Locksmith

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So, you want to be a Locksmith?

Here’s what you need.

• honest and trustworthy
• manual dexterity
• good hand-eye coordination
• good oral and written communication skills
• safety conscious
• good personal presentation

What do Locksmiths do?

Locksmiths evaluate security requirements and install and maintain locks and related security equipment.

Locksmiths may perform tasks including:

• determine security requirements through on-site inspection and risk assessment by customer consultation;
• design or recommend appropriate systems such as safes, strongrooms, master key systems, alarms or door and window locks;
• install, replace and maintain locking systems, alarms and access control systems;
• cut new or duplicate keys using keycutting machines or by hand;
• open locked safes, doors or padlocks by manipulation when keys have been mislaid;
• repair, service, recode and fit keys to automotive locks;
• sell locks, safes and associated hardware;
• design and construct master key systems manually or by computer; and
• design and install electronic alarm systems.

Locksmiths may specialise in lock manipulation, security alarm systems, safe work, key manufacture and identification, door closer work and master key systems.

Locksmiths work with minimal supervision and may spend some time travelling from job to job. They may work irregular hours

How do I become a Locksmith?

Firstly, you will need to do some work experience so that you know what the job is about. If you think it’s for you, find an employer that is looking for an apprentice locksmith. You will then become an apprentice locksmith and will you will complete a certificate III in Engineering (locksmith) at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Once you have completed the four year apprenticeship, you will be a qualified tradie!

What Next?

Once you are a tradie in the construction industry, you can continue working for small or large companies and move into leading hand, supervising or management positions. You might even want to start your own business and employ apprentices yourself. Some tradies even go on to further education to complete courses from Certificate IV to bachelor level. There are plenty of options for qualified locksmtih.