Locksmith Advice

[Raelic]

Just wanted to ask all your locksmiths out there a few questions. I have recently completed the Foley-Belsaw course, and now am a little unsure where to head now. I live in Vermont and so far there is one locksmithing association, very lax state codes (I haven't found anything about licensing Here). There is also no trade school that offers a locksmithing course.

Is apprenticeships something of the past???

So for you Smiths out there how did you start, and if you can share any advice it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance raelic

[robotmaxtron]

I live in Texas where there are licensing laws in place. I started to do the foley-belsaw course and never made it through it after i had several locksmiths laugh at me and tell me that it's no where near a proper start.

So what i did do is picked up a local phone book and went online to the yellow pages there. I called every locksmith i could find a number for. I left message after message after message. Finally one of them called me back (i called nearly 20 locksmiths in the area around me) I also found that craigslist was somewhat helpful.

Finally after i got to talking to the locksmith we talked about how i was interested in an apprenticeship and that i was already into lock picking and he seemed pleased and offered me a job.

[Eyes_Only]

That pretty much nails it. I visited several lock shops in my area in a 15 mile radius asking if they were looking or willing to hire a new person.

Funny thing is that at the shop I finally did find a job at I didn't go and ask for an opening, I just went looking to buy a profile lock and struck up a conversation with them about Medeco locks and how I enjoy working on them (not picking them) and they liked my enthusiasm and interest in actual locksmithing and they asked me to come back later on for an interview with the boss.

I think showing that you really really like locksmithing work and that you understand the basics and you're not an idiot you'll get some good responses cos it seems to be a rarity to find someone like that.

[Raelic]

Thanks Robo and eyes for your stories on how you got your foot into the industry. I am currently a bar manager working nights so my days are open.
Time to get into the habit of not waking up at the crack of noon. off to the yellow pages and criag's !!!




Thanks again
Raelic

[prag]

The advice robotmaxtron gave is spot on. Keep trying and it will happen.
Also read all the topics on this and the sister sites. I did and I have a ton of stored info at my fingertips. The info for locksmithing business is invaluable. This has really helped my knowledge base and my business.

Like robotmaxtron and my mentor says "dazzle them with brillance and if that doesn't work then try bs"

Not my advice. Let your knowledge of this business be your spokeperson.

I was lucky a retired L /S took a liking to me and started teaching me. I teach him 1 or 2 tricks I've learnt from this site also.

Just keep reading and practicing and keep pounding the pavements, it will pay off.

[prag]

Keep us posted on your progress

[globallockytoo]

Look into Bennett Street School in Boston Ma. They are offering classes in locksmithing and are quite good.

[Raelic]

Well so far no luck on an apprenticeship for locksmithing in Vt. I have decided to give it a go on my own. Right now I am dealing with a SBA on a start up loan. With the mountain of paper work that are following it seems to be in motion. Will keep ya posted with the outcome.


-Raelic