I may have a locksmith apprenticeship lined up.

[Dr. Bint]

It's been a while since I posted here... seems strange. Anyway, on to the topic.

I'm not satisfied with the job I'm currently in due to the small hours and low pay, so I've been out and about over my 2 days off trying to find a new source of employment. I was done searching for today when I happened upon a locksmith shop not far from where I currently work... I remembered my days spent here, and figured I'd enquire about apprenticeships. I talked to the head guy, told him I knew a good bit about locks and how they work, and he seemed pretty interested... not to mention surprised (I look a lot younger than I am). They may be hiring apprentices some time in the near future, so I'm going to drop a CV in tomorrow if I can.


As additional info on the CV, I'm putting down the following:


- Detailed knowledge of the workings, construction and manipulation of pin tumbler locks.

- Basic knowledge of wafer/warded locks.

- Basic knowledge of key cutting processes.


If you were a locksmith hiring apprentices, would this catch your eye? I know it isn't a lot, but it's better than leaving the field blank. Besides, the whole reason I'd be there would be to learn new skills.

I'd also appreciate some information on wafer locks, and maybe a little on key cutting aswell... what I do know is very basic. I can talk about pin tumblers until I'm blue in the face, but there's a lot more to being a locksmith than that. Like I said, I'm there to learn, but the bigger a headstart I have, the better my chances are at landing the position.

I want to bone up on as much as I can... I'm really enthusiastic about getting this apprenticeship, so your help is greatly appreciated. I'll be searching the forums as soon as I post this, so please don't feel as if you're doing my work for me.

All comments and advice are apreciated, and I thank you all for your time.

[Varjeal]

If I was hiring and you handed me a CV listing stuff like that, you'd be guaranteed an interview.

Now, that said, during the interview I would be questioning to find out what exactly you meant by "basic" knowledge. No offense to you, 'cause I don't know how extensive your knowledge base is, (and it honestly sounds better than average), but I've personally received resumes with "basic knowledge of locks" which apparently meant to some people that they could stick a key in a lock and unlock the door in under 4 tries without hurting themselves.

Here's my advice...be a little detailed about your "basic" knowledge by using terminology that is related to locks/hardware, etc. List the brands, and if possible, some of the models you've worked with. This can do nothing but help.

In the locksmith community you can get away with this tactic because no lockie is going to expect a "newbie" to know anything, so any education/training/experience, is going to be a huge advantage.

I would also suggest that although its proper of you to list the manipulation aspect, don't show up to the interview with picks in hand ready to prove yourself. Leave that topic alone, and if the interviewer brings it up, then go ahead and carefully explain why and how you learned.

Otherwise, best of luck to ya.

[vector40]

As a minor note, I'd mention wafer and warded locks separately, just so you don't give the impression that you think they're the same thing (or even remotely related).

[Dr. Bint]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I listed the locks seperately in the CV... I finished it about an hour ago. I didn't mention the manipulation aspect, as I don't want them to think it's the only reason I want the apprenticeship. I'll let the guy read over it and if he has any questions I'm sure I'll be able to answer them. Varjeal, just to clarify... I know enough about pin tumblers to draw out a diagram and explain to a total idiot how they work.

I'll post here when I get back from work tomorrow to let you know if there are any developments.

[Shrub]

I guess its too late to say now but i was going to suggest you take the 'basic' off the description as you will get to prove how much you know either during the interview or when you get the job.

Well done though you seem to have found a holy grail in the lock world and as varjeal said you should definatley get somewhere,

Good luck.

[acl]

I agree with the guys well done and good luck it makes a refreshing change that someone actually wants to go and do an aprenticship rather than think hes going to make a mint after a 2 day course.
Im seeing ads in the papers at least 3 times a week offering Locksmith Courses but in probably the last year i have seen 2 jobs in the same paper and one of those was at bloody reactfast.You work it out !
Good Luck Dr Bint let us know how you get on
Andy

[nhughz]

Hi Guys

There are plenty of us out there who would love to do an apprenticeship but they are as rare as rocking horse s**t.

nathan.

[acl]

Nathan, bit of a vicious circle i reckon a lot of companies probably cant afford to take an apprentice on at the moment as things are a little quiet due to the huge influx of guys whove started on their own after a 2 day course.
Who have you tried?
Regards Andy

[Shrub]

Without starting a fallout again,

What is the diffrance between someone who has trained NDE for 2 days and then start training others or someone who has been a locksmith for 20 years but NEVER worked NDE and then takes on an apprentice to teach them the trade?

Both are poorly trained and un-skilled (in NDE),

Its only a thought.

[Varjeal]

I don't think (at least over hear) that locksmithing has ever been a booming trade, mostly because of the necessary ratio of people:full-time locksmith able to feed themself from the work. Because of that, it's left mainly up to the individual to either become interested and seek work or start a business of their own.

Most areas have approx. a 20,000-40,000:1 population to locksmith ration, making for rather scarce opportunities to get into the trade. In the next few years I expect the industry to change drastically from "locksmithing" in the old empirical sense to the "security professional" trend we're beginning to see already.

Because of this, your "full-service" locksmith shop is going to have to provide a lot more than just lock service and sales and cutting keys....access control, alarm systems, and other devices are going to be asked for and locksmiths are in the perfect situation to offer a complete line of service in the industry IF they take the initiative and get the work.

[nhughz]

Hi Andy

I tried a few out of yellow pages that were local to my area a while back now, can't really remember which ones. Eventually i went to Pinky for some training but haven't as yet set up, i would rarther an apprenticeship but i'm realistic.

nathan.

[acl]

Shrub,youre winding me up right?
Nathan,you tried Associated they are in Manchester,im not having a go here mate just a suggestion
Andy

[Shrub]