Please help! Locksmith?

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Jack18

  • #1
    First of all sorry if ive posted this in the wrong section, im new:(

    Hi, If possible i need some advice on becoming a locksmith, im 18 and live in S.E london, im interested in locks etc, just dont know if there is enough work in this career or if there are already to many locksmiths about? If im fortunate enough to have work is the pay good? I was thinking about covering all aspects, especially the vehicle side, i.e programming keys etc (ive worked on cars for a few years.
    Im just in a dilema whether to become a locksmith or not.

    Any advice / information anyone can give me would be muchly appreciated :)
    Thanks Jack
     
    P

    profitxchange

  • #2
    Locksmithing can be a worthwhile career - however, its all about being very good and versatile at locksmithing and being prepared to work all hours. ( premium rates of course.) Look up the competition and see the range of services they offer - can you do it all? How many are there in your area?
    I imagine you would need to get some sort of certification to be credible at your age. can you afford all the kit and the assertive nature to deal with difficult customers.
     
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    JElder

    JElder

    Free Member
    Jul 2, 2008
    1,142
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    Southampton, Hampshire
  • #3
    Spot the pointless offers!

    I don't know the industry, but you are likely to need to be 'apprenticed' one way or the other. you could try the local security shops, perhaps call a few listed locksmith and ask if they are considering taking on a trainee.

    Also check local colleges to see if they offer relevant part time training courses, as they may well have contact with potenatial employers.
     
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    D

    DaveSUK

  • #4
    Considering your only 18 why not go to collage to learn this trade. As soon as you feel confident you can start trading as a side line whilst you finish the collage course. There may even be weekend and/or evening classes but you may have to pay for these. Going to collage will be free because your 18
     
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  • #7
    You don't just buy the kit and set yourself up as a locksmith at age 18 I'm afraid. there is a load of training you will need, and might be best to work for a locksmith for a few years to get the experience you will also need.

    Nobody is going to hire a locksmith aged 18, you simply will not inspire the confidence people need.

    Is setting up as a locksmith the fashion nowadays? It used to be IT repairs that was the popular one :)
     
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    D

    DaveSUK

  • #9
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    I

    iArtist

  • #10
    There's a lot involved in being a locksmith and as Comspec said, lots of training. It's a skilled job.

    See below for details

    http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/training/

    "
    There are several skills that are prerequisites to becoming a professional locksmith; excellent manual dexterity, an interest in mechanical and electronic gadgetry, good communications/public relations, maths and possibly some carpentry skills are all assets.


    However, locksmithing is one career that will keep your interest because there is a constant need for Continued Professional Development. This is due to the continuous development of new products; these require new perception and techniques on the part of the locksmith. In locksmiths craft is very diverse as there are also many specialist fields; some locksmiths will have a business that covers some of these fields; some businesses will specialise in one area.



    Often your local locksmith may be able to offer you work as an "apprentice" (although there is no formal apprenticeships in locksmithing). An other way to gain an understanding of the industry is to attend a BLI General Locksmithing Course at MLA's Training Centre. The dates of the current courses are printed below and early booking is recommended, as courses always prove very popular. You will be asked complete an application for membership to the British Locksmiths Institute; this enables references to be taken up prior to course commencement."

    http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/training/outline.asp

    -----------


    Note:

    Being trained on a short course is not going to enable anyone to be a locksmith, knowing how is one thing, being skilled at it takes a LOT of practice.

    I researched this area a while back re an article for a locksmith and also attended (as part of a DIY course) lock fitting lessons. I wouldn't try to fit my own locks even though I have a vague idea how to! I'd make a real mess of it.
     
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    R

    renicco

    Free Member
    May 1, 2014
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  • #11
    When searching for locksmiths, try to go direct to a genuine local locksmiths. Large companies often appear to be near by but usually are not.Often all that happens is they contact the nearest locksmith to you, there are plenty of professional special Locksmiths available to deal with your emergency.So hire a Lock smith who have better experience and knowledge about this work.
     
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    Ozzy

    Ozzy

    Founder of UKBF
    UKBF Staff
    • Feb 9, 2003
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    bdgroup.co.uk
  • #15
    Jack posted this in 2009 so if they haven't started their business by now they aren't going to @keys.locks@yah
    I've deleted your mobile number from your post as I imagine you don't want your mobile number being picked up in Google and on this public forum.
     
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