Introduction

The locksmith profession can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career choice. Our experts from various states and years of experience put down the often asked question: Is Locksmith a good career choice? Anyone looking for a rewarding career within the trade industry will consider becoming a Locksmith sooner or later. This interest is because locksmiths are regarded as ‘godsend’, ‘helpful’, and ‘miraculous job’ workers. We prize Locksmiths for their ingenuity and skills in helping anyone and everyone enter their homes, places of work, cars, and everything in between. We expect Locksmiths to respond in emergencies round the clock. The career has several advantages for people who can’t sit behind a desk job. Whether you’re called upon to respond in an emergency situation or simply want to be an integral part of a team, a career as a locksmith can be both fulfilling and lucrative. So why wait? Start your journey to becoming a locksmith today! We cover several key areas in choosing and becoming a good locksmith. Happy reading!

How does one become a Locksmith?

There are no strict qualifications required to be a locksmith. Becoming a locksmith takes good skills and apprenticeship and is considered a good return on investment for a career with consistent work throughout the year. In Canada, only Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec require Locksmith Licenses before you start operating. Certification is available but optional in areas such as New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. In Alberta, you need to pay $160 for a 2-year license. The renewal process is the same as initiating first-time licensing. See more here: https://www.alberta.ca/locksmith-licence.aspx In Quebec, working without a license will land you criminal charges against you, so you are well advised to own a license whose requirements can be read more in detail at https://www.bspquebec.ca/en/47/obtain-a-regular-licence For British Columbia, you need to verify fingerprints on top of photo and address verifications for getting a locksmith license. For more details, you can visit British Columbia Locksmith License Information Regardless of license requirements in other areas, it will boost your career and establish trust in your work if you carry a license, esp. for highly sensitive and high-paying jobs.

How long does it take to be a locksmith?

Your success chances improve if you complete a two- to four-year apprenticeship program as a Locksmith. If you have a high school or industry course and combine it with several years of related work experience or on-the-job training, this gives you an edge. This also makes your process of becoming a licensed locksmith smooth. Many companies and houses now require very advanced and hi-tech locking mechanisms, so it’s only imperative that technology use and integration in the Locksmith Training be available for all seeking to become locksmiths. Advanced Security Systems in offices and houses require more than basic locksmithing. Such a training program can take as little as 3 to 4 months, based on where you get the training. Some of the salient features of the training will be:

• Unlocking padlocks
• Servicing and opening safes and vaults
• Unlocking deadbolts
• Combination Locks
• Developing Master Key Systems
• Configuring Electronic locks and keys

Where to get training for becoming a Locksmith?

There are several paths based on where you are and what prior experience or exposure you already have with the field of locksmithing. Moreover, there are several tracks and job requirements for different locksmith services, so be careful about choosing the right one for you. Here are some great training and certification opportunities in Canada to become a locksmith:

• Apprenticeship Programs:

• You can enroll in an apprenticeship program. Such programs provide on-the-job training, which you can get under the supervision of a licensed locksmith. These apprenticeship programs can typically last several years and may also include some classroom instruction, so choose carefully where you study. At the same time, this offers a great hands-on approach and exposure to many hi-tech locks and new technological security systems. This is a great place to get started if you like to network and see what other professionals think about the industry.

• Vocational schools and community colleges:

• There are vocational schools and community colleges offering locksmithing programs where you can get the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a locksmith. The duration of training varies from several months to a year. It could include coursework in areas such as lock installation, repair, and maintenance, as well as rekey key cutting and duplication.

• Professional Organizations:

• The ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc., commonly referred to as simply ALOA, is considered the most respected and professional institute to get training from within the Locksmith Industry. If you join ALOA, you are setting yourself up for success through the great training and networking which comes with it. You also have the Security Industry Association (SIA), which offers training and certification programs for budding locksmiths. You are likely to get learning and training in areas such as lock installation and repair, as well as business practices for locksmiths.
• ASSA ABLOY is another well-grounded and established name that offers several online classes at ASSA ABLOY Americas University. While offering a wealth of information and training material, it is worth noting that they are free as well. We understand that you will find most of the training material geared toward their products. Still, you will find a wealth of professionally prepared “white papers” and generalized information that can help teach you. You may also find other great sources of information, such as manufacturer’s websites.

What are the job prospects of becoming a Locksmith in Canada?

Jobs are plentiful if you have the right skill set and pleasant personality to serve your clients. When we look at the US, 53% of skilled-trade workers are 45 years and older. That’s nearly 10% more than the overall labor force. These numbers can be higher in some states. This means that we need new faces and blood to replace an aging sector of trade, which is not necessarily negative. You no longer have to restrict yourself to basic locksmithing but to also understand electronic circuitry and advanced security systems. Many hi-tech locks and security programs are one-man-army. There are mechanical, electronic, and even internet of things (IoT) devices now, so specializing has become more of a need than an option. We look at a Lock as a device of comfort, safety, and protection. We’d expect locksmiths to rise above the oversimplified job description and perception and save the day. Your job is not just to open the door but to maintain 24/7/365 security and safety of the houses, offices, and industries you are serving. You must be able to learn and implement new techniques and technologies in locksmithing thinking on the spot and hone your skills over the years. So, much like a lock itself, we’d say that the profession of locksmithing is complex and has many moving parts.

How much a locksmith earns?

You can earn, on average, $24 per hour, totaling $49,920 annually, if you work full time. But it’s also very common that experienced locksmiths earn upwards of $38 per hour or $70,040 per year. The Government of Canada Job Bank lists locksmiths in all other trades and occupations categories.

Conclusion:

The locksmith profession can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career choice, both financially and personally. With over a decade of experience as a leading locksmith in British Columbia, we have observed that many professionals in this field are thorough and dedicated, often enjoying job security and stability. It is important for locksmiths to continually upskill and stay current with the latest technologies and devices in order to maintain a competitive edge. From our extensive experience in the field, we can confidently say that the vast majority of locksmiths are dedicated professionals who have maintained steady employment for many years. The demand for skilled locksmiths continues to grow, providing ample opportunities for job security and financial stability. It is important to continuously upskill and stay current with the latest technologies and devices in order to succeed in this field. Ultimately, the level of dedication and investment put into this career will determine the level of success achieved.