Locksmith Training Courses – How To Become A Locksmith

How To Become A Locksmith UK

To become a Locksmith you will need to undertake professional Locksmith training course. Locksmith courses range from 1 to 8 days at the Keytek® Academy. A Locksmith course will provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need to become a certified or qualified Locksmith. A Locksmith course will also provide you with knowledge on the tools you need, how to start working and how to manage clients.

This page will guide you through what you need to think about when starting your Locksmith training. It will explain what Locksmith courses you may need to take, what the differences between Locksmith courses are and what they involve. We aim to give you an overview of what to expect as you ask how to become a Locksmith.

However, if you would like further information in regards to Locksmith training UK,  please visit our dedicated Locksmith Training Academy.

 

Locksmith Jobs

The Locksmith industry is large and covers many different areas, including domestic and commercial markets. Locksmiths are never short of work, and often have a steady stream of work all year round. A person who has received professional Locksmith training is always in demand for many reasons; people move house every day in the UK and need their locks changed.

More and more properties are being bought for the rental market and landlords will need to change the locks every time a tenant leaves. Thousands of business owners including shops, hotels and offices need to make sure their commercial security is up to date. These people will want to choose a Locksmith that has proven skills and knowledge, so they can be sure that their property has been secured to a high standard.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of the requirements of the Locksmithing industry; the undeniable fact that people lose keys and lock themselves out every day demonstrates that there will always be a need for professional Locksmiths. All this and more makes a Locksmith a good career!

 

Locksmith Courses

We offer a wide range of Locksmith courses UK at the Keytek® Locksmith Training Academy. Our main two Locksmith courses designed for newcomers to the industry include:

 

Highfield Level 3 Diploma for Commercial Locksmiths and Property Security

Our Locksmith Qualification consists of an initial 8-days of training in our purpose-built training centre in Poole, Dorset, followed by 3- months of distanced learning. This course is currently the highest level of training you can receive in the industry and consists of 14 detailed and in-depth units to teach you all the knowledge needed to become a qualified Locksmith.

 

Level 4 NCFE Locksmith Accreditation

The Locksmith Accreditation is a 5-day course designed to give you the skill set to become an accredited Locksmith, held in our training centre in Poole. This course is a Level 4 accreditation and is accredited by the NCFE – this is the highest accreditation you can gain in the industry. The course has also recently been updated with some exciting new content which we feel offers unmatched Locksmith training opportunities.

 

What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Locksmith?

You don’t need any previous qualifications to start Locksmith training UK, you will however need a valid UK driving license and a DBS Check. Some attributes that will benefit you if you want to become a Locksmith are; the ability to gain an understanding of mechanics and electronics, general DIY skills, a flair for detail when carrying out intricate procedures and an analytical and questioning mind.

 

Is It Easy To Become A Locksmith?

With the Keytek® Locksmith training academy, you can gain either a Level 4 Locksmith Accreditation which has been accredited by the NCFE or a Level 3 Diploma for Commercial Locksmith and Property Security which is a nationally recognized qualification through Highfield and governed by Ofqual. Both locksmith courses will give you a comprehensive understanding of the practical application of Locksmith techniques.

 

What Is Covered In The Locksmith Training Courses?

What is covered in each locksmith course is dependent on which one you take. All our Locksmith courses provide a non-destructive entry that will teach you about the techniques needed to open a door without damaging it. Our uPVC section will give you a comprehensive understanding of uPVC doors and the locks and security features

Our courses boast the most in-depth and detailed training programs, you will come away with either a Level 4 accreditation or a Level 3 qualification and have the confidence to use the most up-to-date techniques in Locksmithing.

 

 

What Locksmith Tools Will I Need For The Locksmith Courses?

With Keytek®  all your tools will be provided, and you will not need to bring anything with you. You’ll use a variety of tools, including screwdrivers, chisels, hacksaws, mole grips, drill bits, drills, tapes, measures, rulers, and specific Locksmith tools for picking to snapping.

 

How Long To Train To Be A Locksmith UK

Wondering how long does it take to learn to be a Locksmith? There are a range of locksmith courses to train to be a Locksmith, that vary from a one-day Locksmith training course to an 8-day training course. It does, however, take time, practise, and expertise to be a skilled Locksmith, which will be learnt over time from working in the industry.

 

Auto Locksmith Training

Auto Locksmithing is different from traditional Locksmithing, as it is specific to cars. A trainee Locksmith who takes undertakes auto Locksmith training will be taught how to; strip, understand and rebuild a range of vehicle locks, lock picking and decoding both cylinder and laser locks, along with an overview of immobiliser systems, transponders, and diagnostics, and much, much more.

To become an auto Locksmith you’ll need to complete an auto locksmith training course and purchase the equipment. Becoming an auto Locksmith is a specialist line of work, and although the initial costs are higher, due to the equipment, you can charge a higher rate for your expertise.

 

Locksmith Career Guide

What To Expect After Becoming An Accredited Locksmith?

Once you have completed your Locksmith training course and have your accreditation in Locksmithing, you can expect a rewarding career with a steady flow of work. If you choose to sub-contract then you can join the Keytek® team, you can dictate your own working hours and fit them around your life as a part of a Locksmith franchise UK. If you need to pick your children up from school every day between 3-4, then we will not offer you work within that hour. But if you have a weekend free, then let us know that you can work, and we will pass on as many jobs as you want.

 

Your Working Environment

As a certified Locksmith, you can expect to work in both commercial and residential properties. Your jobs can range from changing the locks on a new home to securing a shop after a break-in.

Further information with regards to Locksmith Training can be found on our Locksmith Training Academy.

 

What Does A Locksmith Do?

As a key worker, a Locksmith undertakes many essential security services for residential homes and commercial properties including:

• Emergency lockouts that include picking locks or drilling locks to gain entry
• Supplying, fitting and upgrading locks on uPVC doors and windows
• Upgrading home security
• Cutting keys
• Emergency auto entry – should someone get locked outside their car
• Gain entry into safes, filling cabinets etc.
• Open and install locks on garage doors
• Work with housing associations to gain access to repossessed properties
• Provide security advice to homeowners and business owners
• Keep up to date with new security products
• Installing security products such as smart home security
• Maintain clear records of any orders of stock and jobs that you complete
• Commuting: as a Locksmith, you will need to travel to many different properties in various locations with a van full of stock that you will need

Why Become A Locksmith?

Training to become a Locksmith offers many benefits including a great work/life balance, many career prospects and a good salary.

 

Locksmith Work/Life Balance

A Locksmith career is great for those who are looking for a better work/life balance. This is because as a Locksmith you can choose your own working hours; many Locksmiths still work around 40 hours a week but spread those hours out over evenings and weekends.

 

What Career Progression Do Locksmiths Have?

New locks are coming onto the market every day, including the new phase of ‘smart locks’ so a Locksmith will never stop learning, the more advanced your skills the more complicated jobs you can take on. The room for growth within the Locksmith industry is never-ending. The Locksmithing industry generally remains unaffected regardless of the wider economy, so you can expect to have a constant stream of work and with this comes peace of mind.

 

How Much Does a Locksmith Earn?

A Locksmiths’ salary varies depending on the hours they work. On average a Locksmith can earn anywhere from £16,000 – £30,000+ per year, the top end can increase dramatically depending on how many hours you initially put in and if you decide to grow your own business to build a franchise.

 

What Job Security Do Locksmiths Have?

Locksmiths are essential key workers, for this reason, Locksmith jobs are mostly secure. There is a constant need for supply and demand as a Locksmith so you can rest assured that no matter what may come your way…a global pandemic namely… you know you will still be able to work. Even as the times change with smart technologies, Locksmiths are still required!

 

Locksmiths Are Needed All Over The UK

A Locksmith can work from anywhere in the UK so there is no need to up sticks and relocate for your work. Or maybe that is exactly what you want to do, as you have the freedom to work from the Scottish islands right down to the south coast and everywhere in between as a Locksmith.

The only thing you will need to be aware of as an existing Locksmith moving into a new area is remembering to market yourself as a Locksmith so you can build new customers in that area. If you are part of the Keytek® community, there is no need to worry about marketing as we have a full in-house team doing everything you need and more to get your vital customers.

 

Things To Consider Before Training To Become A Locksmith

There are a few things that you will need to consider before embarking on your Locksmith journey such as the following:

 

Evening And Weekend Work

Firstly, you will need to consider whether you would like to work nights and weekends as you may be able to charge higher prices for out-of-hour jobs, in turn, you will receive a higher pay packet.

 

Location

You will need to decide whether you would like to work in your immediate area which will mean less travelling and less petrol money spent. Or if you want to travel further afield, this may guarantee more customers but also more time and money spent on travelling.

If you decide to only work in the immediate area you will need to consider whether the area is financially stable meaning customers are more likely to pay out higher prices for a Locksmith or if there is a high crime rate where burglaries happen meaning you will get more work replacing locks.

 

Competition

Lastly, consider how densely populated your area is already with Locksmiths as they will be your competition. You may want to consider specialising in a field of Locksmithing, for example, training to become an auto Locksmith or safe specialist if your local area already has a few local Locksmiths.

 

Initial Funds

You will need to have some savings if you are just beginning your Locksmith journey. See the section ‘How much does it cost to become a Locksmith’ to find out more information.

 

How Much To Become A Locksmith UK?

You’ll need to consider not only the price of training when becoming a Locksmith, but also set up costs, such as tools, stocks, transportation, and advertising.

 

Locksmith Course Prices

As a beginner in the Locksmith trade, you will need to take a course to learn all of the necessary skills required. We recommend our Locksmith Qualification or 5 Day Accreditation at our purpose-built Keytek® Locksmith Training Academy to learn everything you need with confidence. Look at our Locksmith courses to find out a bit more about the courses in detail and the Locksmith course prices.

 

 

Locksmith Tools

You will also need a range of specialist tools to carry out your work as a Locksmith; this can initially be expensive so ensure you factor in the cost of tools before training. We are pleased to be able to offer you Locksmith tool kits on our courses.

 

Locksmith Van

You will also need your own Locksmith van as you will need to take a fully stocked van to each property you visit. You can use any vehicle you like to go to each job, but we recommend acquiring a van with lots of space to hold your tools. Petrol is also something you will need to factor in your prices as you travel to and from customers’ properties. Furthermore, you may consider vinyl wrapping your van or buying van stickers so that your customers can easily recognise you as their Locksmith as well as attracting more customers as you drive around.

 

Online Locksmith Training Courses

Online Locksmith training courses are not common and are not accredited within the industry. Without being taught the practical elements of Locksmithing, you will struggle to grasp the foundation of the skills needed when on-site. We would advise that you gain your Locksmith training through a well-established NCFE-accredited training provider, with approved centre status.

 

How to Become A Locksmith FAQs

What Qualifications Do I Need to be a Locksmith?

There are currently no required Locksmith qualifications to trade as a Locksmith as the industry is currently unregulated. However, it is highly recommended that you have a Locksmith accreditation or qualification before tampering with other people’s locks and home security.

 

Are There Qualifications in Locksmithing?

Yes. The industry is rapidly changing and the regulations and standardisations are under the spot light. Due to this movement in the industry, we are excited to be able to be one of the only Locksmith training providers to offer you the first Locksmith qualification in the UK, the Level 3 Diploma for Commercial Locksmiths and Property Security

 

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Locksmith?

Visit our Locksmith Pricing guide for more details on the industry standard costs of calling a Locksmith.

 

Want To Become A Locksmith?

Give us a call at 01202 711195 or email us at academy@keytek.co.uk if you are interested in one of our courses or have any questions, our friendly team will be more than happy to help. No question is too big or too small!