If you’ve ever been locked out of your automobile an auto locksmith can feel like a lifesaver. Locksmiths still serve a vital role and, even with improving technology, traditional locks keep homes and businesses safe from those who are not meant to be there. Being a locksmith is a job that many people don’t necessarily think about, and it’s a service that also doesn’t attract much attention until a key is lost. However, it is a valuable profession and one that provides a service that turns an emergency into just an annoyance.
The Six Steps To Becoming a Locksmith
- Get Proper Training: the first step to becoming a professional locksmith is to get the proper training. This learning phase can be done in several ways, including trade schools, university courses, or an on-the-job apprenticeship through a local association or locksmithing business.
- Gain Work Experience: unlike some professions where you need a license before you can work, locksmithing requires you have relevant work experience before becoming licensed. Once you have completed your training you can either seek gainful employment in the industry or, some cases, when you have received your training through an apprenticeship, you may be able to continue working at that particular business.
- Get Your License: after receiving the proper amount of work experience (commonly a year) you can move to the next step of getting an official license. The requirements for licensing can vary depending on the state and also a background check, fingerprinting, and detailed application are required in most states.
- Consider Professional Certification: once licensed there are several certifications you can receive, each showing a higher rank and knowledge of the trade of locksmithing. These certifications can help your resume and can help you advance in your career.
- Know The Value of Training: once you have become a professional locksmith, further education is not a requirement. However, it is still highly valuable. By continuing to educate yourself, you keep your skills sharp, stay informed of industry changes, and also gain the training needed to gain specialized certifications.
- Join a Professional Organization: like many other professions, locksmithing has its own professional organizations. One of the largest is the ALOA and many states have their local organizations as well. While joining a professional organization is not required, the many benefits such as networking and discounts with various service providers can be well worth it.
Final Thoughts
Locksmithing is a profession that offers not only good pay but high levels of job satisfaction. A locksmith helps people when they need assistance and that is something that could easily bring you a good deal of professional satisfaction. It is a specialized skill that, with patience, a good eye for detail, and the ability to stay calm, you can master and turn it into a satisfying career.
