Have you ever thought about becoming a locksmith? Wondered what you need to do to learn the locksmith trade? As a locksmith you can be employed to work across a range of sectors. These include residential, commercial, industrial, and automotive. It isn’t just locks and keys that you’ll learnt to work with. As a locksmith you may be tasked with installing security systems.
Becoming a qualified locksmith
To become a qualified locksmith you’re required to follow the path of an Australian Apprenticeship or Trainee scheme. These programs are flexible and allow students to combine paid on the job work with training and classroom theory. These pathways lead to a nationally recognised qualification, are open to mature age students, recognise existing skills and prior experience.
If you’re interested in becoming a locksmith, first thing is to start chatting to qualified locksmiths. Find an employer that’s willing to take you on as an apprentice or trainee. There are a few ways you can go about this. Get in touch directly with some locksmiths. You can also register with an employment agency or even visit Centrelink.
Once you have found an employer any required agreements and training components will need to be organised. This can be put in motion through the AAC (Australian Apprenticeship Centre).
In Victoria, Melbourne Polytechnic offers the Cert III in Locksmithing apprenticeship course. It is also available to international students. The course is taught by a range of practising locksmiths who have years of experience in the industry.
More than just locks and keys
Your locksmith training will cover much more than just locks and keys. Your apprenticeship will provide you with the skills to focus on a specialised area if you wish. Electronic access systems, CCTV, and alarm systems will be covered. You will learn about automotive, domestic, and commercial locksmith requirements. There are many streams of security covered by locksmiths and you can choose to excel and focus on a particular locksmith trade if it interests you.
What to expect once you’re qualified
It takes 3 years to complete your locksmith training. According to the ATO, the average pay rate for a locksmith is around $54,619. The Deloitte Access Economics (2015) forecast a moderate rate of employment opportunities within the locksmith profession over the 2016-2031 period. Currently there are about 900 locksmiths operating in Victoria.