Regarding MOD approved/C&G certification locksmithing courses; having completed one of these (won't mention which one so as to avoid provoking personal comment) I would like to offer this as my pennyworth on the matter.
The MOD only recognises those courses that offer Level 3 skills as defined by the ELC scheme (A level equivelent). That basically means that the applicant has to submit to, and be inspected by, the ELC authority; the same goes for a C&G award. It doesnt matter if you think this is a con, the fact of the matter is that an awarding body is satisfied that the syllabus skills outlined comply with the criteria for award; worthless or not. Those courses offering C&G certification gain easier access to the ELC scheme because of a presumed status and, abracadabra, the MOD will release funds which in turn attracts service leavers.
I agree, the courses offered will not qualify you to operate as a locksmith, nor do they pretend to. They do, however give a basic insight into the techniques and leave the rest up to the candidate to decide wether they are going to be honest and upfront or a cowboy driller.
Now is the time to ask " Who does provide adequate training?" The MLA will charge just as much as the rest of the world to get you to the same manual skills level. OK you might better understand how a lock works but short of a crisp grand, you still won't be able to pick a lock until you've deposited a futher sum which, in total, is not far short of the cost of private courses. (And the MLA is not recognised by the ELC)
Unless we have a regulated authority with structured and progressive training that is recognised by an awarding body; where peer supervision (apprenticeships/candidate training) is affordable, then we cannot complain about operators who bother to submit syllabi get approvals and set up training shops.
Since completing my course I have spent hours practising and developing my skills, I would love to be competent enough to join the BLI but until I can find two sponsors it seems that I shall have to wait. How did I find out about the MLA/BLI? Information given to me on my course.
Sorry to have gone on!
, Anvil, and MLA.
