Become a locksmith

Do you have what it takes to become a locksmith?

The locksmithing industry in the UK is vast and encompasses a diverse range of different locksmith and security services for both domestic and commercial customers. Demands for Locksmith services are generally very stable and people who have locksmith training are in constant demand driven by many factors*.

*Dependant on location

Ask yourself; do you possess the following skills and traits?

• Honesty, respect and are able to be discrete where necessary
• An eye for detail when carrying out intricate procedures
• The ability to gain an understanding of mechanics and electronics
• Analytically minded
• Customer service skills
• Persistence to finish a job
• Valid UK driving license

Did you answer yes to the majority of these? If so then a career as a locksmith could be a very realistic option for you!

What’s next?

If you are still interested in becoming a locksmith the next step would be to research where you can train to be a locksmith. When looking into locksmith training it is important to do your research to make sure you are doing a locksmith course that best suits your own needs and requirements. Find out more about locksmith training here.

As well as researching locksmith training centres it is also worth researching the area in which you were to work if you did pass your training to see what the competition is like. This will help you to get an idea of the work that may be available to you and help you to ensure you are making a career change that will be viable. 

Claiming ELC after leaving the Military

The ELC claims process for those who are no longer in the Armed Forces

 

After completing years of service with the Armed Forces, ex-service personnel can make an ELC claim for up to ten years from the last day of service. 

  

Ex-service personnel who have registered on the Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme whilst serving may claim up to £1,000 per financial year towards training course fees, if four years’ of service have been completed by the individual. If eight or more years’ of service have been completed by the individual they can claim £2,000. A total of three claims can be made, including those of which that have already been claimed whilst serving.

Making a claim...

To make an ELC claim, go to the ELCAS website www.enhancedlearningcredits.com/Claiming/Claiming%20ELC%20Only/ and download the claims form and fully complete it except for Parts 4 and 5 as these will be completed by staff in the single services.

After you have completed the form you will need to send to the relevant address with the following supporting material:

• Proof of last day of service

• Information about the course (including proof of level of qualification/accreditation) 

• Photocopy of a utility bill which states your home address

• Photocopy of a photo driving license or passport

• Telephone number (daytime)

 

Where to send your claims if you are no longer serving...

• Royal Navy – ELC Manager NTE (ER2), Floor 3, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building, Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth, PO2 8BY

• Army – Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager, DEdCap, Zone 4, Floor 2, Ramillies Building, Army HQ, Monxton Road, Andover, SP11 8HT

• Royal Air Force – Learning Credits Adminstrator, 22 (Trg) Gp, Rm 227, Trenchard Hall, RAFC Cranwell, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 8HB 

If your claim is eligible it will then be sent on to ELCAS, who will check whether you are registered for the ELC scheme and are eligible to receive funding. Once this has been processed ELCAS will then send your Claims Authorisation Note (CAN) to your single – service education/learning staff, with an evaluation form. They will then forward the CAN to your home address; this process takes around two weeks.  

All applications must be submitted to SDEs/SRRs for approval at least 25 clear working days prior to the course commencing. Approved applications will then be submitted by SDEs/SSRs to ELCAS.

Claimants must then present the CAN to their chosen training provider before the course commences. The CAN allows the training provider to invoice Defence Business Services for the appropriate funding amount (£1,000 or £2,000 – dependant on your eligibility).  

When you have completed your course you must also complete the evaluation form and return it to ELCAS. Please note if you do not do this it may jeopardise the next claim you make. 

For full details of how to claim go to the ELCAS website www.enhancedlearningcredits.com.

Read more about ELC funding and claiming to take a locksmith training course on the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy website www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/elc-funding/

Using Enhanced Learning Credits with Individual Resettlement Training Costs

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has improved funding for Military leavers so that they can use learning credits such as Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) during their resettlement period with their Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) to pay towards the cost of an eligible training course.

Claiming IRTC with ELC

 

When using IRTC with ELC during resettlement, the individual may use the IRTC element to pay for, in part or in full, the 20% minimum personal contribution required. Unlike ELC funding, any unspent IRTC may also be directed towards another training activity!

Use it or lose it!

The IRTC funding will need to be used up before you leave the Armed Forces – if you don’t use it, you will lose it!

Funding combinations during the resettlement period

IRTC may be used together with ELC or SLC, but all three cannot be amalgamated. ELC and SLC are designed to fund different learning purposes and cannot be used together. For example, SLC may not be used to fund an exam for a course of study that has been supported by ELC. The MoD monitors providers closely to ensure that costs remain competitive and are not inflated to obtain the maximum funding available.

When using IRTC with ELC or SLC during resettlement, the individual may use the IRTC element to pay for, in part or in full, the 20% minimum personal contribution. This exception will be permitted only under these specific circumstances; otherwise the rules for each scheme remain unchanged. The MoD decided that funding should be optimised to enable Service leavers to undertake valid resettlement activities to help them secure employment. Some element of personal contribution will usually continue, especially for more expensive, higher-level qualifications where the 20% minimum will more than likely be exceeded.

Rules and guidance to claiming funding combinations

How it works...

The rules:

• IRTC + ELC                           YES

• IRTC + SLC                           YES

• IRTC + ELC +SLC                    NO

Key Points

 

• IRTC must be used in conjunction with ELC or SLC to fund a recognised learning activity, in accordance with each schemes rules.

• An SLC or ELC claim should be submitted, with the individual making their minimum 20% personal contribution.  

• An IRTC claim should be submitted either in advance of the allowance or in retrospect, once the learning activity has been completed.

Read more about ELC funding and claiming IRTC to take a locksmith training course on the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy website www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/elc-funding/

Enhanced Learning Credits

What is ELC?

 

Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) is a scheme run by the Military of Defence (MOD) as part of an initiative to promote lifelong learning amongst those who are members of the Armed Forces. The scheme helps to provide financial support in the form of a single payment that you receive each year for a maximum of three years. This means that it can be used both during your time in the forces and also for a considerable time after leaving.

Joining 

 

In order to join this scheme you must be in the Armed Forces, you can register during your first year of service. Forms are available from education staffs, learning and education centres and the ELC Administration Service (ELCAS) website www.enhancedlearningcredits.com.  

Requirements

 

Before being able to make an ELC claim you must be able to meet the following requirements:

• To be eligible for lower tier ELC funding (£1000), you must have been serving in the armed forces for at least 4 years.
• To be eligible for higher tier ELC funding (£2000), you must have been serving in the armed forces for at least 8 years.
• The only exception to this is if you left the forces before April 2008 then you will only be eligible for a lower tier claim regardless of your length of service.
• If you are a service leaver, you can still claim for ELC funding, up to 10 years after leaving the forces.
• Each eligible claimant may make a total of 3 claims.
• Only 1 claim may be made for learning activities commencing in any one financial year.
• Courses must be National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3 or above for both lower and higher tier claimants in order to receive funding. 

Read more about ELC funding and claiming to take a locksmith training course on the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy website www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/elc-funding/

Locksmith Training with Keytek

Whether you’re looking to make a career change or brushing up on your locksmithing skills, the Keytek Locksmith Training Academy offers a variety of courses to suit your training level... 

Training to be a locksmith can lead to a long and rewarding career. However, with many individuals and private companies to choose from, all marketing their services for consideration, collectively offering a huge range of courses, finding the correct locksmith training provider ‘for you’ can be a challenge in any situation, within any industry.

Identifying the correct training facility and course is absolutely vital and the first step to gaining success in your chosen career as a professional locksmith. Before choosing the type of training that best suits your needs, you should think about what are your actual requirements to meet your own personal objectives.

Ask yourself the following questions when reviewing various training facilities and courses...

• Have you considered the full range of locksmith training available, such as professional bodies and standards, individual or group training, gaining experience in related skills or relevant work experience?
• Have you considered the different levels at which locksmith training can be gained?
• Do you need foundation skills training and is there the possibility to gain further specific skills later on to enhance your knowledge?
• Have you identified your own training needs to reach your personal goals and aspirations?

The best training provision can often be provided by those organisations who actually operate day to day within the industry in which you are looking to enter or progress.

The Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy

Since 2010 we have been operating a Locksmith Training Academy in Poole, Dorset to help set the standards for the locksmithing industry and provide support for our nationwide customer base.

Over this time the Academy has grown significantly - becoming a preferred supplier with the CTP in September 2010, being given approved centre status in February 2012 enabling us to offer an NCFE level 3 Accreditation and then furthering this by being approved in January 2013 to offer an NCFE level 4 Accreditation. To date many students have passed our various courses to meet the high working standards that are pinnacle to help improve the current standards within the industry and are vital to its longevity.       

The ongoing goal and commitment of the Academy is to offer those wishing to join the industry a gateway to a career as a professional locksmith through it’s courses and experience. All courses run by the Academy are taught by highly experienced and respected industry experts. The Academy is also the only training provider in the Country that is able to provide a Level 4 Accreditation through it’s 5 and 8 day courses.

If you have any questions regarding the courses provided by the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy or would like to be sent an information pack, please call the Academy Team on 01202 711 195 or find out more about the locksmith courses we run by visiting www.locksmiths-training.co.uk
 

Follow our locksmith training story by clicking the timeline below...

An Interview with Head Trainer Craig

The Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy was officially launched in 2010 welcoming its first students through the door in March of that year.

To date the Academy has grown in leaps and bounds – from becoming a preferred supplier with the CTP in September 2010, to being given approved centre status by the NCFE in February 2012 – enabling us to offer a level 3 Accreditation. After which we registered to be an approved learning provider with the Military of Defence (MOD) and subsequently from here we were awarded the use of Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) in April 2012. Further to this in January 2013 the Keytek™ Academy were given approval to offer an NCFE level 4 Accreditation, and remains the only Locksmith training supplier able to do so...

The Keytek™ Academy continues to grow, tailoring it’s courses to specific industry requirements, offering advanced courses to those already in the industry wanting to enhance their skills with the latest techniques and technologies.

Below is an interview with our Head Trainer, Craig Hayward.

What type of locksmith courses do you offer?

Our course offerings include something for everyone, a range from 1 day refresher and specialist courses, right through to our NCFE level 4 accredited complete 8 day course.

What are the locksmith training facilities like?

The Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy (LSTA) is a purpose built; state of the art Locksmith training facility. The building consists of a classroom where the majority of the presentations are held and a main practical training area. Each candidate is allocated their own brand new wooden door and frame with a fully functioning uPVC door profile and mechanism attached in a custom built rig, giving each of the candidates their own personal workspace throughout the week.

I’m military; can I use my ELC funding towards a course?

Yes, we are an approved provider learning provider with the MOD, both the 5 and 8 day courses hold a level 4 Accreditation. More information on claiming ELC can be found on our website www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/elc-funding/

Do you offer courses for specialist areas of expertise such as auto locksmithing and UPVC repair?

We offer courses in many specialist areas of locksmithing including UPVC, Non-Destructive Entry, Vehicle Opening , Boarding up, Mortice Picking.

I’m not very academic – how much of the course is written compared with practical?

The Locksmith profession is very hands on and so are our courses. There are presentations included within each course, tailored to ensure that we present only relevant information so as not to overload the candidate with unneeded information. We provide hand-outs covering each sessions contents at the end of each day, this way our candidates don’t get swamped in a huge file of information at the end of the course and are able to digest each section in bite sized chunks.

Will I get any accreditation or qualification on completion of the course?

Keytek™ are proud to be the only Locksmith Training provider in the UK to be offering an NCFE Level 4 Accreditation – the highest level of accreditation within the industry at present. We take pride in the fact that with no formal ‘Qualifications’ available to Locksmiths, we are able to offer the very highest in Accreditation standards to the Industry. Keytek™ locksmiths also operate the only fully Accredited Locksmith network in the UK.

Do I need any qualifications to legally operate as a locksmith?

Technically, no! The Locksmith Industry continues to operate with no legal guidance or regulation. The good news is that more and more training centres are choosing to offer an independent accreditation on successful completion of their course which is helping to ensure a consistent level of competency for all new locksmiths to the Industry. The majority of courses offering a level 3 Accreditation or above are considered within the industry to be the most widely accepted standard of training.

Do you offer assistance and guidance on other areas of starting my locksmith business?

All of our courses contain valuable information on how to start your own Locksmith business and are based on many years of experience, backed up by a complete support mechanism at head office including an Accounts team, a 24 hour Technical Support Team, Marketing and Engineer Liaison departments. We also offer a 3 day on site experience with one of the instructors from the training Academy, visiting real customers on real jobs, which has proven to be a great success and helps demonstrate good business operation.

Can you help me find work once I have passed the course?

Absolutely! The Keytek™ LSTA was launched to support the Keytek™ Locksmith engineer network. Part of the course booking process includes offering each candidate an overview of potential work available to them on a sub contractual basis through Keytek™ Locksmiths. We actively recruit in areas that we need extra coverage or support, meaning if a candidate is booked on a course, on successful completion the likelihood is that we will be able to offer work to them.

Do you supply on-going support once I have completed my course should I come up against a difficult situation?

Full back up and support is available to each and every candidate on completion of any course. We have a number of departments as mentioned previously that can help you with every aspect of running your business, from accounting through to ordering replacement parts. We also have a dedicated out of hours Technical line with highly skilled and experienced Locksmiths, available 24/7 to help you with those tricky little jobs!

Which tools do you recommend to your graduates?

We like to let each candidate make up their own mind on which tools they would like to purchase, but to help with the decision making process we have a huge range of tools available to trial on the course from a host of manufacturers. The course is predominantly hands on and each candidate has plenty of time, with tuition, to get to grips with the range of tools on offer.

Craig Hayward

Head Trainer at the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy

For more information on the courses offered at the Locksmith Training Academy please visit www.locksmiths-training.co.uk

Non-destructive entry course...

The Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy is pleased to announce our fourth new locksmith course for 2014; the ‘Non-destructive Entry Course’!

Being able to gain entry to a door quickly and without causing damage is an essential skill for locksmiths.

Our new Non-destructive Entry Course has been put together to provide those wishing to take the course with a comprehensive guide. This includes the range of tooling available and hands on training to help build onsite confidence when using non-destructive methods in a lockout situation.

“The secret to being able to carry out a non destructive opening technique is understanding the product you are working with.” (Craig Hayward, Head Trainer)

The course covers non-destructive opening techniques on the following types of locks:

• Cylinders – Euro, Oval, rim and wafer type cylinders
• Complete range of Nightlatches
• 2 and 3 lever mortices (Mortice Opening Course also available) 
• uPVC door mechanisms
• Garage and patio door locks
• Radial Cylinders

Class numbers are limited to a maximum of 6 people per course. 

An existing understanding of the locks listed above is desirable but not essential.

Contact us

To find out more about the Non-destructive Entry Course http://www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/keytek-1-day-non-destructive-entry-course/ or call 01202 711 195.

More on the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy…

 

For over four years now Keytek™ Emergency Locksmiths have been running a Locksmith Training Academy in Poole, Dorset to help set the standards for the locksmithing industry and provide support for it’s nationwide customer base.

The initial goal of the Locksmith Academy is to offer those wishing to join the industry a gateway to a career as a professional locksmith through its locksmith courses. It is in fact the only training provider in the country that is able to provide a Level 4 Accreditation, which is the highest level of Accreditation within the industry.

The Academy is not only aimed at new comers to the industry but also aims to help industry professionals enhance their skills in the latest techniques and technology. All of the courses are run at the Academy’s comfortable, state of the art facilities and are taught by highly experienced industry professionals.

Vehicle Opening Course

The Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy is pleased to announce our third new course for 2014; the ‘Vehicle Opening Course’!

There is a clear difference between offering an opening service on vehicles and being a complete vehicle locksmith. This can be a fantastic opportunity for an existing locksmith to build their skill set and improve the scope of services they are able to offer the customer.

“The idea behind any non-destructive opening approach is to have many different methods available to hand as possible to ensure a positive outcome.” (Craig Hayward, Head Trainer)

The one day course covers a variety of different non-destructive methods and tools that can be used to successfully open a vehicle, all of which have been tried and tested by the Keytek™ Team.  

The course price also includes a tool kit with a selection of the best tools for vehicle opening. An understanding of lock picking in general is desirable but not essential.

One on one expert tuition is also available - enquire for more details.

Contact us

To find out more about the Vehicle Opening Course visit www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/keytek1-day-vehicle-opening-course/ or call 01202 711 195.

More on the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy…

For over four years now Keytek™ Emergency Locksmiths have been running a Locksmith Training Academy in Poole, Dorset to help set the standards for the locksmithing industry and provide support for it’s nationwide customer base.

The initial goal of the Locksmith Academy is to offer those wishing to join the industry a gateway to a career as a professional locksmith through its locksmith courses. It is in fact the only training provider in the country that is able to provide a Level 4 Accreditation, which is the highest level of Accreditation within the industry.

The Academy is not only aimed at new comers to the industry but also aims to help industry professionals enhance their skills in the latest techniques and technology. All of the courses are run at the Academy’s comfortable, state of the art facilities and are taught by highly experienced industry professionals.

Non Destructive Entry and uPVC Course…

The Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy is pleased to announce our second new course offering for 2014; the ‘Non Destructive Entry and uPVC Course’!

Identification, Identification...

“The Key to opening any type of lock is identification. Identification of the lock itself and also identification of the right tools for the job!” (Craig Hayward, Head Trainer)

This two day course covers all aspects of uPVC and wooden door lock identification, as well as by passing and opening various types of doors and locks.

The course units cover all aspects of identification, understanding, re-levering, retrofitting, picking and more...  

Class numbers are limited to 6 people per course. An existing understanding of the locks listed above is desirable but not essential.

Contact us

To find out more about the Keytek™ ‘Non Destructive Entry and uPVC Course’ visit www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/keytek-two-day-non-destructive-entry-and-upvc-course/ or call 01202 711 195

More on the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy…    

For over four years now Keytek™ Emergency Locksmiths have been running a Locksmith Training Academy in Poole, Dorset to help set the standards for the locksmithing industry and provide support for it’s nationwide customer base.

The initial goal of the Locksmith Academy is to offer those wishing to join the industry a gateway to a career as a professional locksmith through its locksmith courses. It is in fact the only training provider in the country that is able to provide a Level 4 Accreditation, which is the highest level of Accreditation within the industry.

The Academy is not only aimed at new comers to the industry but also aims to help industry professionals enhance their skills in the latest techniques and technology. All of the courses are run at the Academy’s comfortable, state of the art facilities and are taught by highly experienced industry professionals.

Mortice Opening Course

The Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy is excited to announce that we will be running a range of new courses this year...

 

The first of these new courses to be is the ‘2 Day Mortice Lock Opening Course’.

Identification, Identification...

 

“The Key to opening a mortice lock is identification. Identification of the lock itself and also identification of the right tools for the job!” (Craig Hayward – Head Trainer)

This 2 day course covers all aspects of mortice identification and opening from basic 2 and 3 lever locks right the way through to picking and decoding 5 lever Current BS locks.  

The course includes identification, understanding, Re levering, picking and more...

The course price also includes a tool kit including a selection of the best picks.

Class numbers limited to a maximum of 6 people per course. An existing understanding of mortice locks is desirable but not essential.

Contact us

 

To find out more about the Keytek™ Mortice Opening Course visit www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/two-day-mortice-opening-course/ or call 01202 711 195.

More on the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy...

 

For over four years now Keytek™ Emergency Locksmiths have been running a Locksmith Training Academy in Poole, Dorset to help set the standards for the locksmithing industry and provide support for it’s nationwide customer base.

The initial goal of the Locksmith Academy is to offer those wishing to join the industry a gateway to a career as a professional locksmith through its locksmith courses. It is in fact the only training provider in the country that is able to provide a Level 4 Accreditation, which is the highest level of Accreditation within the industry.

The Academy is not only aimed at new comers to the industry but also aims to help industry professionals enhance their skills in the latest techniques and technology. All of the courses are run at the Academy’s comfortable, state of the art facilities and are taught by highly experienced industry professionals.

Guest blog post from Locksmith Training Academy student Thomas

Earlier on this year Academy student Thomas took a 5 day NCFE level 4 course in locksmithing. In this guest blog post Thomas talks about his experiences, skills and knowledge in locksmithing of which he has gained whilst taking a course at the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy.  

For more information in regards to the courses run at the Keytek Locksmith Training Academy please visit www.locksmiths-training.co.uk

"After recently completing the Keytek™ Academy course I was very impressed with the extent of the skills demonstrated and aspects of the industry that are covered within the week."

"I came to the academy with little to no knowledge or skills in locksmithing and carpentry. The techniques shown by the course trainer were a great starting point and simple enough for me to understand."

"The course content itself included techniques that would be needed for both lock fitting on site and upgrading a customer’s locks to British Insurance Standards. This demonstrated to me the importance of fitting parts that will be in compliance with a customer’s home insurance."

"The course content covered the fitting of a wide range of locks, the destructive and non destructive methods of entry including uPVC mechanisms and wooden doors and how they operate. I left the course feeling that I could happily start working within the locksmithing industry with a great overall understanding of the trade, which has helped me to complete jobs for customers with confidence." 

"A huge thank you to all of those involved, including the patience and care taken by the course trainers to ensure everybody received individual feedback and guidance. In conclusion, I am happy to have passed an accredited NCFE Level 4 course in locksmithing. After taking this course I feel confident enough to carry out the skills taught by the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy on the road."  

Thomas

Academy Course Student 2013

Locksmith Training and Locksmith Jobs for Armed Forces Leavers

What you need to know

Every year, hundreds of men and women leave the armed forces and are faced with the challenge of re-integrating with civilian life and work. It can be a stressful time, but one which the government has tried to ease with the Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) and Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) schemes, which provide funding for re-training in a new career.

The funding can be used for a huge variety of educational and training opportunities (everything from fine art degrees to flight training), but one of the most common uses is to put it towards the cost of a locksmith training course.

Find out more about using your funding here www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/elc-funding/ 

So why are locksmith courses so popular with military leavers?

 

First of all, the industry itself is attractive for a whole number of reasons. Demand for locksmiths is high, and is largely recession-proof (people are always going to get locked out of their homes!), while the nature of the work offers a degree of flexibility when it comes to working hours.

Locksmithing is also a job that is particularly well suited to military leavers. The key characteristics required to be a successful locksmith include a confident manner, perseverance, and the ability to carry out skilled manual work – all of which are traits common to those who have spent any length of time in the Armed Forces.

Working for Keytek™

Keytek™ is one of the largest National Locksmiths in the UK providing both Domestic and Commercial locksmith services for over 15 years. Over the years the Company has been able to build an extensive Engineer Network across the UK and Northern Ireland. Engineers wanting to join the Engineer Network will join on a sub contractual basis, meaning that working hours and time off is tailored to suit their needs. Keytek™ is able to provide all of it’s Engineers with all the help and support they need from technical to paperwork in the form of the Technical Department and Engineer Liaison Team.

To find out more about National Locksmith Keytek™ visit www.keytek.co.uk

So what kind of training is needed to become a locksmith?

Most people who are completely new to locksmithing start with a short, intensive course which allows them hands-on practice and expert tuition on the essentials of the industry. While this course will not give a comprehensive knowledge of all there is to know about locksmithing (that only comes with years of experience and constant learning), it does give a firm foundation to start working in the industry, either as an independent operator or as a sub contractor for an established company.

Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy

The Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy offers a variety of locksmith training courses to help you on the way to starting your career as a professional locksmith and is the only training provider able to offer a Level 4 Accreditation, the highest level accreditation within the industry.

All courses are taught in state of the art facilities and are tutored by highly experienced industry professionals. The locksmith training courses are tailored to meet specific industry requirements and to suit the needs of military leavers as newcomers to the industry.

If you have any questions regarding the courses provided by the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy or would like to be sent an information pack, please call the Academy Team on 01202 711 195 or to find out more about the locksmith courses we run visit www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/locksmith-training-courses-2/

Setting standards for the industry through Locksmith Training...

For over four years now Keytek™ Emergency Locksmiths have been running a Locksmith Training Academy in Poole, Dorset to help set the standards for the locksmithing industry and provide support for it’s nationwide customer base.

The initial goal of the Locksmith Academy is to offer those wishing to join the industry a gateway to a career as a professional locksmith through its locksmith courses. It is in fact the only training provider in the country that is able to provide a Level 4 Accreditation, which is the highest level of Accreditation within the industry. The Academy is not only aimed at new comers to the industry but also aims to help industry professionals enhance their skills in the latest techniques and technology. All of the courses are run at the Academy’s comfortable, state of the art facilities and are taught by highly experienced industry professionals.    

Find out more about the courses run at the Academy by visiting www.locksmiths-training.co.uk or calling 01202 711 195

Benefits

Those who have trained through the Keytek™ Academy are able to benefit from further help and support from Keytek™

These benefits include...

• Ongoing 24hr onsite technical help from the in-house Technical Department.

• Discounted stock and tools.

• Full stock ordering facilities.

Military Leavers

For Military leavers locksmith courses have always been increasingly popular particularly because it is so well suited to the characteristics required to be a successful locksmith and the ability to carry out skilled manual work. Next week’s blog post in the locksmith training series will be going into more detail about locksmith training for Armed Forces Leavers. 

To ease the transition for Military leavers in their resettlement period the government are able to provide funding through Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC).

To find out more about using ELC funding towards a locksmith course at the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy please visit www.locksmiths-training.co.uk/elc-funding

What Makes a Good Locksmith?

Here at the Keytek Academy we train a lot of locksmiths who go on to join the team of engineers in the Keytek National Engineer Network, as well as others who go on to work in their own businesses. We have a pretty good idea of the qualities that are important for working in our industry, and that all good locksmiths tend to have in common. Here are our top five characteristics that are useful to have if you are starting out as a locksmith:

1.    People Skills

 

On many occasions, a locksmith is likely called out in an emergency situation, meaning that the customer may well be stressed and irritable by time the engineer arrives on the scene. As a locksmith it is your job to put the customer at their ease - a professional manner is crucial here to reassure them that you know what you’re doing, and having a good sense of humour often helps as well!

This is one reason why armed forces leavers often make great locksmiths, as their confident and well-mannered demeanour tends to make a very good impression on customers.

2.    High Working Standards and Dedication

 

The most effective way to succeed against the competition and build a strong reputation is by going the extra mile for your customers, making no shortcuts and ensuring you do the best possible work on every job you work on.

Poorly motivated locksmiths may think they are doing okay in the very short term, but bad news spreads fast, and before long the reputational damage done by their shoddy work and lack of dedication will be irreparable.

3.    Industry Knowledge

 

A locksmith comes up against various different types of challenges every day, and this demands a lot of specialist knowledge and know-how.

Much of this comes from practice and experience in the field, but at the Keytek Academy we ensure our locksmith trainees get the best possible start by learning to identify, operate, open and fit all the major lock types, including cylinders, backsets, mortice locks and uPVC doors. Our complete accredited course also involves learning about mortice and cylinder key cutting, as well as car opening techniques.

4.    Analytical Mind

 

In essence, being a good locksmith is about being good at problem solving. As a locksmith you will encounter challenges that require you to have an analytical mind to understand the problem and devise the best solution. This means having a strong understanding of how mechanics and electronics work, and being able to deploy some lateral thinking to get to your desired outcome.

The problem-solving nature of the work means that locksmiths often experience a keen sense of job satisfaction – every new job successfully tackled provides a sense of fulfilment, because you knoe you’ve given the customer a professional and worthwhile service.

5.    Willingness to Learn

 

Even experienced locksmiths aren’t walking encyclopedias – in an industry as varied as ours, it’s a constant learning process. Keytek engineers have full technical back-up available when they go out on a job, so they always know support is at hand if needed. The important thing is to be willing to pick up knowledge as you go, building on your core skills with ever-greater depth of specialism and understanding.