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Locksmith

Alternative titles for this job include

Locksmiths install, repair and maintain locks for homes and businesses.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Locksmith

You can get into this job through:

  • applying directly
  • training with a private training company

Direct Application

You could contact local locksmith companies to see if they're prepared to take you on as a trainee.

You'll find it helps if you have good practical skills, and some experience of carpentry, glazing or electronics.

Other Routes

You do not need any specific qualifications to trade as a locksmith.

A number of training courses teach the skills and knowledge you need to work in this role.

You could take the level 3 Diploma for Commercial Locksmiths and Property Security or another course depending on your interests and experience.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • analytical thinking skills
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a locksmith, you will:

  • assess jobs and estimate times and costs
  • remove old or broken locks
  • fit new locks to doors and windows
  • cut copies of keys
  • fit combination locks and timing devices to safes
  • sell, service and repair locks and other security devices
  • repair locks on motor vehicles
  • respond to call-outs from people locked out of their premises or after break-ins
  • give advice to customers about home and business security

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could:

  • work for a national locksmith company
  • specialise in domestic, commercial or vehicle security
  • set up your own business

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Locksmith right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a Locksmith?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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