Locksmith is a great career choice, but it can be hard to get started.
There are many ways to become a locksmith, and the best way for you depends on your interests and skills. You could go back to school or take an apprenticeship program. Or you might want to start as an assistant before becoming licensed.
No matter what path you choose, some steps will help make your journey easier. Below we’ve listed some of the most important steps you should take.
Train! Train! Train!
The first step is to learn the trade. There are many options to do this. Locksmithing courses are offered at community colleges and vocational schools. These courses can take anywhere from three months to four years to complete. These classes will teach you how to lockpick many different locks. You will also learn how to install locks and cut keys properly. You even have options to take more specialized courses such as a commercial or automotive locksmith.
Another pretty rare option in any other field but still quite common in locksmithing is to complete an unpaid apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you will be learning how to do everything on the job versus sitting in a classroom. This can be an excellent option for people who prefer to learn by doing or want to learn from a local professional.
Build Up Your Experience
As a locksmith, you are only as good as your experience. You can have years of training, but you don’t know how well you work in the real world until you get out there and do the work. Knowing how to change a lock on paper isn’t the same as changing a lock while kids are screaming or running around you. You must learn how to work under pressure and deal with people who are typically pretty stressed out from the situation. Learning how to handle these situations takes time and experience.
To become a licensed locksmith in most states, they require at least one year of experience on the job. Luckily, many locksmithing companies are happy to hire newly trained professionals. You may not always have the best schedule being the most recent hire, but you will gain the experience you need to grow and flourish as a technician.
Get Licensed and Certified
Many companies are now requiring licensing before hiring you as a locksmith. Even if your company doesn’t need it, it is still good to have. Being a certified locksmith will make it easier for you to find a job, and your customers will feel more secure knowing the professional entrusted with their security is licensed. Licensing usually requires you to be fingerprinted and to have a clean background check.
Another option you can do in addition is to get certified. Being certified will make you stand out from other locksmiths. The ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) offers multiple certifications and levels you can work upwards through. These certifications are based on the passing of an exam. You must score at least 70% to pass. If you are certified, it can make attracting customers or hiring a locksmith company easier.
Stay Involved
Once you are trained, licensed, certified, and experienced, you are free to work as a locksmith. You can open your own locksmithing business or work for an already established company. No matter which choice you make, it is helpful to remain involved in the general locksmithing community. Staying involved allows you to keep up with changing technologies or guidelines.
One way to stay involved is by taking continuing education courses. These courses will keep you up to date on new methods and information needed to do your job accurately. Completing these courses can also allow you to specialize in other areas, increasing your customer base.
Another way to stay involved is by joining a locksmithing organization. You can join the ALOA or other professional locksmithing organizations. These organizations often provide benefits to their members, such as legal help or discounted insurance rates.
Conclusion
Locksmithing is a career with many opportunities to grow and learn. There are so many different aspects of the job that you can specialize in, such as commercial locksmith or automotive locksmith.
The best way to become an expert at this type of work is by gaining experience and building your skillset over time through continuing education courses or online resources.
It’s also essential for any professional locksmith to stay involved in their community–join a local organization like ALOA, where you’ll find benefits including legal help and discounted insurance rates.
If you’re looking for more information on how to become a licensed locksmith in Texas, you can contact ASAP Locksmith company in Dallas, Texas.
This article has been brought to you by Dustin Fernandez; The owner of ASAP Locksmith. The company provides the best mobile locksmith services in Dallas, TX. If you want to know more about the company and its locksmith services in Arlington, TX, and the surrounding areas, visit their website: asaplocksmithdallas-tx.com.
