Where to start

[RubberBanned]

So I recently acquired my Oregon Locksmith cert, and as ecstatic as I was to get this, I realized I really don't know everything there is to know about locksmithing. (No kidding) So, I'm allowed to work on locks, etc, and want to be in this field, as it is where my passion lies. So, my basic question is this; should I work on becoming an apprentice, and learning the trade for a few years? Are apprenticeships really offered for lockies? Should I continue my business courses and strike out on my own?

I'm honestly at a loss. I have the drive, but no direction! If anyone could give me their personal tips, etc, I'd be extremely grateful. Also, if this is in the wrong board, I apologize.

[keysman]

It looks like an Oregon state license is a good place to start... you have some knowledge.... enough to pass the state test.
Check with your local, state locksmith association they will often know of classes being held .
You have ALOA that has 1x a year conventions with many classes being offered.
Also check with your supplier . I know Clark has a yearly convention/show with many classes offered by different manufacturers.

[RubberBanned]

Thank you very much for the information. I'll get to it.

[billdeserthills]

ALOA is one thing my Dad never thought highly of, there are lock magazines for independent locksmiths too. The National Locksmith & Locksmith Ledger are the one's I subscribe too.

[2octops]

There are two ways of doing it. One is to go out on your own and learn it the hard way like many of us did. It's not easy, it can make you rethink your direction in life and be very physically and mentally draining as well as difficult on your relationship if you are involved with someone or have a family, but it IS doable.

The easy way is to get a job with a reputable locksmith company and learn everything that you can about everything that you can related to the field. Also this will give you a good chance to see how the business side actually works, how inventory is kept up and how to deal with scheduling customers. A lot of great locksmiths can not run a business profitably and honestly a lot have no desire to run a business. You might find that you enjoy doing the physical work and getting paid without having the business side to deal with.

I also know several great business owners that are horrible locksmiths. They know how to run a profitable company and hire people to actually do the work and they enjoy just running the business.

[jedilocksmith08]

This is where I would start:

I would start by opening cars. Almost all locksmiths do it, its our bread and butter. They are the easy calls that keep money coming in waiting for the big jobs. I would offer a lockout service, and become really good at that. This is a great place to start. With the more business you start to pull in, you can decide if you want to take a bigger job. If you don't want that job, refer it to another company that you know offers honest work. As your skills grow, take on more difficult jobs, bigger jobs that pay more, and grow that way.

There are so many videos and tutorials on the Internet that can help you in a pinch. I would not take a job that your not 100,000% sure that you will be able to finish, and install the lock like a veteran locksmith would. This is a good way to not make friends in this industry.

Some people need a boss for structure, and some people don't. I'm sure now that you have your cert. that a lot of businesses will be willing to hire you. It's truly up to you at this point. A lot of locksmiths out there just ran with what they were handed. I started out unlocking cars and houses. I now have a 3D PRO and can make keys for almost any car on the road. I specialize in automotive. I do commercial work because the money is there, but my heart will always be in being an automotive locksmith.

Do what makes you happy. If you feel like you need the structure, then work for someone. If not, then do what many of us did and just start it out on your own and learn as you go.