How to become a locksmith??

[asears1990]

Let me start by apologizing if this is a repeated topic which I'm sure it is. I searched the Business thread for schooling and found so many different views and answer about schools like penn foster, foley belsaw, and ashworth being good, bad, or unnecessary. So the main question I have is if I want to become a professional locksmith, what is my best course of action? Currently I work at a hardware store and can do simple things like re-keying, re-building cylinders and other basic tasks. I'm sure the level of knowledge I have isn't adequate for employment at a locksmithing company. So again what is the best course of action to becoming a professional? Any feedback is appreciated but I'd prefer current professionals information. Thank you for your time.

[Squelchtone]

I'm not a locksmith so take my advice with a grain of salt, but I heard from a real locksmith that when ever someone walks in his shop all proud of their new Foley Belsaw certificate, he does not hire them because they're the kind who think they know everything before even working one day on the job.

He said best bet is to say you're serious about locksmithing as job, you already do some of that work at the hardware store, and you'd like to apprentice at a brick and mortal locksmith shop on Saturdays, paid or for free for a while, and if they see you are good with your hands, can follow directions, and are timely and trustworthy, they will take you under their wing, take you to jobs and teach you things hands on, and hopefully give you more money and a full time job.

Depending on where you live, you may also need to get a locksmith license, but some places like where I live in Massachusetts, all you have to do is take a Foley Belsaw course, get insurance, register with the city/state a business (for tax purposes), get business cards that say you're a locksmith, and spend some cash for a van and some equipment. It all depends on if you want your own shop or just to work at a locksmith shop.

Hope this helps,
Squelchtone

[asears1990]

I appreciate the info. That's exactly what I was looking for, a real world recomendation. I'm going to head over to a local locksmith shop today and see what someone there says about it. Again thanks.

[cledry]

We prefer to hire a mechanically inclined person that is tidy, clean and willing to learn over someone that has taken something like the Belsaw course. If you took a Lockmasters course we would consider it a bonus. If you had carpentry, electrical, welding experience those would also be a bonus.