courses

[cass]

hi,another newbie here,just wondering if there are any GOOD courses to which i could attend,and also if im going to operate abusiness,self employed lets say,would i need to let the local council know and the police about my operations(business)

[mbell]

Queue Pinky's response.


Justlocks.org/24-7 seem to have recieved only positive feedback by members of this site.

[pinky]

seems im thought to be predictable, in the uk you have a number of training options,

www.24-7locksmiths.co.uk
www.justlocks.com
anvil locksmiths
lock medic / the acadamy
lakeside locks
matrix
a1 locksmith training
bla training.

this is the choice you have, yes im linked to 24/7 and train for justlocks so im biased, of the rest 2 are crooks that themselves have only done a 2 day course with no other experience they promise much but offer nothing, 2 are limited as to what you learn and 2 are ok had no bad reports so must be ok.

when choosing training look at whats being offered and decide what you want to know and learn and what your budget is.

you will find people on this site that have done courses with at least 4 of the above.

i wont try and sell anyone training, i advise you look at all courses , phone them all ask the right questions and decide whats best for you and your needs.

essentials you need to learn are;

cylinder picking , 3 and 5 lever picking , padlock picking and bypassing, digi lock opening, tubular lock picking ,wafer lock picking, BS3621 lock picking, ESSENTIAL is lock id through the keyway as without this your stumped, you cannot pick it or drill it if you cannot id it.

tools essential to get training on

hand picks , electric pick guns, rap keys , letterbox kit , mica , jiggler keys , lever wires curtain and non curtain picking, 2 in 1 picks , 2mm drill template kits, curtain wheel pick and bs 3621 picks.

the above is essential, most contractors want 95% non destructive ( non drilling ) so ensure you get this, ensure you get full drill points and lock id manual of some kind.

check out every option and choose whats right for you and your budget.

havnt let you down, predictable as ever.

[toomush2drink]

I would really consider your budget and how much you are prepared to spend to start up. Advertising is a huge outlay as are the tools to start up and be under no illusions its not easy money. You will have to chase every job and potential money earner. Also think about how much stock you need, i did a job yesterday and didnt have the stock to do it as required and that is after spending over £1200 on start up stock luckily i offered an alternative for a discount. I have just done another £100 making sure i dont get caught out like that again.

There are the courses listed above but im biased when i say do the justlocks course as its the one i did to enter the trade. You will overload on the info but it is all there to get you started and the back up support has been above average. (a big thanks to pinky). I did this course after it was recommended to me by others on here. When i attended some were not that impressed with the way it is run but it is a bit unfair as they only have so much time to get across so much information which i think was a lot. The people who werent happy no doubt have given up already because their hearts didnt seem in it or they were in a bit of a dream world. So far that course has allowed me to set up my business so i think thats brilliant.

[pinky]

justlocks and 24/7 run the same course, the only difference is that 24/7 offers a 3rd day purely on bs picks with the training done by safe ventures the manufacturers and sole suppliers of john falle tools.

ive only been training for a year, though ken was the first to set up private training, he actualy trained almost every other training company from novices, which is why i have little respect for a few of them, you cant have no previous experience and set up in training following a 2 day course.

toomush has raised some important points, i see on the courses all the time starry eyed wanabees who thought a magic harry potter tool existed that opened doors with little effort and for big money, this isnt so , the reality is that the tools cost a fortune and you need alot of them, the stock is expensive and the advertising at times scandalous.

big money is there to be earnt, with a big emphasis on earnt, you must advertise, mailshot, canvass and chase every job, you wont make a living from telephone call outs alone.

a reasonable budget for start up would be £4000 for training, initial tools, initial advertising , initial stock etc , this puts many off .
if your budget is limited then my advice is to get saving , you will learn an awfull lot from this site and from the mit guide, get initial training as the next step, keep your current job and start your business part time, dont rely on an income from it for at least the 1st 6 months or more, build it up bit by bit, obviously if your budget allows for all this then go for it.

be wary of offers of £2000 of retail stock free, this is actualy very little in reality.

before you do this research your area, how many locksmiths to population, do the big nationals advertise in your area , as they are where your initial work will come from.

look at funding options, are you under 30 , if yes then the princes trust may fund you an initial £500 followed by £3000 in first year to help start up.

[pinky]

sorry cass id missed your earlier post about passing a city and guilds in locksmithing, i think i know where you did this and who with.
i hate to say this but the qualification is almost worthless and not industry recognised, i assume its the 3 day course taken in the north east.

its not an actual city and guilds qualification as this would take years to complete, no actual academic qualification exists that is recognised.

though it is a piece of paper that suggests you have had some training and may open a few doors with a couple of call centres.

[cred]

hi ,
i did do a training course with one of the above not 24 7 or just locks, but what i have learned off these guys is second to none,you will only go on the course that you think is the right one for you,but take it from someone who has made the mistake,go with one of the above although i did not take that route from the guys that have taken one of the courses you cant go wrong,plus i would just like to say pinky has given me so much info (probally more than on the course i did ) i feel like i have been on one of the courses he takes.

[cass]

Hi,
Cred,your right,pinky has opened my eyes big style,appreciate that cheers.

[pinky]

a few of those training companies are ok, your one cass i have no time for, ive explained why in email, i hate rip offs and feel from your email that you were stung, so il show you the stuff mentioned in my reply free, you paid well over the top, chat sunday and see if we can work out dates for you.

its not more courses you need, its gap filling a bit of honesty and a little guideance, you will get alot of help from this site and those on it, go through it in depth as a lot to learn from it, and dont feel silly asking questions, you will be surprised at how many people will help you.

save your money for tools and ads and well sort out the rest .

[Rockford]

In-between jobs I've been updating my accounts - and it makes frightening viewing. During the 4 months it's taken me to start-up, I've introduced 11k of my own money into the business in order to pay for training, tools, stock, advertising, insurances etc. etc. I've another £500 of tools on order, and probably need to spend at least another £1k+ on further tools before I'll be happy that I can cover most eventualities, and even then I'll still be adding to my arsenal as I come across new toys (sorry tools).

Stock is also another major drain. I carry a fair spread of stock, but I'm learning what are "sellers" on a daily basis and ordering accordingly. My opinion - you can't carry enough stock.

It's a varied, interesting and challenging role. Take the time to digest the information and advice on this site, and ask the right questions of the people who contribute to it (search first though).

Best of luck, and let us know what approach you decide on.

Rockford.....

[pinky]

you have spent up mate, but you are right when you said toys, many are,

[Rockford]

Don't rub it in.....I've not shown the wife yet !.

[pinky]

i know that feeling, mine remains happily oblivious, she gets more annoyed at time on internet.

WARNING to all potential newbies , this industry and locks do take over your life, my wifes a lock and 101 widow.

[toomush2drink]

Reading the posts about it taking over your life had me in stitches as ive been getting grief overhow much time i spend picking locks and reading through this forum.
glad im not alone

[pinky]

mines constantly nagging, i trawl 6 forums and cover 24 hour workload.

beware they end up consoling themselves with shopping, spending the hard earned before you do on tools.