Trade Schools with Locksmith Programs
The locksmith profession has been around for centuries, and in that time, it has seen many changes. Today’s locksmiths are part of a rapidly growing industry, with over 27,000 locksmith businesses in the United States alone.
If you’re looking for a career that will let you work with your hands, think about becoming a locksmith. The job is all about helping people out of sticky situations, and it involves a lot of trial and error—so it’s perfect for anyone who likes to figure things out on their own.
This article will cover what locksmiths do, what kind of training they need, how much they make on average, and more.
Let’s explore this in more detail.
Overview of Program Options
Choosing a locksmith training program can be tough, especially if you’re new to the field. There are so many programs out there, and each has its own pros and cons. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of locksmith training programs available today.
To start your path toward becoming a locksmith, you’ll need to choose which type of locksmith training program will work best for your needs.
Here’s a look at your options:
1. Certificate Programs
These programs are short and focused on teaching skills that will get you started in the field, such as how to rekey locks or install deadbolts. They may also include some general education courses like math and English. These programs do not require previous experience or certifications, though an organization like the ALOA should accredit them.
2. Associate Degree Programs
These programs offer more hands-on training than certificate programs and can take two to four years to complete. Some associate degree programs offer internship opportunities so that students gain real-world experience before entering the workforce full-time as locksmiths. They require students to have good technical and communication skills since they’ll be interacting with clients regularly during internships and throughout their careers as locksmiths.
3. Online Courses
Online courses can be a great way to get started if you have some experience or are looking for something more affordable than other options. They tend not to be as comprehensive as other kinds of programs, but they are usually affordable and flexible enough that they can be done at your own pace.
The best course of action would be to search local schools and find out what their locksmith programs entail. Contact each one of them, get an idea of how long it will take to complete the program, and most importantly, figure out how much it will cost you.
Make sure that you read any fine print carefully to make sure that you know exactly what you’re getting into and what you’re paying for.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship program is one option for learning about locksmith work. Apprenticeships involve working directly under the supervision of an experienced locksmith while receiving on-the-job training and classroom instruction to gain hands-on experience in the field.
These programs typically last up to four years before they allow you to take your exam and become licensed as an official locksmith.
Suppose you choose to get your education through an apprenticeship. In that case, finding a good employer who will teach you what you need to know and give you opportunities for advancement within the company is important.
The pay is typically low at first, but as you gain experience and skills, it can increase substantially over time.
Courses You Might Take
The locksmith field requires a skilled person with a wide range of knowledge and training. There are many different types of locks, as well as many different types of keys.
To work as a locksmith, you must have a firm understanding of these topics.
Once you have selected a school, you will need to take several courses over the course of two years or more, depending on how much time you have available and how much money you want to spend on your education.
Courses offered in this program might include:
- Locksmith Basics: Students might cover basic lock types, keyway designations, key cutting and duplication, installation procedures, and other skills needed to become a locksmith.
- Master Key Systems: This course teaches how master keys work and how to install them. It also teaches you how to make keys for high-security locks and create master key systems for homes and businesses.
- Basic Electronics: This course teaches students about basic electronic components and how they work together to make up an electrical circuit or device. It also covers basic circuit design principles such as Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws.
- Safe Opening Techniques: Safe opening techniques teach you how to open safes using various techniques such as drilling, torching, and picking. You’ll also learn about safe construction, materials, and the tools safe technicians use.
While these courses are designed to prepare you for your locksmith career, some states still require that you pass an exam to get your license. You may also need to pass a background check before receiving your license.
Licensing
The majority of states require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent before you can receive your license. This is because locksmithing is a skilled trade, and the licensing process ensures that only qualified people are allowed to work as locksmiths.
You must pass an examination and submit fingerprints to receive your license. The licensing requirements vary by state, but most states require at least one year of experience working as an apprentice under an established locksmith before applying for your license.
After licensing, most employers still prefer locksmiths with certification from The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
To become an ALOA-certified locksmith, you must pass the organization’s written exam. For beginners, attending a locksmith school can be an excellent way to gain more experience and learn the trade before taking the test.
Certifications
- ALOA Fundamental Locksmith
- ALOA certified professional Locksmith
- Certified Professional Safe Technician
- Certified Master Safe Technician
- Certified Master Locksmith
- Certified Registered Technician
Avg Salary
How Much Can You Make?
Becoming a locksmith has the potential to be a very lucrative career, but it’s not easy. According to Federal Pay, the average salary range for locksmiths is $40,000 – $60,000 annually. However, some locksmiths make significantly more than that—sometimes up to $100,000 per year.
The amount you can expect to make depends on your level of education, certification, experience, and work type. Locksmiths in large cities also tend to make more money than those working in smaller areas because more customers are available.
Career Outlook
Locksmiths have always had an important place in society. From ancient times through today, people have relied on locksmiths to protect their property and possessions from theft and damage.
Becoming a locksmith is a great career choice for people who are interested in an exciting and ever-evolving trade. The locksmith industry is growing rapidly, with new technology and practices appearing daily.
Locksmiths also have many opportunities to specialize in certain areas of their trade, such as automotive or commercial security. Plus, with the rise of technology and its increasing presence in our lives, it’s actually become easier for locksmiths to diversify their trade these days: You can start doing things like installing keyless entry systems or installing digital locks on cars.
Should You Become a Locksmith?
The short answer is: It depends on you.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that becoming a locksmith isn’t all that different from any other trade or profession out there. You’ll have to have schooling, and, depending on where you live, you might need a license.
But if you’re willing to work hard and learn, you should be able to get started without a huge investment. And who knows? Maybe—just maybe—you’ll enjoy it so much that it’ll lead to a brand-new career path for you.
If not, maybe there are other jobs out there that would better suit your personality and interests.