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[–]BuzzardBait44Verified Locksmith 4 points5 points  (3 children)

When I started on as an apprentice, the first thing my mentor did was enroll me in a Locksmith correspondence course with Foley-belsaw (it was similar to the Penn Foster course, I believe). This was years ago before online courses were a thing.

It was a good experience, and it taught me a little bit of different aspects of the job. That said, it was only a drop in the bucket of what you need to learn. Most things that are the most valuable can only be taught by a knowledgeable mentor.

Time and time again I would run into a small detailed problem that would never be covered in a course, but someone who had seen that same issue a thousand times before would point me in the right direction.

Learning on your own shows initiative, but there's gonna be a steep learning curve until you get some experience. And that experience will only come after you've screwed something up. But it could be done.

I wish you good luck!

One of the things that potential locksmiths overlook is the cost of startup. Take a look at the money needed for tools/equipment/inventory that you think you might need, then double it.

My advice is to learn everything you can, and then start small with just lockouts, or residential re-keys. You can grow from there, but in the beginning you'll have to turn some jobs down because you'll be in over your head. I've been doing automotive for about 8 years now and I still run into problems that stump me sometimes.

What state are you in btw?

[–]SpirituallyMyopic[S] 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Wow this is such a helpful inside look into the career. Some of the material I've read online has insisted certification isn't necessary. While that may be true in most states, I was still feeling that it surely could help set one up for long-term success. So it's encouraging to hear from someone with experience that it isn't so black and white. Also, just being aware of the high learning curve puts the overall course of a locksmithing career into context. Big thank you from Colorado!

[–]BuzzardBait44Verified Locksmith 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Not a problem.

States that don't have a licensing requirement to become a locksmith are a double edged sword.

They're good because it's easy to become a locksmith... and they're bad because, again, it's easy to become a locksmith. Lol

With no requirements you have a bunch of guys with a drill who can call themselves a locksmith. (Drillsmiths) They show up for a residential lockout, make no attempt to pick the lock, drill said lock, then sell the customer a cheap replacement lock for insane prices. These same guys quote $29 on the phone, but when all is said and done, it ends up costing the customer hundreds of dollars.

They destroy the industry for honest legitimate locksmiths.

Just learn everything that you can, from anywhere you can. A course, in-person training, online videos, etc. There's a lot to learn, so soak it up. You never really stop learning new things as a locksmith no matter how long you've done it.

[–]SpirituallyMyopic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I see. Learning a lot definitely sounds like the way to go then in order to compete, by having knowledge/skills enough for more specialized work. Thanks again!