Education question.

[n00by]

Do you have to pass highschool to become a locksmith?

[Chucklz]

Depends on where you live, but finishing HS is always a good idea.

[almightyares]

I just finished HS, and I am already getting a job with a popular local locksmith. I havent taken any locksmithing course or anything. For you locksmiths, when you got hired, did the company explain something to you like "you cannot install any deadbolts in your home without the approval of us" or something of that sort? They just gave me the job, and they just told me this. I didnt ask again yet, but that doesnt seem right.

[marso]

I would just like to say that you may get a job as a locksmith without highschool depending on the area and stuff. However with the current climate I would strongly suggest against this. I mean if you wish to become an institutional locksmith they may require high school at least. High school may not be fun but everyone has to do it some time or another, if you do not finish you will have to later on.

[bushd]

almightyares, why would they do that? I would assume HS degree is nearly required in today's world.

[Chucklz]

I dont see how legally, in the US, you could be prevented from installing security devices in your own home by your employer.

[CitySpider]

Unless you signed something saying you wouldn't, of course. I find it a very odd demand.

[Chucklz]

Unless they meant to say that they didn't want you instailling locks for friends/family without proper training, so as to preserve their presumably good name?

[GrEmLiN]

Or their presumably stable income

[n00by]

I mean wouldn't locksmith school be enough anyways?

[Chucklz]

Enough to do what? Sure, you will learn what you need to fix locks from 'smith school, but what about running a business, keeping books etc? Thre is a certain pride to having graduated HS. Sure its tough, but well worth it. Especially if at some later point you decide that youd like to earn some form of a college degree.

[GrEmLiN]

Its been said that a GED isn't as bad as it seems. -- BS. I myself don't believe it. Go for the gold. Its tough, it really is(I know, I'm in HS myself) but its stick it out now or never. Grab a diploma and you'll go far. Just have paitience.. and try. Unfortuneately thats about as much help as I can lend, heh. If you really are curious go to your local locksmith. They are straight up guys, wouldn't lie to you, no reason to.

[Chucklz]

Heres an idea for you. Take charge of your HS experience.... even though it sucks. Use it to your best benefit. Take all the woodshop /construction classes you can. If your going to be a locksmith, you are going to deal with doors, and frames and are going to need to know how to do some basic carpentry. Take metal shop if its offered. Its a hard course, but you will learn enough to mill your own parts if need be. I am sure that would be a very valuable skill for any locksmith.

So now, instead of being such a chore, HS just became some free training.

[jason]

If you're at school, take the opportunity to learn as much as you can. When you leave with poor qualifications, life is hard, you end up paying to go to evening courses to go to college then to university (trust me I've done it).

You think HS is tough, try learning whilst holding down a grotty job to pay your way. Grab the education with both hands whilst it's free and you've got the time. Locksmithing is about patience, you can never stop learning about how different mechanisms act and interact.

Sorry if you think I'm preaching but don't waste your education.

[Chucklz]

Just a question for those in the UK/Europe.

When you refer to College, what do you mean by that?


In the US College/University are pretty much interchangeable terms for a place of higher education. You would get a Bachelors degree there, and then Go on to a University to get your Masters/ Doctorate. A University here generally has both Graduate and Undergraduate students.