Chris @ IKS Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 I've currently got a cobblers shop that offers key cutting however I'm considering branching out in to Locksmith serices as well. I've just been doing some research online in to courses and training available and there are many different 2 and 5 day courses with many different companies. Has anyone on here been on any such courses? Recommend any particular type or length of course? Any particular company? Or does anybody offer training themselves? Thanks in adavnce Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 Interesting mee too! I get a lot of requests for locksmiths. I'm fed up of passing on business to my oppo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auto Key Wizard Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 It all depends on what part of locksmithing you wish to do, General, Automotive or Safe. Do a search as this topic has been covered before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 Just general for me Tel. People locked out etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted March 30, 2009 Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 I've got a big sledge hammer will that do! LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris @ IKS Posted March 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2009 A previous debate... viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3402&hilit=locksmith+training I'm now just as confused Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decker Posted March 31, 2009 Report Share Posted March 31, 2009 The locksmith market has been flooded for a couple of years now and getting worse with all these mickey mouse 2 day courses. If you are serious about being a locksmith then prepare for a long learning curve, ive been doing it for 8 years now and after around 50k investment on tools, machinery, training and lots of experience, still not the finished product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hibsjo(SCO) Posted March 31, 2009 Report Share Posted March 31, 2009 2 routes to go 1. MLA do courses to City and Guilds now, well worth the money(expensive) this is the benchmark. http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/training/index.asp 2.ICL also offer training and again do offer a good value for money http://theinstituteofcertifiedlocksmith ... aining.htm carry on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Friend Posted March 31, 2009 Report Share Posted March 31, 2009 AS a Locksmith trainer I would comment:- Locksmithing requires certain skills, these can be learnt but need to be practised, as has been said every man and his dog from Poland, Israel and other poorer countries have flooded the UK market. Ripoff's Uk abound. If you are good with your hands and can learn fast I reckon it would take 13 - 16 weeks to learn the basic skills (full time) it would then take several years to hone those skills. Two day hackem open courses do not replace basic knowledge and there are dozens of differing lock mechanisms and as many hi spec tools to open them (by picking) anyone can use an angle grinder, drill or holesaw. Before taking on any course do a buisines plan cost out the equipment and the other items you will need. Who will run the shop when you go chasing after that 'quick' open up that takes two hours. My lock picks value at around £3K and I admit I would be pushed to open a secure lock now as I have no done it for a few years (I specialise now in disabled access control). I reckon it would take me a month or two of practice to hone those skills back. Basic tools like hammers, chisels, files etc etc will set you back £'s ( somewhere on my PC I have what I considered a basic tool list if you want me to find it) My van contents when I ran a shop were valued with stock at over £25K and I did not do safes or vehicles, add to that shop stock, much of which B&Q sell cheaper than you can buy it and idiot customers. And the knowledge needed takes years to obtain and I agree everyone starts somewhere but believe me some jobs turn into a nightmare if you cock up. Locksmithing is Knowledge and common sense I am not trying to put anyone off but do take off those rose tinted glasses and think it through. If anyone want further information or help please ask Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x minit uk Posted March 31, 2009 Report Share Posted March 31, 2009 Some very good, sound advice there Mick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canoncan Posted March 31, 2009 Report Share Posted March 31, 2009 These short courses can be beneficial to a novice - HOWEVER - By their nature they move at a very fast pace & if you're not familiar with all the terminology and ins and outs of cylinder & mortice locks you could soon be left behind. I would imagine that these instructors probably wouldn't appreciate one student asking them to repeat every second sentance. You really need to spend quite a bit of time (months) taking apart old locks of all different kinds & playing about with them to gain some understanding of just how they basically work. Only then should you go on any course, with the knowledge that you already have a basic/fairly good understanding of the subjects that will be covered. Think of it this way. Would you go on a "Learn to speak Japanese in 3 Days" course unless you could already speak at least some of the language? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Friend Posted April 1, 2009 Report Share Posted April 1, 2009 There is also the problem of which training provider, many have attended a two day course themselves and 3 weeks later set themselves up as trainers. As I said UK ripoff openups are ten a penny and dragging the name 'locksmith' down - I tend to call myself a door technition these days as I dont do the main line locksmithing and dont want to be tarred with the same brush. I dont think it help that electricians and gas fitters are controlled by laws - does not leave a whole lot for the ripoffs to do. How about mobile shoe repair? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwomble Posted April 1, 2009 Report Share Posted April 1, 2009 Hi all I agree that training is what you put into it yourself, just as what you recieve from the training is what you gain. I was fortunate many years ago to receive a 12 month training work experience programm with a locksmith in Swansea. Most recently I have been made redundant and am in the process of formulating a business plan before undertaking Self employment again. The business plan is surely more of a nightmare than actually trading! As Mick has said I am also re-honing my skills to keep up to speed and ready for openings etc. The one thing to remember is that to be a Locksmith is never to stop learning. rlj whereabouts in Cymru are you? p/m me if you like Regards Chris.L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now