Are you thinking about joining the exciting world of smithing? That’s great! As a future locksmith, you can look forward to a challenging and rewarding career helping people improve the security of their homes, automobiles, and places of business.
- The typical steps to learn locksmithing are:
- Finish a locksmith training program
- Get a state locksmithing license
- Develop your skills at a local company
Let’s break down each step in detail.
Finish a locksmith training program
Before you can start working with locks, you need to learn the fundamentals of locksmithing. The best way to do this is by enrolling in a locksmith training program at a local community college or vocational school. Luckily, there are many high-quality locksmithing programs in Jacksonville, Florida. Remember that you will need a high school diploma or the equivalent, like a GED, to enroll in a program.
The program’s length will vary, but they can range from a couple of months to several years. Most programs include a combination of classroom learning and hands-on smithing. Once you complete the program, you will have a well-rounded skill set for working with enhanced cleaning process and with residential, commercial, and automotive locks. You will earn standard smithing services, like lockouts and rekeys, to complex services, including lock changes and car key replacements.
But if classroom learning isn’t your preferred option, you may be able to opt-out instead of a local apprenticeship program. As an apprentice, you will work alongside trusted professionals who will teach you the fundamentals of smithing. Some apprentice programs are paid, but others pay you purely in experience and skills.
Get a state locksmithing license
This step varies from state to state. Many states require smiths to have a state locksmithing license, but not all. You can check your state’s requirements on the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). The ALOA is the governing body of American locksmithing, and they’re also the organization that will grant you your license. To earn your license, you must pass an assessment with a satisfactory grade. The ALOA provides certifications for specialized locksmithing areas, including Registered Locksmith, Certified Master Safe Tech, and Certified Automotive Locksmith, so you may need to test in multiple locations on the services you would like to provide.
Develop your skills at a local locksmith company
Now comes the exciting part! With your studies completed, you’re ready to hone your newfound skills at a locksmithing company. Newly minted locksmiths are hired by smithing companies, security companies, and hardware stores throughout Florida. Working alongside experienced locksmiths will allow you to develop your skills further and prepare you to go into business on your own one day. Plus, you’ll have a chance to learn the administrative and operations sides of running a business.
Unlock your future as a locksmith
Whichever route you take, whether it’s vocational training or an apprenticeship program, you can look forward to an exciting career in a challenging industry. Each day, you will be posed with new and unique challenges like upgrading locks, opening safes, and programming key fob for cars. You can rest assured that your clients will be delighted with your knack for helping them solve stressful issues like lockouts. Overall, you have a bright future in locksmithing!
If you have questions about locksmithing services in Jacksonville, Florida, call our team today at (904) 257-8353.
