Locksmith Training?

[seblegate]

Hi guys, this is a question for those of you who are already "professional" locksmiths as it were. (in UK)
I am 23 yrs old and ive always enjoyed trying to bypass/pick locks etc...
I have recently bought a set of picks (SouthOrd psx-17) which im learning to use quite well.

My question is, once im "good enough" to move on from cylinders, wafers to mortice locks is it worth going on one of these training courses ive seen? I mean would a locksmith association recognise the certificate or is it just some kinda scam? ive seen the guy mentioning the mirror news report- seems he already has a bad name coming from the matrix course which ive also heard about.

I want one day to be self employed on the job but who is prepared to take me on? Is it a case of asking all my local locksmiths for help or are there other avenues- naturally i dont want to be seen as a cowboy locksmith either!

If anyone has any tips, would be much appreciated.

Ta, Seb

[Shrub]

Look in the locksmith business answers section and look for the threads on starting up and what you need along with the training threads, its all been covered before,
Before you go to far down the road think about this, it takes upwards of around £15k-£20k just to set up a basic lockie business.

[CJM]

You could also contact the MLA to ask if any of their members are looking for trainees or to advertise your wish to take up the trade in the Keyways mag.

[S&G]

A guy I knew took a course, and was hired in an established shop as a trained/educated locksmith on that basis.

Wouldn't look at hiring another applicant like that again unless it was understood the person was to be fully trained by the shop as if he knew nothing, cause although he graduated, he knew nothing.

And all the work he was to do, waited until one of the trucks came off the road and either he asked them to help (teach) him or to save time they did it for him.

As far as joining an association, you must belong to a shop where locksmithing is it's primary buisiness.
No hobbiests, institutional building engineers, automotive service centers, or end users.