Unlocking The Key To Your Success: Locksmithing and Safe Repair Courses
For as long as there has been locks and keys there have been people inevitably losing their keys and requiring the services of an expert to help them bypass the lock again. If you would like to be that expert then a locksmithing and safe repair course is one of the easiest ways to make it happen. These types of courses are aimed at providing you with all the skills and knowledge required to handle the general duties that are required from locksmiths. Completing a course to educate yourself about locksmithing and safe repair also makes it easier to enter the profession without having to do a long apprenticeship first. If you have a passion for security and enjoy helping people or would like to start your own business and love working with your hands, then a locksmithing and safe repair course is worth serious consideration.
Locksmithing and Safe Repair Course Information
Basic Locksmithing
A basic locksmithing course can teach you the fundamentals of subjects such as lock installations, master keying, auto locksmithing, safe combination changing and access control. Additional course topics may include how to operate your own business, high security locks, emergency openings and much more.
Locksmithing & Security Technology Program
This type of program typically takes about 9-months to complete on a full-time basis and can help prepare students to service and repair all kinds of door-locking devices. In addition, it also covers the installation of locks, how to open safes without combinations and much more. Topics usually included in this program range from key identification and mastery keying to safe manipulation and servicing as well as auxiliary door hardware.
Licensing
Many states require that you are licensed before you are allowed to open your own locksmith business. The requirements for licensing can differ between states, but typically involves passing a background check, the submission of your fingerprints to a database or a certain amount of experience working in an existing locksmith business.
Locksmithing and Safe Repair Course FAQs
Can I Study This Type of Course Online?
Because locksmithing and safe repairs is such a hands-on occupation it can be difficult to find courses that cover everything in a comprehensive manner in an online only format. Typically courses are available in hybrid format, which means that the theory part of the curriculum can be studied online while the practical elements are done at a campus location. The most important thing to look for when choosing an online course for locksmithing and safe repair is that it is from an accredited institution. Some courses also include an Associated Locksmiths of America Fundamentals Locksmith exam that can be taken at home via a computer with a webcam or at a testing center.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Study Locksmithing & Safe Repair?
Working as a locksmith can be strenuous as you might be required to work in uncomfortable conditions or outdoors late at night. Skills that are important for eventually working in this profession includes good hand-eye coordination as well as manual dexterity. You should also be comfortable with the idea of driving regularly as most jobs require you to travel to clients in order to deal with their problems. Since you deal a lot with people it is equally important to have good communication skills. Good locksmiths are also honest, dependable and possess good mathematical as well as mechanical abilities. In addition, it is important that you are responsible, able to operate under stress and work in a discreet and confidential manner.
What Are My Potential Career Options After Studying This Type of Course?
Most students who complete a course in locksmithing and safe repair go on to work at a locksmith shop or start their own business. In addition, skilled locksmiths are also sometimes hired to work for larger hardware or department stores. Other career opportunities for this profession exists at government agencies or even the manufacturers of locks and safes.
What Are The Typical Duties For Working In This Profession?
One of the most common duties associated with being a locksmith is assisting people with bypassing the locks to their homes, businesses or cars after they accidentally locked themselves out. However, there are also other responsibilities that come with this line of work. In addition to picking locks, you might also be called on to repair broken locks. Most locksmiths also operate key cutting machines that are used for the duplication of keys. As many homes and business make use of more advanced security measures these days you might also be responsible for the installation of electronic alarm systems. You could be called out to deal with locks that malfunction or to drill safe locks and people also often turn to locksmiths for advice on security measures. Of course, if you run your own business, you might also be responsible for the administrative duties required for running a shop.
How Much Can I Potentially Earn When Employed In This Industry?
When employed as a locksmith, your salary amount will largely depend on whether or not you are working for yourself or for a boss. Additional factors, such as the location of your business and services that you offer can also play an important role. According to the occupational employment statistics published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, locksmiths and safe repairers earned an annual wage of about $40,420 per year as of May 2016. They also indicate that the states with the highest annual mean wage are Alaska, District of Columbia, Connecticut and California. Locksmiths who handle a lot of emergency calls after hours can earn a lot more income than those who only operate during normal working hours.
What Are The Other Advantages of Studying Locksmithing and Safe Repair?
If you would love working in a field where you never stop learning then studying locksmithing can be a good match for you. Security measures are constantly improving, which means you will continually be learning new skills to stay competitive. It is also a good career choice if you enjoy helping people or would like to ensure that people are able to safeguard themselves or their belongings. Finally, many locksmiths are drawn to this career because they enjoy managing their own time and driving to where their services are needed instead of being stuck in an office the entire day.
