Reviewing Penn Foster, Foley Belsaw, and Ashworth College

[Tyler J. Thomas]

I'm interested in taking on a task that would ultimately benefit those interested in becoming locksmiths and perhaps even business owners who receive applications from individuals who have completed the locksmithing programs offered by Penn Foster Career School, Foley Belsaw, and Ashworth College.

I'm going to enroll in each of their programs and learn to be a locksmith, so to speak, and give a fair evaluation of each program.

About me: I've been a locksmith for nearly a decade now. I've got some letters behind my name (certifications), I've been to multiple conventions and countless classes, I've authored multiple articles in multiple major trade magazines, and I hold numerous factory certifications. I've done residential, commercial, automotive, access control, and safe servicing and moving.

I'm not trying to brag but rather illustrate that I am qualified enough to participate in each program and give a fair evaluation.

Yes, it's going to cost money (perhaps I can offset some of the costs by writing reviews of the courses for some of the trade magazines) but I really would like to find out what each program offers, which best prepares future locksmiths, and which deserves your hard earned money.

I do need your help though. Aside from the three already mentioned, is anyone aware of other online or distance learning schools that offer locksmithing education? I only know of these three.

Locksmith associations excluded, please. I do know ALOA offers the 6 day Basic Locksmithing course in Dallas regularly and at the conventions (I actually took it 6 months into my locksmith career - it was very good) but I don't think such an option is financially feasible for everyone.

Thanks.

[MBI]

Good idea.

You might also look at SOPL (Society of Professional Locksmiths).
Its a locksmith association, but they offer a full locksmithing course and much of it is available at no cost. You only have to spend money if you want to start taking the tests, get certificates, etc.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Adding Stratford Career Institute to this list.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

You might also look at SOPL (Society of Professional Locksmiths). Its a locksmith association, but they offer a full locksmithing course and much of it is available at no cost. You only have to spend money if you want to start taking the tests, get certificates, etc.

I know I said no locksmith associations but they, SOPL, are offering distance learning through their Locksmith Training Program (LTP) as well as some additional electives through the Security Technical Institute. I will include this in my list because it falls within the scope of this project.

Thanks.

[pickmonger]

I am not sure of how tight your criteria is.

What about some of the "schools" that send out a pile of Dvds rather than the traditional books.?

http://locksmithdvd.com/.

http://www.scitraining.ca

[Tyler J. Thomas]

I am not sure of how tight your criteria is.

What about some of the "schools" that send out a pile of Dvds rather than the traditional books.?

http://locksmithdvd.com/.

http://www.scitraining.ca

I've already got Stratford on the list.

Hesitant to use DVDs or supplements found that don't have at least some sort of accreditation or track record behind them. From an employer's perspective, would you rather hear: "I got a locksmithing diploma from Ashworth College and passed ALOA's Fundamentals exam" or "I learned from videos." ?

Maybe down the road but for now the focus is the "big" names.