I worked as a locksmith and was a student member of the MLA, I used it as an 'entry tool' into the trade.
Some things I found out...
The MLA was helpful - for aspiring members get as much out of it as you can, there was a real old boy network going and if you mentioned a name, a couple of calls were made and you were 'in'
They were good for tech advice (on all topics)
I learnt more in the bar then the £1000.00 pound course.
I went from total novice with a five piece pick set and a copy of 'how to pick locks' to a locksmith with a van.
Lots of people aspire to it, good luck but be prepared for all eventualities.
Remember weather, lighting, heavy lifting, taking doors off on your own, linkages dropping and broken parts of unreplaceable UPVC multipoint locks and the retrofits
'James bond can do it quicker' remarks and general public curiosity
also working in the shop side of locksmithing, as I did in kent I found you should consider doing some research first:
Learn as many key blanks as possible - as anyone working in key cutting will tell you of the hours spent looking at the key boards and reference books for a key that although looks new or 'you are sure you have seen it before' is not in your stock
Find out who work there - I was well lucky but I imagine it could be pants if you had bad collegues
If the shop offer to get your tools - get your own
If you get your own tools - don't leave them in the shop
Keep old locks off site (ask customer first!) and start making templates/ measurements / photo.
Learn your lock ID if not you will come unstuck very quickly - Get a wholesale catalogue or look on net for pictures - find out how they work and if they have any common faults (other smith's will tell you)
Keep picking. I found no time really to pick as my boss thought we were just playing in the workshop!!
Some companies who are trading locksmiths are not interested in locksmithing - just the money they can charge old ladies -
Sounds like I did not enjoy it reading over, It was good but wish I knew then what I know now!
Thanks to the site and the info, as it would have been good for me to know when I was aspiring and the contacts within are great resource for new folk!
Nudge nudge, wake up now
My ten pence worth!
