Become a Locksmith

The work

Locksmiths sell, install and maintain locks and make keys for homes, cars and businesses. They may also:

• sell, install and maintain security systems
• fit safes and security devices such as closed circuit television (CCTV)
• offer a 24-hour call-out service to people locked out of their car, home or business.

Some specialise in a particular area such as safes or cars.

Hours and Environment

Locksmiths usually work around 40 hours a week, which can include evenings and weekends. They may be based in a shop, or travel to visit customers on site. In firms that offer a 24 hour service, they may have to work some nights in order to respond to emergency call-outs.

A driving licence may be required.

Skills and Interests

To be a locksmith you will need:

• excellent manual dexterity and practical skills 
• good communication and customer care skills
• a patient approach, with the ability to pay attention to detail
• problem-solving skills
• an interest in electronic and mechanical equipment.

Entry

You will need:

• to have a good standard of secondary education, possibly with GCSEs in maths and English and a practical subject such as design and technology
• two references and a clean police record.

It could be useful if you have experience in carpentry or engineering.

There are two options for training. You can:

• train on the job with a local locksmith (please see the Training section for more information)
• do a short course run by the British Locksmiths Institute, which is part of  the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). 

The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is recognised as the regulating body for locksmithing by:

• the police
• the Home Office
• the British Standards Institute
• the Association of British Insurers.

Before you start a course you will be asked to apply for student membership of the BLI and your references will be taken up.

Courses are run at the Master Locksmiths Association’s (MLA) headquarters in Daventry. Please contact the MLA for details. See the Further Information section.

Training

You might be able to start as an 'apprentice' with a local company or with a franchise. As there are no formal apprenticeships in locksmithing you will need to contact locksmiths to see if they are prepared to take you on. You can search for local locksmiths on the MLA website which has a 'Find a Locksmith' database.

As an experienced locksmith you can update you skills and knowledge, and keep up to date with new products and developments, by doing further MLA courses. Please contact the MLA for more information.

Opportunities

There are over 2,000 professionally qualified locksmiths working in the UK.

There are opportunities with locksmithing companies, shops and security manufacturers. Most companies are quite small. Some of the larger, national companies operate franchises, mainly providing 24-hour mobile/emergency services. There are opportunities to become self-employed, although the sector is highly competitive, and careful market research is required.

DIY/hardware stores, shoe repairers and some large department stores also provide keycutting services requiring locksmiths.

The security market has grown over the past few years due to public concern over crime. Insurance company requirements and incentives for security system installations have also given rise to increased business for locksmiths.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Trainees can expect to earn around £10,000 rising to over £14,000 with experience and training.
A self-employed locksmith can earn in excess of £20,000 a year.

Further information