In selecting a profession or career, the job of being a locksmith is often overlooked. Who would have thought that a simple task of making and repairing locks could lead to a career opportunity? The demand for the locksmith industry has greatly increased, because for every lost or broken keys and tricky locks there is a need for a locksmith. This Pro Locksmith is a small field regardless of market fluctuations and technology changes. Although, this is not considered to be in the professional capacity level, (because a single national governing body does not exist for this job) numerous guilds exist that support the trade and offer training courses, and skill enhancement.
Requirements
To become a locksmith, one must possess a range of skills and cannot only know how to pop locks by chance. Such skills include:
• Excellent hand-eye coordination
• Manual dexterity and practical thinking
• Capable of using an array of specialist tools
• A fine understanding of lock and security devices
• Possess interests in locks and keys
• Is able to market and independently run a business
• Driving skill, in order to reach clients
• Outstanding people skills
Education
A formal education is not necessary in pursuing a locksmith career. But it does require one to have extensive training and apprenticeships in order to be a certified locksmith. Being a certified locksmith has its advantages from those who aren’t. First, it adds credibility because it guarantees customers that one is indeed qualified to perform certain work. Second, it increases the earning potential, and third, it advances the career as a locksmith. But how does a locksmith become certified? Various training courses and apprenticeship may be obtained from numerous training centers and locksmith associations. One must take the particular exams administered by these centers to earn a certain certification, such as Registered Locksmith, Certified Automotive Locksmith, Certified Master Safe Tech, Certified Registered Locksmith, Certified Professional Locksmith, Certified Master Locksmith and Certified Professional Safe Tech.
Career Possibilities
The career of a locksmith differs from other professions whereas the former is given three choices as soon as he is certified. These choices are; (1) Become a freelance locksmith, (2) Open up a locksmith business, and (3) Work for another locksmith. Other professions, unlike the locksmith are not able to freelance their skills for higher rates, or to become their own boss right away. So, most often they work for others for their entire career life. The categories and specializations of a locksmith include, but are not limited to: Commercial Locksmith, Mobile Locksmith, Institutional Locksmith, and Forensic Locksmith. Another category that is broken down into other fields is the Locksmith Specialist that comprises of Automotive System Specialist, Master Key System Specialist, Security Consultant, Residential Locksmith Specialist, Safe Technician and Electrical Locksmith Specialist.