Training to be a locksmith is a fantastic way to gain the necessary skills to start your own business. Many of our students go on to run their own successful locksmithing companies, and we’re here to provide continued support and training as they grow and expand.

For instance, we can deliver bespoke staff training if you decide to invest in a larger team. Or we can offer specialist training programmes to help you upskill and diversify your services. One of these options is auto locksmith training – this area is fast-growing and lucrative, and we highly recommend our specialist course to anyone who wants to develop their business further.

Whether you’re an existing locksmith looking to improve your skills, or you’re considering this career path for the first time, here are three reasons to include a auto locksmith course in your training plans.

1) Auto locksmiths are in demand

Car locksmiths are always needed, and adding this skill to your training will help you create a steady flow of work. In fact, UK motorists are notoriously bad at keeping hold of their keys, with £180 million being spent every year on replacing car keys that are lost. And according to the RAC, millions of drivers regularly forget where their keys are placed.

2) Add more services to your business

By adding more services to your locksmithing business, you can expand your customer base and increase your bottom line. With our training course, you will develop the necessary skills to gain access into locked vehicles of every kind. This means you’ll be able to say ‘yes’ to a range of car locksmith jobs – if you’ve been turning down work because you lack the skills, this locksmith course is for you.

During your training, you will learn to understand the electronics behind auto locks, their inner workings, how to strip down, identify, service, repair, rebuild, and re-key vehicle locking mechanisms.

3) It’s an affordable way to futureproof your business

Futureproofing your business is essential if you want to remain competitive in your industry. Not only do you need to stay ahead of other organisations offering the same services as you, but automotive technology is always evolving.

New locking mechanisms and automatic electronic car locks are being developed all the time. At MPL, we’ll help you train in the latest techniques – but don’t worry, it doesn’t take complex programming to become an automotive locksmith and our course doesn’t cover programming at any stage!

We also offer a range of finance options to help you fund the course, making it a cost-effective way to upskill. And because of the increased work you’ll get after completing the course, the cost of training will deliver an excellent return on investment.

To find out more about the auto locksmith training course at MPL, get in touch with our team today.

MPL locksmith training is the perfect platform for launching your own business. One of the biggest draws of our professional locksmith course is being able to be your own boss instead of working for someone else.

Our renowned MPL locksmith training course is one of the best in the UK, and arms you with all the knowledge, skills and tools to get started with your own business venture. Not only is our training highly practical, but we teach students how to become self-employed and manage the day-to-day running of a business.

If you’ve completed our course, or you’re interested in applying, here is a quick step-by-step guide of what to do next.

1) Set up as a sole trader or Limited Company

The first thing you will need to do when you complete our course is to set up your business and notify HMRC. You have the option of registering as a sole trader or Limited Company, but most people start off as a sole trader for ease (less paperwork and admin) and lower accounting costs.
However, as your business grows, you may want to consider changing to a Limited Company so you can employ staff and benefit from tax allowances. If your goal is to scale quickly and bring on multiple team members, it may be worth registering as a Limited Company from the very start.

2) Get your finances in order

Before you start your own business, it’s important to have your financials all worked out. MPL locksmith training courses are a great investment, and many of our students make back the cost of the course in a matter of months. We also have some easy financing options to help you pay for the training. However, it’s still important to be watchful with spending.

You will need to consider the following costs:

• A work vehicle so you can carry tools and essential parts to different jobs
• Locksmith tools, supplies and stock
• Business setup fees (it’s free to register as a sole trader, while Limited Company setup usually starts at £12)
• Other business setup costs (such as website and domain name, marketing and advertising, business cards etc.)
• A cash ‘float’ to cover petrol costs and other day-to-day expenses

3) Build a website

The best way to get your name out there is to do fantastic jobs for customers so you can benefit from word-of-mouth recommendations. But you’ll need help securing those first jobs, and a business website is a must for most locksmiths.

When you register your business name, be sure to check available domain names so you can make sure yours isn’t already taken. There are many easy and affordable website builders, such as Wix or GoDaddy – or you can hire a website design company to create something more bespoke.

4) Advertise your services

On our locksmith course, you don’t just learn practical skills. You’ll also get an idea of how to get your business off the ground. We’ll touch on important topics such as marketing to improve your chance of success.

There are many ways to advertise, including search engine marketing, on social media, through trusted online directories such as TrustATrader, print directories, or on local noticeboards. You can also provide customers with business cards, which can be passed on during customer-to-customer recommendations.

5) Stay in touch

Training with MPL doesn’t just come to an end once you become accredited. We understand the importance of continued support, which is why we provide students with a 24/7 helpline. Knowing how to become self-employed and successful after your locksmith training course starts with having confidence, and our hotline means you will receive expert guidance for those first few jobs.

Our unique training model is based on a collaborative approach, and that’s why our locksmith courses are the best in the UK.

To find out more about MPL locksmith training, contact our team and request a free prospectus.

If you’re a school or sixth form college leaver who doesn’t want to follow the traditional route of going into higher education, a career in locksmithing could be a fantastic alternative.

University isn’t for everyone, and there are many training opportunities for those who prefer to work with their hands, or those who would rather start their own business than rack up university debt.

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the locksmith career path and finding locksmith training courses after your GCSEs and A Levels.

Why train to be a locksmith?

Training to be a locksmith is a great way to kick start a lucrative career. Here are some of the reasons why it’s such a brilliant career choice:

• You don’t need any prior qualifications to apply for a locksmith course
• You can complete a locksmith training course in a few days
• You can start your own company and be your own boss
• You can enjoy a better work/life balance working for yourself
• You can future-proof your career – locksmiths are always in demand
• You’ll have recession-proof earnings – your services are needed regardless of the state of the economy

Furthermore, a locksmith course is a fraction of the cost of going to university, which means you won’t be riddled with debt after you graduate. And because there are opportunities to set up a business as soon as you complete your training, you can make back any upfront costs quickly.

Route to becoming a locksmith

There are trainee locksmith jobs or locksmith apprenticeship programmes with nationwide companies, but the best route to becoming a qualified and highly skilled locksmith is with a dedicated locksmith training, like our City & Guilds Accredited 5 Day Specialist Locksmith Course.

By investing in a training programme, you can take control of your career path and boost your earning potential. While there’s no shortcut to becoming successful, our locksmith training course will arm you with all the skills and knowledge you need to start and run your own locksmith business.

Things to consider before a locksmith course

You don’t need any prior qualifications to train as a locksmith, making this career path accessible to people of all backgrounds and education levels. But there are some things you will need to think about before applying for a training course.

You will need the following:

• A full UK driving licence – working as a locksmith means being able to get to customers quickly, so being able to drive is essential.
• Access to a van – a work vehicle is recommended so you can carry tools and essential parts to/from locations.
• Funds to help you setup – as well as being able to pay for the course, you will also need money to pay for locksmith tools, stock, a vehicle and other business setup costs (such as insurance or marketing/advertising).

At MPL, we offer finance options to help you pay for your course, with flexible terms and lending that matches your situation. All course attendees receive a free Locksmith Bible with drill points and data of hundreds of locks (worth £100). And on completion of the course, you’ll get an exclusive discount on all tools and locksmith products from our sister companies.

Do you want to find out more? For full details on our locksmith training courses, contact our team and request a free prospectus.

Locksmith training is one of the best career decisions you can make, with a fast return on investment after you complete your course. Our locksmith training courses are highly inclusive, making it possible for people of all backgrounds and education levels to enjoy a lucrative career.

But what are your options after your training is done? Should you apply to work at a local or national company, or is it best to go self-employed? Many of our students come to us because they want a way to make good money, with flexibility to choose their own hours. Our training arms you with all the skills and knowledge needed to launch your own business venture, and this is the best way to maximise your earnings.

Interested in studying a locksmith course? Here are some of the reasons why being a self-employed locksmith is a fantastic option:

You get to be your own boss

When you choose to go self-employed, you get to manage your own hours and make business decisions that fit in with your lifestyle and personal commitments. For instance, if you need to juggle work with childcare, you can build a business that works for you and your family. You can employ others to take on the hours you can’t commit to, or team up with a business partner to ensure all business hours are covered.

Create a company you believe in

Running your own locksmith business means doing something you’re passionate about, without the frustrations of red tape or corporate politics. Decide what values make your company stand out. Is it integrity? Fair pricing? Customer-centricity? What matters most to you as a business owner?

Our locksmith course teaches you everything you need to know about building a reputable business – and our mentors will impart their knowledge about important values to uphold. And if you’ve seen things done badly in the past, your business is your opportunity to do things better.

You can expand your business

One of the main benefits of working for yourself is being able to grow your business in any direction. At MPL, we offer continued development through our advanced locksmith training courses, such as our Advanced Lock Picking Course, our Specialist Auto Locksmith Course, or our uPVC Repair / Tilt & Turn Course. These programmes are suitable for professionals who want to increase their skills to get more work.

It’s also possible to expand your customer base by launching services in other towns and cities, or you can ramp up earnings through commercial and local council/government contracts.

Higher starting salary

The average starting salary for employed trainee locksmiths is around £16,000 (or £20,000-£25,000 for the more experienced). But many of our students earn a lot more when they decide to work for themselves!

So it’s possible to make back what you’ve invested into your training very quickly. One of our former students, Mehmet, had a turnover of £60,000 in his first year. He paid for his locksmith course with a credit card, and was able to pay his debt off within the first two weeks of working on the road! Watch his testimonial here.

Start-up costs are relatively low

While working for a company can mean no initial output, locksmith start-up costs are relatively low compared to other business ventures. And high earning potential will mean being able to make back any investments in a short amount of time.

Initial costs to consider include:

• Locksmith training
• Tools and stock
• Transport (such as a van)
• Marketing (website, online advertising etc.)

To find out more about our locksmith courses, get in touch and request a free prospectus. Or head over to our locksmith training FAQs page for more details.

The locksmith salary is one of the most attractive benefits of becoming a locksmith. Because it allows you to earn a decent wage without prior qualifications. But this doesn’t mean locksmithing is a get rich quick scheme. Becoming a locksmith requires professional training, continued learning on the job, and a thirst and passion for keeping your skills up to date.

If you’re serious about taking a locksmith course, there will be so many opportunities available to you once you graduate – including a chance to launch your own business and be your own boss.

What to expect from a locksmith salary

Locksmiths can choose to work for a local or national company, or they can choose the work for themselves. The latter is the most popular, and this is what most of our students choose to do after taking our locksmith course.

Starting your own business means you have scope to earn a lot more. This is because going self-employed means you will get to earn more per hour, and you’ll also be able to have full control of the hours you work. And because our training courses are affordable, it’s a fantastic investment that will have you making the money back very soon.

One of our past students, Mehmet, had a turnover of over £60,000 in his first year!
Watch our video of Mehmet talking about how he paid for the locksmith course, and how he made his impressive locksmith salary as a self-employed tradesperson after his training.

Is there potential to grow my business?

There are many ways you can increase a basic locksmith salary when you first start out. When you run your own business, you can take the business in any direction you want. In addition to domestic locksmith services, there’s also the commercial market to consider, as well as working for the emergency services such as the police. These are areas where you may be able to get contract work that pays very well.

When it comes to growing your business or expanding your territory, taking on new employees will help you take on more work and across a bigger catchment zone.

On our training programme, we’ll help you develop specialist skills such as uPVC door lock replacements and high security lock upgrades. These are great areas to go into, as home security becomes more sought after and the uPVC door market becomes increasingly complex.

Training with MPL

At MPL Locksmith Training, we have over two decades of experience in locksmith training, including specialising in uPVC. We offer a range of courses for new and existing locksmiths, which all take place in our locksmith training centre. Our courses are a great way to start working for yourself or for an established locksmith, with many people choosing to start their own lucrative business!

Our training makes being a business owner accessible, no matter your background or previous qualifications.

If you want to start your own business like Mehmet, take a look at the locksmith courses at MPL. Our 3 or 5 day training programmes have seen students go on to form very successful locksmithing companies. To find out more, get in touch and request a free prospectus.

Locksmithing is a fantastic career for anyone who likes to work with their hands, and their brain. Not only is this a practical job – so you’re not tied to a desk – but you’ll get to exercise skills such as problem-solving and creative thinking.

Our students also enjoy the inclusive nature of locksmith training, because it’s available to everyone, no matter their education level. And with the right training and support, locksmith jobs can be extremely rewarding.

Here are the reasons to retrain on a locksmith course at MPL:

1. Locksmiths are always in demand!

The locksmith career path is a reliable one, because home and business security is always in high demand.

Furthermore, with security being an important aspect for both domestic and business markets, it means there will always be room for growth. Developing new skills and understanding the latest technology is essential to keeping your CV up to date, and locksmiths get to enjoy continued learning and professional development.

2. The earnings are attractive

Salaries can vary depending on where you work, who you work for, and what hours you put in. But most of our students go self-employed, which is the best way to boost your earnings. And many people achieve their goals in a matter of years, or less.

One of our past students, Mehmet, had a turnover of over £60,000 in his first year! Watch our locksmith training testimonial video where Mehmet talks about his impressive business.

There are also many areas you can expand into, including opportunities for commercial contracts or the emergency services, giving you plenty of ways to increase earnings.

3. You can grow a business fast

A locksmith training course can also be the perfect platform for launching your own business. Being self-employed gives you the freedom to choose your own hours, and also means you can take your work in any desired direction.

This means you can enjoy a better work/life balance by fitting your work around other commitments. At the same time, ambitious entrepreneurs have the ability to expand their enterprise, taking on big clients and hiring teams to cover projects nationwide.

4. No two days are ever the same

If working in a corporate office environment isn’t for you, locksmithing could be a great way to get out and about. No two days are the same, and you won’t know where you’ll be from one day to the next.

It’s a good way to meet people, see new places and enjoy life on the road. Admin is still vital to your role though, so be prepared to do a little desk-based paperwork from time to time.

5. Locksmith training courses are for everyone

No prior qualifications are needed to join a locksmith course. Anyone can enrol for locksmith training, and there are locksmith jobs to suit all circumstances. Whether you want to work weekends or keep to sociable hours, there are many options!

With no set entry requirements, locksmith training courses allow for maximum inclusivity, drawing people from all abilities and backgrounds, and providing everyone with a chance to be successful.

No prior qualifications are needed to join a locksmith course. Anyone can enrol for locksmith training, and there are locksmith jobs to suit all circumstances. Whether you want to work weekends or keep to sociable hours, there are many options!

Does a locksmith career sound like the right fit for you? Check out what our previous students have to say about MPL training.

Our 3 or 5 day training programmes have seen students go on to form very successful locksmithing companies. To find out more, get in touch and request a free prospectus.

Moving into a new home can be an exciting and extremely busy time in a person’s life. You have so many things to arrange such as paperwork, removal men, packing as well as possibly a new neighbourhood. In this article we will give you some of the best home security tips when you move to a new home, some are completely free and quick to complete – most of these tips can be completed on the first day.

Changing your locks and alarm codes

Whilst this may seem like a costly and delayable task for some people, you do not know who has lived there previously or has keys to your property. We would always suggest changing your locks, if you are in a rental property most landlords would understand, and as long as they are provided with a set of new keys usually won’t object.

If you are lucky enough to have a garage or shed with locks, these should also be replaced. People often store very high-value items within their garages such as cars, motorbikes, pushbikes, and garden tools – all of which can be stolen. If you have a ladder it may also be a good idea to either chain this securely to the roof of your garage or inside so that it doesn’t benefit any potential burglars.

Similarly to your locks, if there is an alarm fitted to your home it would also be a sensible idea to change the code. Usually, the previous tenant or owner can leave the code with solicitors or estate agents for the new residents.

Visual Checks

A quick and fairly easy way to check the security of your new home is to walk around the property from the outside as if you wanted to break in. Look for any broken or damaged doors, loose locks on gates and if you have large windows do you have high-value items on display? Anything that you find which could be an issue can be repaired or replaced.

If you have a dark pathway or would often be returning home late from work then installing an outdoor light can be helpful as well as deterring potential burglars who may hide in the darkness.

Are you doors upvc or composite?

Lock snapping is a technique that burglars are using to easily break into a property. This method is only successful on properties that don’t have snap safe locks installed. UPVC and composite doors are usually the target as the locks that they come installed with generally are not snap safe locks.
This method of breaking into a property is the most effective and common way of breaking into someone’s home. By applying a bit of force a burglar can snap the cylinder in half, they are then able to expose the locking mechanism by removing the outside of a lock, this then allows the door to be unlocked manually or by using a tool such as a screwdriver. It only takes less than ten seconds for an experienced burglar to get into a home using this method.

In order to protect your home from lock snapping you need to ensure that you have snap safe locks fitted. You can purchase a Diamond grade cylinder lock or a Level 3* TS007 lock from most hardware stores, however, if you doubt your DIY skills, you can call in your local locksmith to come and upgrade your locks and they will be able to supply and fit them for you. If you upgrade your locks it will enhance your home security no end.