holding certification enables the locksmiths to standout as professionals in the field.

Step 5-Continuing Education

While continued education isn’t required, locksmiths can take advantage of educational opportunities and advanced training offered by Locksmithing schools, locksmith associations and local manufacturers. Continuing education assists locksmiths in expanding their areas of expertise while getting updated on the current laws and technologies in the field. Certified locksmiths who are seeking to earn higher levels of education; like CPLs who want to become CMLs, continuing education enables them to learn the skills required to be successful in the certification exam

Step 6-Joining professional organizations

Apart from ALOA, several states have their own Locksmithing organizations. Being a member in professional organizations provides locksmiths with numerous benefits that include computer-based testing, continuing education options, industry bonding, legislative representations, insurance options etc. These resources are important in expanding the customer base as well as strengthening business operations.