Locksmith
Locksmiths install, repair and maintain locks in homes and businesses.
- Starter salary£23,000 a year
- Experienced£30,000 a year
- Typical hours42 to 44 a week
What you'll do
As a locksmith, you will:
- assess jobs and give quotes for times and costs
- remove old or broken locks
- install new locks to doors and windows, and cut keys
- fit combination locks and timing devices to safes
- sell, service and repair locks and other security devices
- repair locks on motor vehicles
- respond to call-outs from people locked out of their premises or after break-ins
- give advice to customers about home and business security
- keep up to date with security technology
Working environment
You could work at a client's business or at a client's home.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- knowledge of public safety and security
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- analytical thinking skills
- persistence and determination
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a locksmith
You can get into this job through:
- applying directly
- training with a professional body
Direct application
You could contact local locksmith companies to see if they're prepared to take you on as a trainee.
You'll find it helps if you have good practical skills, and some experience of carpentry, mechanical work or electronics.
Other routes
You can do training courses with private training providers or a professional body like the Master Locksmiths Association . Courses are available from beginner's level to advanced.
Do your research before signing up for a course to make sure it's the right one for you.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- have a full driving licence
- pass background checks
Career path and progression
You could:
- work for a national locksmith company
- specialise in domestic, commercial or vehicle security
- set up your own business
Career tips
It's useful to think about what type of locksmith you want to be, for example:
- automotive
- commercial or domestic
- specialist in safes and electronic security systems
Whichever you choose, you'll need to enjoy finding different ways to solve problems.
Guides for this industry
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