We’re well aware that the locksmithing industry is heavily male-dominated, which is why we’re on a mission to change this! We want to open up the conversation around female locksmiths and ideally inspire more women to consider locksmithing as a career.
So, we thought what better way to do so than to speak to someone who’s been there, is doing that and proudly wearing the t-shirt…
Meet Kirsten…
Back in 2019, Kirsten was running her own successful waste and property management company. Being the entrepreneur she is, Kirsten started exploring training courses she could take that would help broaden her skillset and grow her company when she stumbled across a Locksmith Training Course that caught her eye.
She gave us a call and booked onto our 5-Day Intense Locksmith Training Course and never looked back!
Now here she is, 4 years later, running a hugely successful locksmith company operating across Manchester and Stockport – Goldie Locks.
We caught up with Kirsten to discover how she’s found life as a female locksmith out there in the real world.
How did you find the journey of becoming a locksmith?
I completed the 5-day Locksmith Training course with MPL Locksmith Training and completely fell in love with it. Mark was a fantastic trainer and the support from MPL following your course completion is immense – even now they’re still there to help whenever I need a question answered.
I struggled in school as I was never an academic person. I’m much more of a visual learner and I think that’s why I fell in love with locksmithing. It’s just like solving a puzzle, but it’s just a puzzle you can’t see.
I felt incredibly confident and excited to start my new role following the course, but it can be daunting going out into the real world as you’re almost always on your own.
At the end of the day, there’s only so much you can learn in a classroom and it’s up to you to get out there and continue to build your knowledge and skills – which is exactly what I did!
What are the challenges you’ve faced as a female locksmith?
I’m often asked if I’ve found it challenging as a woman in such a stereotypically male-dominated industry, but in all honesty, I haven’t really faced any problems because of my gender! If anything, I think being a woman has really helped my career.
Plus, I’m fortunate enough to have a contract with Age UK and a Domestic Violence Charity, which is where a lot of my jobs come from, and I probably wouldn’t be in this position if I was male.
At the end of the day, you’re running a business and every business needs a niche to succeed, so why not take advantage of it?
What do you find most fulfilling about your role as a locksmith?
I absolutely love my job as I find that you’re always left feeling like you’ve made a real difference. Don’t get me wrong, you end up going to some pretty horrific sites which is never pleasant, but you feel as though you’ve really helped them once you’ve delivered your service.
For example, you go to people who have been the victims of a burglary or break-in and they’re absolutely terrified. But you make their property secure again and advise them on their home safety, ensuring you leave them feeling safe and sound in their own homes again.
At the end of the day, you’re getting people out of jams, and they’re always very grateful for your help. It’s a very rewarding line of work!
What’s it like being a female locksmith?
I found out very quickly that my gender worked to my advantage in this industry. The people you’re going out to help are often in vulnerable states and in these circumstances, many people feel safer and more at ease with a female presence than a man’s.
I’ve had numerous customers tell me that they chose me over other local locksmiths for the sole reason that I’m a woman. When working with Age UK across my local area, they provide customers with three numbers – usually 2 males and myself. I would say probably 8/10 customers will opt for me over the other two!
Traditionally people feel safer around women than they do around men – particularly strangers. I think it has something to do with the maternal instinct, maybe. But that has definitely worked in my favour when it comes to securing jobs, so I’m not complaining!
How do your fellow locksmiths treat you?
I can honestly say that over the past few years, I have never met a horrible locksmith! Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but I have only ever been treated with the utmost respect and kindness by other locksmiths.
I’ve also realised that being the only female locksmith in the area, you’re recognised very quickly, both in the industry by your fellow locksmiths and in the local community by potential customers.
I’ve found that everyone’s always willing to help me, whether that’s because of my gender or not I can’t say, but the locksmithing community is definitely a supportive one.
For example, one of the locksmith companies in my area, who on paper should be my competitor, regularly helps me out and lets me use the workshop in the back of their shop whenever I need to!
Why do you think there is such a lack of female locksmiths?
I think it stems from a lack of awareness and possibly ignorance. Out of all the trades it’s never mentioned as much at school as say electricians or plumbers, so it’s never at the forefront of people’s minds when considering their future career.
And then on top of this, there’s a real lack of female representation in the industry which causes a vicious cycle. You don’t really see female locksmiths so it never even crosses your mind that, as a woman, this could be a potential career path for you.
There’s so much more to locksmithing than first meets the eye too. People might think picking locks every day is boring but really there’s so much more to it than that!
I’m trying to spread the word and inspire other women; I’ve started making videos showing the day in the life of a female locksmith and attending networking events, etc. to share my journey and show my passion for locksmithing.
Any advice for young women considering a career as a locksmith?
If you’ve got that fire in your belly and you’re passionate, just go for it! Don’t overthink it! The locksmithing community is so supportive and there will always be someone there to help so what have you got to lose?
For any women out there thinking about it, there’s plenty of room at the table, so take the leap and come join me!
Book Your Locksmith Course with MPL Locksmith Training
Want to follow in Kirsten’s footsteps? Book your spot on our City & Guilds Accredited 5-Day Specialist Locksmith Training Course today!
If you have any questions, please get in touch – our friendly team of locksmith experts will happily answer any questions you may have. Simply call now on 01924 693 293 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you.
