Locksmith Training Courses - Lock Picking - Lock Opening - Locksmith Tools

A: This is a yes & no question! Yes, you will have gained the skills and knowledge required to start working as a general domestic and commercial locksmith, and this can be as soon as you leave the course. But No, you could not at this stage call yourself a fully competent locksmith......... Confused......read on. Our two-day course will give you the foundation needed to becomming a Locksmith and running your own successfull business, or adding additional skills to your current job or trade. Only you will know when you are ready, and feel competent enough to start doing the job for real. Over the two days you will have opened the types of locks in most common use today, and gained an understanding of how and why these locks can be picked and manipulated, using various opening techniques. There are of course hundreds of different locks out there and it would be impossible for us to show you them all. Attending the course will get you off on the right foot, though we have to stress that you will still have a fair amount to learn, and this takes time, commitment, and a willingness to achieve. Having gained the skills and knowledge you will have been taught on the two-day course, you will be able to improve and build upon these in your own time, and at your own pace. A lot will be learnt when you first start out and on your first few jobs. This is also why we run the Advanced courses, so you can learn at a sensible and realistic pace, learn what you need to learn, and also to suit your budget.

Q: What type of Locksmith will I be?

A: Our courses are designed to teach general locksmithing skills, opening domestic & commercial locks, lock repair, lock fitting etc, which are all fundamental skills that all locksmiths should have. Some locksmiths then choose to move into more specialised areas of locksmithing such as auto specialist, safe and vault specialist, access control specialist etc. The one thing these will have in common are general locksmith skills as their foundation.

Q: Some Locksmith training companies offer a five-day course?

A: You will learn the same on our two-day course, as any five-day course on offer. In fact we cover more types of lock than many of the five-day courses availiable. The main difference is that each module is condensed down, giving maximum ‘Hands on’ training, as opposed to stretching each module out, this can become 'mind numbing'!. The theory side is covered throughout the course and there is no written work required as all the information you need is contained in your course manual. This then allows you to leave the course and practice your skills at your own pace and in your own time and it also saves you ££££’s. As you progress you can then opt to attend our one-to-one advanced training sessions, bespoke courses designed around individual requirements.

Q: Can I visit the workshop before I decide to book a course?

 A: Yes. Anyone thinking of attending a course is welcome to come and visit us at our training workshop. You are also more than welcome to bring along some locks of your own so you can see first hand these being picked. Just give us a call to arrange a visit.

Q: Where will I get my work from when I first start my business?

A: Any new business takes time to grow and become established. Most new Locksmiths tend to be mobile based and therefore do not have the advantage of shop based business's who can profit from passing trade. Phone books for instance are only published once a year so it may be a case of having to wait a while to advertise in these. It is simply a case of letting people know that you are there, work will not initially come to you! Business cards, flyers, and local newspaper advertising are cheap & simple ways to get your business noticed. Websites are a good form of advertising and need'nt be expensive to set up. How you get your business noticed is a matter of choice, but we will show you what we know works, from a Locksmiths perspective.

Q: How do I start my business, how much will I earn, and how much will it cost?

A: As part of our Two-day course you will recieve a comprehensive manual covering everything you have learnt during the course. Also within the manual is general Business start up advice and information. This covers subjects such as: Registering as self employed, Advertising, Insurance, Vehicles, and record keeping. There are also many organisations offering business start up advice which is totally free, as well as the wealth of information available on the internet. Don't waste money paying for business advice!

The earning potential of a locksmith can indeed be good, but some factors have to be taken into account. Any new business takes time to grow, and because of this it would be unrealistic to expect earnings of £1000 - £2000 per week when you first start out, as you may have heard elsewhere. Any new business will have start up costs, advertising, tools, insurance, vehicle etc, and all these things have to be taken into account, as it will of course reflect what you initialy earn. These costs will vary though depending on your budget and the type of services you will initially be offering. As with any business, the more work you put into it, the more you will get out of it, and this will only come with time, hard work, and patience.

Q: Some Locksmith Training Companies offer work from third parties after completing their course?

A: This is commonly known as sub-contracting, and can be a good way of getting work straight away whilst perhaps waiting for your own advertising to get under way. Take a look through the yellow pages and you will see numerous national Locksmith companies. They do not do the work they get themselves, as they are merely a call centre who will then pass the work onto local Locksmiths who are registered with them. It is simply a matter of choice if you choose to do this type of work. We are happy to pass on details of companies who offer sub-contracting though we do not make promises of work. Island Locks beleive that by having a good business plan, support from ourselves, and promoting your business positivley, is the best way of obtaining your own jobs. The more work you put into your business, the more success you will have.

Q: What qualifications do I need to trade as a Locksmith, and do I have to join an Association? 

A: Currently there are no qualifications required to trade as a Locksmith. Though some Locksmith associations offer there own ‘qualifications’ and ‘standards of practice’ joining should be thought about carefully. There are numerous associations available for Locksmiths to join, so choosing one can be difficult. Some training companies offer membership to certain locksmiths associations, and some associations offer training services. You should know that companies offering membership to associations after completing a course, are generally the associations themselves! It is simply a matter of choice if you join an association, and if you think this would benefit your business.

Q: What if I need additional help or advice after attending a course?

A: After you have been on our course we will back you up with on going 24hr help and support, for whatever reason. If you’re stuck on a job, or if you need to source a lock or tool, we will always just be a phone call away. This is available for as long as you need us, and has no cost or time restriction attached. You are also more than welcome to come back at any time and refresh your skills at our workshop, and this again is totally free of charge.

Q: How do I choose the right Training company?

A: Choosing a company to train with can be hard and at times confusing. Comparing companies and seeing exactly what you get for your money is a must. Course cost, location, overnight stays etc are always a consideration, but should not dictate your choice. Opting for a particular company on these grounds can be costly. Most importantly, choose a company you are comfortable with and feel will give you the most for the investment your making for your future. Please read this for more info.

Q: Why should I choose Island Locks?

A: All our courses are run by full time trading locksmiths, who use the techniques you will be taught, on a day-to-day basis. We are dedicated in training you to the highest standards and ethics, and being soleley a Locksmith company, we have no other vested interests. Our policy is to always, where possible, use non-destructive opening methods, and ensure that you have the skills necessary to use these methods upon completion of the course. This we guarantee.

 Q: Why is Island Locks a member of an American Association?

A: We are active members of ALOA - Associated Locksmiths of America, as we believe that anyone involved in the locksmith trade should work to a recognised and regulated code of ethics. Though this an American association, membership is worldwide and membership numbers are greater than any other association or related trade body. As members we are obliged to work to a recognised code of ethics, which we as locksmiths strongly believe in. Joining any association is always though a matter of choice. 

Q: Can I get financial help to train as a Locksmith?

A: Yes. We are a registered Locksmith training company working with the LSC - Learning & Skills council. They are able to assist you in obtaining a CDL - Career development loan, to enable you to attend a course. Click here for more Info.

Q: I have other questions?

A: Just give us a call, or email us, and we’ll be happy to answer them.

You can also find additional information, and answers to popular questions, by becoming a member of our site and visiting the Members Forum. Click here to join