Locksmith training in the UK

There is no compulsory licence to work as a locksmith in the UK, so training, practice and reputation matter all the more. Here is how most people get started.

Short courses

Most new locksmiths begin with an intensive practical course lasting a few days to a couple of weeks. A good foundation course covers how common locks work, non-destructive entry, euro cylinders and uPVC mechanisms, mortice and nightlatch fitting, and the law and ethics of the trade. More advanced courses cover auto locksmithing, safe engineering and master-key systems.

Choosing a course

• Look for small class sizes and lots of hands-on time with real locks and doors.
• Ask what support is offered after the course, as the first jobs are where most questions come up.
• Be wary of courses that promise high earnings quickly or bundle expensive tool kits you could buy later.
• Check reviews from past students, not just the course provider's own website.

After the course

Practice is everything. Most locksmiths build up a practice board of locks, start with simpler jobs such as lock changes and uPVC repairs, and take on lockouts and auto work as their skill grows. Public liability insurance is essential, and many locksmiths choose to join a trade association that checks members' skills and backgrounds.

Running a locksmith business

Successful local locksmiths compete on trust: a clear local presence, honest prices on the phone and good reviews. That is the opposite of the national call-centre model, and it's what customers increasingly look for.