Help!!!

[chris1107]

Hi there, ill try and keep this short as i am sure questions like these get posted all the time.

Been reading alot of replies and most advice seems very good and genuine, i currently run a small security business in south west uk, quite happily plodding along, however I am passing some work onto a future coleague in the next few months as I wish to increase my business and add locksmithing to my range of services. After reading your posts I am fully aware that I aint gonna be drinking crystal the week after finishing a course, and it is gonna take time, patience and cash to establish, i am fully prepared for that and that is why i am gonna run it along side my security business and build it up over time.

Now my first question is Training - Have looked at loads of courses and I know i aint gonna be a "Locksmith" after a 3 day course or any length of course for that matter, however I have my sights set on a well known franchise company offering training on a 2 week course for just over 3K, I have spoke to them and have questioned them whether they just want to sell me a franchise ? they don't as thay already have one in my area, but I then ask the question why would they train me to go into competition with their employee of sorts, or does this just prove they just want my money knowing that i can't compete with their franchisee??????

So any suggestions on training???? (not giving the company name away but try and work it out LOCK WRONG, get it?????) please let me know your views on this course.

Next question is, If i did do a course, would someone be kind enough to offer me a work placement for a couple of weeks?????, pref in the north as i dont expect a company from down the road from where i intened to set up would offer me a placement!!!! to then go into competion with them. I would not expect any money, my services would be totally free of charge and my own business insurance would cover me, all i would like in return is some good hands on experience and knowledge even if it is only a couple of days. I would find some cheap accomadation near your place of work so you could have a break from me for a couple of hours a evening!!! anyhow thanks for reading this, any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[digital_blue]

I gotta say, that's about as solid a plan as I've ever seen for someone looking to get into the trade.

I'd argue that a couple days or weeks wouldn't likely not be enough time to really get that "hands on" experience you're after. Though I realize how hard this might be, you might consider looking for something you can go do on the weekends for 6 months or a year.

But good on ya for considering all the elements you have already considered (competitive aspects, business insurance, etc...).

db

[chris1107]

Cheers digital-blue for that, I appreciate your support, My plan is now just to bite the bullet and do the course, then just write off to every single locksmith in this area and offer my services for free a few days a week.

I am not really that fussed about setting up on my own, had a chat with my future colleague today and we are just gonna continue the security side of things for now and keep the business simple, whilst it's making money. so my days off are hopefully gona be filled with learning this trade with a decent locksmith, touch wood, and see where it takes me.

Still a bit mythed about the courses though i would rather work for free, part time for a year or two, rather than do a course but I feel if i do a course it will show i am serious. Am still convinced this course looks the best so far but please let me know what you think.....

http://www.theritegroup.co.uk/locksmith ... ourse.html

(if I have broken any rules putting this link on here, or no one wishes to comment on the training provider on this forum then please let me know on here and I will work out a way of getting a private message to me)

[alarmsun]

chris

Why would you offer your services for free? If you came to me and said you would work for free, I would be very suspicious. My first concern is you want me to teach you "locksmith tradecraft" and you would use it for nefarious reasons. Besides, if you are out on a job, you still have to be covered by insurance, worker's comp and stuff like that. Plus, you are going to have expenses of your own, ie, gas.

I would suggest getting a part-time job with a local locksmith who is interested in training you. You may end up sweeping the floors but he is going to be willing to invest more time in you, share more knowledge with you. Depending on the laws in your area, he'll have done your background check and you will be covered by his insurance (vehicle, liability, workers comp, etc...)

I just don't see a quality locksmith accepting "volunteers" but I've been wrong before...

TODB