Can't Find Internship

[mikegtc]

Hello everyone I am new to this site and just graduated Ashworth college for locksmithing, my next step in the process is to find an internship to get physically hands on which i need to do off course but unfortunately I am having trouble finding a place to take me in, internships are pretty rare these days not to many people do them anymore, does anyone have any suggestions at this point I am kind of at a fork in the road.

[Raymond]

Hello Mike. Welcome to LP101.

May I suggest that you add to your profile with your general location. Locksmiths in that area would be more likely to make an offer. That is, unless, you plan to relocate anywhere temporarily to apply for an internship. If so, clarify your intentions. A lot of full time locksmiths do read posts on this site.
Good luck.

[mikegtc]

Thanks for replying Raymond, I am in Hillsboro Oregon, my intentions of the internship or job is to start with the basics maybe working the register for starters, getting to know the blank keys on the wall/identifying, hearing the locksmithing lingo on a day to day basis, start duplicating keys, master keying, eventually be trusted to go out and work on site installing locks sets or emergency lockouts, and in time become knowledgeable enough to know my own path in creating my own self employment which is my goal in this new career. I am comfortable doing a free internship or even a part time job being a rookie around the shop.

Just for the record i do have a good amount of tools i have spent descent money on and i feel i am ready.
Picks, tension tools, A1 plug spinner, 350 panavise, c clip remover, end cap removal tool, lab pinning kit .005, hpc plug followers, pinning tweezers, key decoder, sparrows pinning mat, practice locks and other locks i have bout just to practice disassemble and assembly and off course picking, as well household Kobalt tool bag with plenty of your average tools.

[Squelchtone]

Perhaps you will get more replies if this is posted in the Training & Licensing area instead of the Beginner Lockpicking Questions area, I'll move the post there for you.

Squelchtone

[mikegtc]

Thanks i appreciate your help.

[cledry]

Well if you were in Florida... but

[mikegtc]

Lol unfortunately not but thanks for the offer.

[Evan]

Hello everyone I am new to this site and just graduated Ashworth college for locksmithing, my next step in the process is to find an internship to get physically hands on which i need to do off course but unfortunately I am having trouble finding a place to take me in, internships are pretty rare these days not to many people do them anymore, does anyone have any suggestions at this point I am kind of at a fork in the road.

Hello Mike:

First off welcome to LP101.

Secondly, just what did your experience with Ashworth College entail ?

Did you merely complete their program and receive a certificate or did you also take the ALOA examination that they offer too ?

Third, in the trades no one calls a job trial an "internship" as it is usually seen as an apprenticeship.

Next, are you aware that in Oregon Locksmithing is a regulated trade and you must possess an examination based license to perform any work on locks for an employer who does not own the property upon which those locks are located ?

I would recommend that you look into the Locksmith license exam offered by the Oregon CCB and perhaps also check with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries specifically with their Apprenticeship and Training Division.

Maybe that is a good starting point.

~~ Evan

[mikegtc]

Thanks Evan,
Ashworth college was an online course i learned many things despite being hands on with most they sent me locks with a pinning kit and gave me the basic hands on gutting and re keying, I learned the basic of key types, lock types, master keying system, high security locks, combo locks, key blank directory, popular today locks being used in different areas like industrial, residential, commercial, even some basics of alarm systems as well vehicle entry and much much more. I have a certificate and i still have about 3 months to take the ALOA exam which I am setting up for soon at a Kryterion test center, i will look into the licencing and bureau thanks for the tips it really helps.

[Squelchtone]

Third, in the trades no one calls a job trial an "internship" as it is usually seen as an apprenticeship.

~~ Evan

+100 on calling it an apprenticeship.

[mikegtc]

Wow i honestly thought they were the same thing, I will defiantly use apprenticeship for now on.

[Squelchtone]

Wow i honestly thought they were the same thing, I will defiantly use apprenticeship for now on.

if you want to work at your dad's insurance agency and sit at a desk typing up invoices and answering phones for free all summer, that's an internship. It can be paid or unpaid.

If you do work with your hands, like helping a local carpenter rebuild a staircase, or helping an electrician drill holes and run wires in a building, or driving around with a locksmith and handing him tools while you and he stand outside a door repairing or installing a lock, in each case those people are teaching you hands on skills and passing knowledge down from master to apprentice. That's an apprenticeship.

In an office, there's no need to be an apprentice to the lady from accounting who's gonna show you how to use the copier or fax machine during your internship.

Hope that clears it up a little =)

Squelchtone