Advice Needed

[Shazzle]

First let me start by saying that this forum as been a huge asset and I'm appreciative to you all for sharing your knowledge and experience. I have been working as a "Locksmith" for a little over a month now, and I'm more then a little concerned with my employer. The business is a legitimate Locksmith company and I was ecstatic when I was hired. However it was a family run business and a falling-out among the companies two owners seems to have separated the the managerial and technical aspects of the company (Read: husband made the calls and wife did the books now they're getting divorced.) I was hired based on my prior experience as a hobbyist, and I was fairly experienced in automotive unlocks as well as picking pin tumbler locks. Now upon my employment I was handed my equipment, some manuals, and was promised training. I rode with my new boss for one day for "training" and by the second call he had me doing the unlocks. I have now been doing the automotive unlocks on my own, with no further training. I haven't had any problems, damaged any vehicles, or been unsuccessful. However this seems very sketchy to me. I would assume I would sign something as an apprentice or some sort of documentation to keep everything legal. I have also done a couple rekeys and cut replacement keys again without his guidance. As you can probably tell I'm looking for an out at this point, and chalking this up as a foot in the door and hopefully a stepping stone to a more organized (for lack of a better term) company. In the mean time are there any additional concerns I should have, and/or anything I should be doing to cover my ass? Thanks in advance, and sorry for the long winded post.
Nick

[DennisK]

I don't know much (read NONE) experience about your situation,but I would assume you would need to make sure you're covered by someone's bond.

[mechanical_nightmare]

Some jurisdictions mandate the licensing of locksmiths and their apprentices and some don't. Odds are if your employer is a bona-fide locksmith and hired you as an apprentice he would have already had you complete the necessary bureaucratic work.

If you can fill in your 'location' information, that would really help: There are quite a few professional locksmiths on this site, but they wouldn't be able to tell you what you need to do legal/paperwork wise unless they know where you are.

[mechanical_nightmare]

Odds are if your employer is a bona-fide locksmith and hired you as an apprentice he would have already had you complete the necessary bureaucratic work.

Just realized I made it sound like I was saying your employer is not a bona-fide locksmith. Should have been "Odds are ... bureaucratic work if it was required in your area."

But yeah let everyone know where you are and I'm sure one of the lockies here will chime in...

[keysman]

If you can fill in your 'location' information, that would really help: There are quite a few professional locksmiths on this site, but they wouldn't be able to tell you what you need to do legal/paperwork wise unless they know where you are.

Directions for filling in location:
1. Upper left hand area click “profile”
2. again click “profile” then “edit profile”
3. Fill in your location
4.bottom of section click “submit”

[Shazzle]

Thanks for all your replies, I only hop on the computer every so often so I just saw all your responses. I also updated my location information, which is Omaha, Nebraska. I have asked about this paperwork and was told that I was practicing under his bond. Now my compensation for each job was less then the negotiated amount, and he's also giving me the runaround about payment details. Needless to say I called the quits. So anyone in the Omaha area looking for part-time help? Thanks again for your help.
-Nick

[Varjeal]

As much as it sucks to hear/read, cut your losses (consider it an "education" expense) and move on.

Have a look into your states legislation and see if there are any actual brick and mortar buildings you can go to and acquire some formal training. This will benefit in your job search. To find a job, crack open your yellow pages and hit up all the big shops first, since you have actual experience, and work your way to the smaller ones.

Make sure to ask a "lot" of questions and before you start working, make sure the things that matter to you are in writing and signed.

[Shazzle]

Just as an update I did cut my losses and was able to start an apprenticeship with a very reputable company. This is a night and day difference, and thanks for your help fellas.
-Nick

[MBI]

Thanks for the followup. It's always nice to hear how these things turn out.

[alockguru]

Your first post sounds exactly like how a PAL franchise operates