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Choosing the Best Locksmith Training in the UK: Your Guide to Locksmith Training Courses UK
- Steve JB Taylor
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of locksmithing? Brilliant choice! Whether you’re starting fresh, switching careers, or already have some experience under your belt, picking the right locksmith training course is crucial. It’s the foundation that will set you up for success in this hands-on, rewarding trade.
Today, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about locksmith training courses UK, helping you make the best decision for your future.
Let’s get started!
What to Look for in Locksmith Training Courses UK
When it comes to locksmith training, not all courses are created equal. You want to find a course that’s practical, comprehensive, and tailored to the UK market. Here’s what you should keep an eye on:
Course Content: Does it cover everything from basic lock picking to advanced security systems? Look for courses that include hands-on training with a variety of locks and tools.
Pre-Course Training: Before you even step foot in a classroom you want to have undertaken an online foundation course with the provider, that way you know about the tools, terminology and what to expect.
The Length of the Course: Some students want a quick course but that's a fast way into legal disputes, damaging doors, costing the new locksmith. A real locksmith training course should take around 1 week of pre-training, then 5 to 14 days of hands on training, followed by finishing training form up to 15 weeks before you start to work on the publics doors.
Accreditation and Certification: Is the course recognised by industry bodies such as the Guild of Master Locksmiths UK? A certified qualification can boost your credibility and open doors and may be mandatory to buy security restricted tools or to work for local authorities.
Trainer Experience: Who’s teaching you? Experienced locksmiths who’ve been in the field bring invaluable insights. Our instructors are a level 6 LTTA Trained locksmith which means they are also teachers but have worked for over decade in the industry earning over £50k per year which equals time on tools.
Flexibility: Can you study part-time or online? This is especially important if you’re juggling other commitments.
Business Skills: Since many locksmiths run their own mobile businesses, courses that include business training are a massive plus.
Equipment Provided: Some courses supply starter kits or locksmith tools, which can save you money and get you working faster.
Choosing a course that ticks these boxes will give you a solid foundation and confidence to launch your locksmith career.
Are locksmiths in demand in the UK?
You might be wondering, “Is locksmithing really a good career choice right now?” The answer is a resounding yes! Locksmiths are in steady demand across the UK for several reasons:
Security Concerns: With rising awareness about home and business security, people want reliable locksmiths to install and maintain locks.
Emergency Services: Lockouts happen all the time, and people need quick, trustworthy local help.
Technological Advances: Smart locks and electronic security systems are booming, creating new opportunities for locksmiths who keep up with the latest tech but like all new tech, it goes wrong.
Aging Population: Older homeowners often need assistance with lock upgrades and security advice.
Business Growth: Many locksmiths run mobile businesses, offering flexible services that customers love when the pricing is right.
Supply and Demand: Every person in the UK has many locks in there life, eventually, they brake, people lose keys, get locked out and need a locksmith service. With the right training, the right tools, the right stock and most importantly the best business setup, they will find you!
So, if you’re looking for a career with steady work and room to grow, locksmithing is a fantastic option. Plus, with the right training, you can become a go-to expert in your area.
How to Choose the Best Locksmith Training UK for You
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How do you pick the best locksmith training uk? Here’s a step-by-step approach that I swear by:
Research Local Providers
Start by looking at locksmith training providers in your region. Cornwall & Devon Locksmith Training, for example, is known for offering comprehensive courses that cover both technical skills and business know-how.
Check Reviews and Testimonials
Hearing from past students gives you a real feel for the course quality. Look for feedback on teaching style, course content, and post-training support or the number one factor real businesses that are in operation that we created by the locksmith training provider. This will be part of there portfolio. See Taylors Locksmith Training Portfolio here!
Compare Course Length and Format
Some courses are intensive boot camps that can only show a few key ways to gain entry but not everything or every method as to learn everything you will need around 15 weeks of training minimum, while others spread out over weeks or months. Choose what fits your schedule and learning style but dont get caught out by 3 and 5 day courses. These should only be fore experienced trades people. A new locksmith should undertake a 1 week home study program, a foundation course. This should be a hour per night or 7 hours of e-learning with one to one online video coaching. Such as what's offered by ourselves. You will then undertake a 5-14 day hands on locksmiths training UK course. But your not done yet. Its best to make sure you know the skills and dont just forget them after the hands on course. This is why you will require a competency course, also known as a finishing course. This should run for around 15 weeks with assignments. This is the proof that you know the skills you have been taught and wont cause damage and leave you with legal issues or finical issues.
Ask About Post-Course Support
Does the provider offer ongoing help, like business advice or refresher sessions? This can be a game-changer when you’re starting out. In our case we actually have a 24 month support program that gives you 2-4 days of free training if required. You also have 24 hour access to our on call emergency locksmith. Plus much more.
Consider Cost vs Value
Don’t just go for the cheapest option. Investing in quality training pays off in the long run. If you look at Danny from Hirst Locksmiths, he spent £6999 on a full business package, he had his business launched after training, by year 3.5 he had made over £200k by having the right team, the right training, the right website and support. Visit Danny's Google page and see his over 200 five star reviews!
Look for Business Training
Since many locksmiths run their own mobile businesses, courses that teach marketing, customer service, and financial management are gold. You could be the worlds best locksmith but if no one can find you're business you wont make any money. A study was undertaken by the Guild of Master Locksmiths who's finding were that almost 81% of people that did a locksmith course with no business went on to do nothing wit there locksmith skills. Over 60% ended up with debt over £50k by making poor business choices, bad tool choices and poor stock, van, insurance choices.
By following these steps, you’ll find a course that not only teaches you the craft but also prepares you to thrive as a locksmith entrepreneur.
What You’ll Learn in Top Locksmith Training Courses UK
Wondering what exactly you’ll be learning? Here’s a sneak peek into the typical curriculum of a top-notch locksmith training course:
Lock Types and Mechanisms
From traditional pin tumbler locks to high-security cylinders, you’ll get hands-on experience with a wide range of locks. from standard cylinder to 3 star and Dimond rated locks, from wafer cam locks to lever locks through to Multi Point systems and more!
Lock Picking and Bypassing Techniques
Learn the ethical and legal ways to open locks without keys, a vital skill for emergency lockouts. If you choose a Taylors Locksmith Training Group course you will be taught the Taylor methods, developed over 75 years and protected under UK law so no other training provider in the UK can teach them. This is the bulk of what we do as locksmiths can bring in around £35k per year depending on your business model.
Key Cutting and Duplication
Master the art of cutting keys accurately for different lock types. Although this is old skill set that many locksmiths no longer offer due to costs, overheads that people wont pay a locksmiths hourly fee for a cut key when machines in shops now do multiple keys for £10. This is one of them skills you should know but its not part of the modern industry unless you plan to open a shop. This part of the trade can ring in around £7k per year.
Security Systems and Alarms
Get introduced to electronic locks, smart home security, and alarm systems. This section of the trade can bring in around £30k per year alone.
Safe Opening
Basic techniques for opening safes without damage. This can bring in around £2k per year from this skill alone.
Multi Point Locksmith Skills: Mastering the skills of dealing with deadlocked, failed multi point systems without causing damage to doors and door frames. This should also include training on real failed doors, toe and heeling doors, servicing and more. This part of our trad can earn you around £50k per year.
Business Skills
Marketing your services, managing finances, customer relations, and running a mobile locksmith business, building a mobile website, a desk top website, a table based website, socials, business pages, marketing tools and more.
Health, Safety and Legal
Best practices to keep yourself and your customers safe on the job. Making sure you follow insurance regulations, standards, data protection and more.
This blend of technical and business training ensures you’re not just a locksmith but a confident professional ready to take on the market.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Locksmith Training
Training is just the start. To really shine, you need to make the most of it. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:
Practice, Practice, Practice
The more you handle locks and tools, the better you get. Set up a mini workshop at home if you can or choose a course like our course that supplies you with a home lock lab training kit with every skill in video format online via our training portal so you can learn the skills, practice them and never forget them.
Ask Questions
Don’t be shy! Trainers are there to help, so soak up their knowledge. Your best choosing a trainer that you can access via video training sessions such as what we offer!
Network with Fellow Trainees
Building connections can lead to job opportunities and support. Its an amazing way to also learn, that's why choosing a course with up to 6 people can work best.
Stay Updated
Locksmithing technology evolves fast. Keep learning even after your course ends. This is why we are actually training you for 10 years so you can achieve your Master Locksmith award as part of our pathway. Its awarded every 3.3 years for a decade. No other course provider in the world offers this level of skill and training. By year 6 you will be mastering the skills of a forensic locksmith, historical lock and key restoration, safe engineering and much more.
Invest in Quality Tools
Good tools make your job easier and more professional. That's why we supply a full tool kit with our courses, we know what works, what works. We buy our tools at trade price and pass the savings to you on our courses!
Plan Your Business
If you want to go mobile, start thinking about your business plan early. But we have a custom business plan model that all starts with one phone call today. We can look at your region, area, town etc and we have a system that breaks down the population, housing and more. This can predict annual turnover and see if its worth investing in the industry!
By following these tips, you’ll turn your training into a thriving locksmith career.
Choosing the right locksmith training course in the UK is a big step, but with the right info and a bit of enthusiasm, you’re well on your way to success. Remember, the best locksmith training uk combines solid technical skills with business savvy, setting you up for a rewarding and independent career.
Ready to get started? Your locksmith journey awaits!
Contact us today office@taylorslocksmiths.co.uk and arrange a call back to find out more and receive our brochure!
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