Toronto & GTA Apprenticeship courses

[Sublime]

So I've been calling all the local locksmiths in my area for a job and GUESS WHAT!??
Nobody is hiring...

So I think I'll have to change my approach and do the dress up, hair cut, walk in thing instead.
So I have 4 questions.

1. If I do happen to score a job as an apprentice, which schools in the GTA offer a locksmith apprenticeship program?

2. Are there any other company listings I should consider when searching for this type of trade for an apprenticeship? For example, I used to work for a door and glass company which mainly dealt with garage doors and glass of course, but they also had 2 locksmiths working full-time.

3. What are some of the larger locksmithing or security companies, if applicable, in the GTA?

4. Is 27 too old to even attept to get into this trade?

I'm 27 years old, a welder by trade but I'm tired of it and I need a change. Durng my years of welding I've made and installed a few window bars and security gates. This has always fascinated me. Securing someones home or business, making them feel safe, was always the most rewarding part of the job.

[whiteknight38]

The Association of Ontario Locksmiths TAOL, will give you info on the new apprentice program. They also offer weekend classes, which will give you an introduction to the trade, to see if it suits you, and can augment your skill set, should you decide to take online/mail courses, or at other schools.
Locksmithing is not a licenced trade in Ontario at the present time, so there is nothing stopping you from taking courses and going into business for yourself, doing mobile work.
Your age is by no means a handicap, as most firms value maturity, and the credibility and confidence it inspires, as well as valuing experience in other trades. (So will your future clients.)
Hanging up your own shingle isn't for everyone, as it is a hard go for the first few years, and not every one wants the head aches of being their own boss.
And by all means, get that hair cut. Remember, you're trying to win peoples comfidence as a security professional.

[pip]

as i have no experience as a locksmith / security expert
you can take this for what it's worth

but seeing as you already have experience in welding
i would start a modest two year plan toward your own business
mainly in window bars - door bars - security gates
ask relatives / friends if you can
design and install some security " outerwear " for their homes
they can maybe pay for materials - your labour will be free
these " free installations " will be your advertising/marketing
take quality pictures and make up a flyer / brochure
and ask if you can use these people for future reference

there's no real rush for this brochure
but with summer coming - plan now

as for the flyer / brochures
maybe just put them in high traffic areas - supermarkets
and over the summer
see what kind of response you get

and if you like this idea so far

1 find a good business name
2 have a quality product to show/sell
3 in the end - you're selling yourself - be professional

imho

[pauly003]

No way, your not to old. TAOL does look really good, but their programs only run twice a year. In the spring and fall i think. I'm from peterborough and also looked for apprentiships but found none. I'm taking a correspondence course from the granton institute of technology, which is based in toronto. Forget about the apprentiship and just get a diploma from TAOL or a correspondence course then apply for a job. That's my plan.

good luck

[lunchb0x]

i agree with pip, in the last couple of years we have started installing roller doors, gates, even auto gates swinging and sliding, security screens and bars, the amount of profit on this is heaps more than the locksmithing