Locksmith Career Guide
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Unlock Your future! Master the Locksmith Trade with our Top 8 Expert Tips for a Thriving Career
Starting a career as a locksmith can be a rewarding path, whether you’re a recent college graduate, a military veteran, or someone looking for a fresh career change. We often hear from aspiring locksmiths wondering what it takes to build a thriving business in this specialised trade.
To help you get started, we’ve gathered essential tips and insights on the skills, accreditations, and strategies needed to succeed as a locksmith from our team of Master locksmiths.
Whether you’re drawn to the technical challenges or the satisfaction of helping people in critical moments, this guide will set you on the right track.
Ready to unlock the door to your locksmithing career? Here’s everything you need to know to get started! Read on …
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Get your locksmithing career off to a great start with an Accredited MPL Locksmith Course!
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1. Acquire The Essential Skills
Self-Employment Skills
If you are a self-employed locksmith eager to manage your own business, you’ll need to develop various skills beyond just locksmith expertise.
You have to be informed about marketing, bookkeeping, financial management, the creation of your locksmith company website and develop the basic know-how to operate the day-to-day running of the business.
Skills for Working in Established Companies
Working for an established locksmith company provides the opportunity to develop technical skills in a range of areas including; mechanical engineering, carpentry, and problem-solving, as well as the chance to develop strong people skills for excellent customer service.
2. Do Your Research: Key Questions to Ask
It is important to research the market before starting your locksmith career. You should consider the following:
- Where will you work?
Understand the area in which you’ll offer your services.
- What's the area like?
Evaluate the community and its security needs. According to Indeed, locksmiths in the United Kingdom can earn around £27,910 annually, but the figures may be different depending on the location and experience.
- How competitive is the market?
Search the internet about locksmiths, their services, prices and reviews on Google.
- What are the market gaps?
Look for locksmiths who offer specialised services, such as security grilles and gate installation, nearby.
- What services are in demand?
Research pain points like lock snapping to tailor your services effectively.
Training is Required – Avoid Online Training or DVD's!
Becoming a locksmith requires hands-on training, which is difficult to acquire solely through online courses or via DVD’s. We would strongly recommend avoiding online courses and opt for physical, hands-on-training by experts!
To start your career, you’ll need to decide between enrolling in a formal locksmith course or pursuing an apprenticeship – your choice will depend on the specific services you plan to offer.
As you gain experience, consider advancing your skills by taking specialised training. These additional courses can include techniques like uPVC window and door repairs, auto locksmithing, access control and safe installations.
Developing these advanced skills not only diversifies the services you offer, but also boosts your marketability. With a wider range of expertise, you’ll stand out from competitors and attract more clients to your locksmithing business.
4. What Services Can You Offer as a Locksmith?
After you have completed your training and done research on the area you’ll offer your services to, you will have to then decide exactly which locksmith services you will provide. Here are some popular options:
- Residential locksmithing
This involves emergency lockouts, lock repairs, and the improvement of home security systems on a 24/7 basis.
- Commercial locksmithing
Accessing control systems, installing alarms, and a variety of business security solutions.
- Auto locksmithing
This particular field is concerned with car lockouts and key replacement. You will need to complete a specialist auto locksmith course.
- Safe services
Opening, repairing, or installing security safes.
You can research what services are in demand and where to fill in the gaps. You can develop your expertise and stand out from competitors by finding your niche and dominating it.
5. Create a Business Plan
Launching a locksmith business demands careful planning and an initial budget. The following are essential expenses to consider:
- Training
Invest in hands-on courses that will help you build expertise.
- Equipment
Letterbox tool, pick set, drill, pick gun, and key extractor.
- Van
Letterbox tool, pick set, drill, pick gun, and key extractor.
- Advertising and marketing
Budget for offline and online promotion.
- Telephone line
A separate phone line should be provided for 24-hour service.
- Website costs
Domain hosting, web address, HTTPS certificate, security.
- SEO
Optimise your website to rank on the first page of Google.
- Social media advertising
Advertise your business on social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- Insurance and stock
Cover business insurance and keep stock that is in demand, such as locks and key blanks.
You should never underestimate these start-up costs, as they are the foundations which will set you up for long-term success.
6. Decide Your Working Hours
Many locksmiths offer 24/7 services, especially given recent statistics showing a 20% rise in emergency service calls. Lockouts account for 60% of these calls.
Determine your working hours before following a path that may affect your family life. Investigate your local area to evaluate demand and competition.
Recognising the needs of the community and spotting new opportunities will assist you in setting work hours that effectively balance your professional and personal responsibilities.
7. Locksmith Training Providers
The training provider you choose to train with will ultimately play a huge role in your future career. There a many providers of locksmith training in the UK, however, at MPL we are the only officially Accredited City & Guilds and NCFE provider in the UK.
There are many that claim to offer certified courses, however these are NOT officially accredited courses. We would always recommend you ask, prior to placing any booking, for a copy of the program certification! It could be that they are a reseller of our courses, but double check first.
Many providers will also offer training courses ‘online’ or via ‘DVD’s’. At MPL Training we strongly advise you to be cautious of such courses. Locksmithing is a hands-on, practical business, you can’t learn the true nature of it via a YouTube video or similar. This is why when you book a course with MPL, you are ensuring you will be receiving the very best training in the UK, one-to-one training provided by practising master locksmiths at our purpose built training facility.
If you wish to become the very best locksmith in your area, then train with the best – train with MPL.
BONUS TIP: Train with the Only Accredited City & Guilds Locksmith Company in the UK!
For over two decades, MPL Locksmith Training has been at the forefront of locksmith training and has successfully launched the careers of thousands of locksmiths.
Here at MPL, we pride ourselves on ongoing support and advice even after your course is completed. Our fully equipped training centre offers quality courses at all skill levels with a specialisation in uPVC lock and door repairs.
Whether you’re a beginner aiming to enter this field for the first time or an experienced locksmith who aspires to learn more about the latest technologies, we can offer a training course that fits your needs.
Call us today on:
01924 693 293
To book your course
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Unlock Your Earning Potential with MPL Locksmith Training
With over two decades of experience in the locksmithing industry, at MPL we make it our mission to offer the highest-quality courses from our fully-equipped training centre, designed to cater for all levels of experience. Furthermore, we are industry specialists when it comes to uPVC lock and door repairs.
Whether you’re a complete beginner searching for a new trade, or you just want to familiarise yourself with the latest locksmith technology, we have the ideal training course for you.
Our courses are a great way to start working for yourself or for an established locksmith – the choice is yours!
Call: 01924 693 293 today for more information
Request the MPL Training Prospectus
The MPL Training Prospectus
Looking for more detailed information about our locksmith training courses and which one is the right fit for you?
Then why not request a copy of our latest MPL prospectus?
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01924 693 293
The key to your future success
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Why not come and take a look around our Training Facilities?
We invite prospective students and employers to visit our training centre to meet our professional team of trainers, gain a thorough understanding of the comprehensive courses we provide, and to ask any questions they may have.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
If you wish to visit our training centre and view the facilities which we have on offer, we kindly request that you give us a quick call beforehand to ensure one of our instructors will be available, and we can schedule appointment for you.
Call us today on:
01924 693 293
To book your course
Over 190+ 5 Star Google Reviews
We’ve trained a huge number of students over the past 20 years; many of which are kind enough to send us some great testimonials.
Below are some examples of the feedback we receive from our training courses from both individual students and the many organisations we work with.
Take a look at some of our Corporate Reviews
At MPL Training, we take pride in delivering industry-leading locksmith courses to a wide range of sectors across the UK. For over two decades, we have supported sectors that include the NHS, police forces, housing associations, councils, property companies, and banks.
Below are some of the corporate reviews we’ve received from our valued clients.
Dave
Connect Housing
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nicky England and MPL for the fantastic service they provided for locksmith training. At each step of the process they were courteous and very well organised. I sent 5 of my technicians on the 3 day course and it has proven to be not only an enhancement of my teams skills but also a huge saving by being able to gain entry to our housing stock non destructively.
I would recommend MPL to any other customer and give their service delivery and training methods 10/10.
Bill
Ashton Pioneer Homes
I sent two of my operatives to MPL for locksmith training. The training was excellent and they have been able to put this in to good use. It has shortened the time taken for evictions and helped us portray a more professional image in front of bailiffs and other staff.
I would highly recommend them for training and for purchasing the right tools.
Dave
Dortech Maintenance
Dortech Maintenance are delighted to be working with the team at MPL Locksmiths in the up-skilling and development of our site engineers.
We look forward to continuing to develop this partnership and would highly recommend their training courses to others.
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From novice to expert ...
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MPL helping develop careers and businesses across the UK
We have trained individuals from across the country to become skilled locksmiths and build successful businesses, including:
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to train to become a locksmith?
After your initial 3 or 5-Day training, it can usually take a further 12 months to become an experienced locksmith. You will always be learning on the job, and have to keep up to date with the latest products and industry related regulations such as lock standards.
The easiest way to begin your new locksmithing career is by attending our comprehensive 3 or 5-Day Locksmith Course which is perfect for beginners who are looking to learn how to become a locksmith within one week. Many of our students have gone on to set up their own locksmithing businesses immediately after completing the course.
I am new to locksmithing, do I need any qualifications to train as a locksmith?
Whilst you don’t need any qualifications to train, you need a desire and a commitment to learn. It always helps if you come from a manual job or background and that you’re used to working with the tools you’ll need.
What course should I take if I'm a complete beginner to locksmithing?
If you are new to locksmithing and aren’t familiar with the tools and manual work, we suggest you undertake our comprehensive 5 day City & Guilds/NCFE Specialist Courses as this will provide you extra time and any additional help you may need.
How much does locksmith training cost?
Our courses vary in price subject to course detail and training days required. Please to call us on 01924 693293 with any questions on the latest prices and availability or fill in our enquiry form.
Are your Accreditations and Certificates recognised?
We are the UK’s ONLY provider of officially Accredited City & Guilds and NCFE Certified locksmith courses. Our accreditations recognise the high standards, process and delivery of bespoke training programmes which no other provider in the UK can offer.
In addition, we also run a range of courses which upon completion students receive our MPL certificate, which because we are the largest training provider in the UK is recognised throughout the industry as the gold standard.
Do I have to be a member of any trade organisations?
No, these organisations tend to be private Ltd companies who are attempting to charge for membership. It is not compulsory to be a member; at the time of writing there are no governing bodies in this industry in the UK.
Why not take advantage of our Competitive Finance Packages?
Looking to attend one of our courses? We can help to make it financially viable, with one of our highly competitive, tailored finance packages.
We work in partnership with Ideal4Finance and appreciate that when it comes to retraining, different finance options are often helpful. Ideal4Finance offer a range of competitive personal loans enabling you to purchase MPL Locksmith Training Courses and tools in excess of £1000.
*MPL Locksmith Training Ltd’ is an introducer appointed representative of Ideal Sales Solutions Ltd T/A Ideal4Finance. Ideal Sales Solutions is a credit broker and not a lender FRN 703401. Finance available subject to status. Loans of 25000 and above available on a secured basis. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
MPL Locksmith and Security Training are Trusted by ...
The UK’s Emergency Services, Councils, Housing Associations and Leading Utility Companies
Location and Transport Links
Our purpose built training centre is located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, with easy access from major transport links across the UK.
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MPL Locksmith & Security Training
1 Thornes Office Park
Monckton Road
Wakefield
WF 7AN
By Train
From Major Cities
- London: Catch a direct train from London’s King’s Cross Station to Wakefield Westgate in under 2 hours.
- Birmingham: Enjoy quick connections from Birmingham New Street to Wakefield Westgate in approximately 90 minutes.
- Other Routes: Wakefield is well-served by major rail routes, ensuring a stress-free journey.
From the Train Station
Wakefield Westgate Train Station is the closest major station, located approximately 8 minutes by taxi from MPL Locksmith & Security Training. Alternatively, local buses and rideshare options are available on a regular basis for added convenience.
Save on Tickets
Plan ahead and save money by booking tickets in advance via Western Railway or other ticketing platforms. Advanced fares from London start as low as £25 return.
Embark on a comfortable and hassle-free train journey to attend your training at MPL Locksmith & Security Training!
By Air
Nearest Airport
The closest airport to MPL Locksmith & Security Training is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), located approximately 21 miles away.
Alternative Airports
- Manchester Airport (MAN): Just 50 miles from Wakefield, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
- Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA): Around 27 miles away, providing additional travel options.
Getting from the Airport
- Taxi: Approximately 40 minutes drive to Wakefield center.
- Public Transport: Regular bus services and train connections from Leeds city center make the journey easy.
Curated by
Elizabeth Whincup | Business Development Mananger
With a keen eye for growth opportunities and a passion for professional skills development, Elizabeth plays a pivotal role in expanding our training programs, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring aspiring locksmiths receive the very best training experience with MPL. Dedicated to empowering our students with the skills they need to enjoy a successful locksmithing career, Elizabeth is committed to driving excellence across the business.
Learn the trade and secure your future
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