We aren’t going to lie: being a locksmith is pretty fun. There’s something intensely rewarding about working with your hands – plus, it makes for a great party trick!
But we didn’t get there overnight. Like any other skilled trade, it took our Bayside auto locksmiths years of training and development to get to where we are today.
Are you are interested in changing directions or training in the science of locksmithing?
Curious about what it takes to turn locksmithing into a long-term career?
Or do you simply want to learn about your local auto locksmith’s credentials?
Whatever the reason, here are some of the things all locksmiths need to go through, told by an auto locksmith!
How to become a locksmith
1) Get qualified: it all starts in the classroom
So you’ve watched a couple of YouTube tutorials and experimented with bobby pins. You’ve reached the point where you can pick a lock with reasonable consistency.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can claim the title of locksmith!
Locksmithing is intricate work – in addition to picking locks, we also have to know how to install, repair, adjust, and fix locks and keys.
Before making your way through becoming a locksmith on your locality, you need to take a Certificate III in Locksmithing.
In addition to teaching you how to install, repair, and replace manual and electronic locks, it’s also the only way to be recognised by a professional association.
Certificate III in Locksmithing also provides students with training in applying quality systems and procedures, as well as health and safety requirements and the legal obligations that come with locksmithing.
This type of training you won’t find on the internet. Nor can it be overlooked – this is what tells stranded motorists that their auto locksmith is trustworthy!
To gain a Certificate III in Locksmithing, you need to complete all the core units of competency, as well as at least 40 points from elective locksmithing stream units that enhance your knowledge base.
This includes courses in:
- Developing and implementing a master key system
- Servicing and repairing auto lock systems
- Niche locksmith tools and equipment
- And many more!
2) Becoming an apprentice locksmith
Just like any other skilled trade, the next step in your locksmith training is an apprenticeship.
During their 4-year apprenticeship, we work under the supervision of a qualified locksmith, gaining hands-on experience and developing essential skills for the rest of our careers, including:
- Residential locksmithing
- Commercial services like developing master key systems
- Adjusting, repairing and maintaining keys
- Auto locksmithing services
In addition to trade-related skills however, it also teaches us important “soft skills” like problem-solving and customer service skills (we can thank this for our rave reviews!)
However, to become an apprentice, we need to find an employer first.
Luckily, today’s apprentices have it easy – unlike us, they can search online, check in with job agencies, or register with group training organisations.
Upon completion of our four years, we’re ready to strike out on our own, with a shiny new trade certificate to prove our skills.
3) Getting accredited
Our Certificate is just the first piece of accreditation we need to obtain – the journey doesn’t end there!
Sure, we could hypothetically operate without getting certified by other bodies and organisations. However, this cuts us off from performing certain jobs that require extra accreditation.
At Galmier Locksmiths, we’re also:
- Members of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia
- Certified by the Licensing Services Division of Victoria Police
- SCEC-approved locksmiths
All of this certifies that we aren’t just competent, but also trustworthy – you can trust our auto locksmiths in Melbourne to look after your car and its keys.
Click here to learn more about your master locksmith.
4) Ongoing training
The world of locksmithing is moving fast – as such, it’s important that we keep up, lest we get left behind!
This is especially important with auto locksmithing – with cars becoming more advanced by the day, so too are their security features.
And that includes the humble car key, which is rapidly becoming a “smart” device in its own right!
Luckily for you, Galmier’s auto locksmiths make it their mission to keep on top of all the latest innovations in the world of auto locksmithing.
We frequently take the time to attend industry events and training sessions covering the latest in car keys, locks and ignitions.
This allows us to continue providing the best possible service to stranded motorists such as yourself!
Get the best locksmith service from Galmier Locksmiths
So now you know exactly what it takes to become an auto locksmith – hopefully, you’ll also be able to entrust your precious car to us!
And that’s where our car locksmiths come into the picture.
Operating since 2004, we’re the team to call when you run into problems with your car keys, ignition or locks.
Our team of qualified and licensed locksmiths ensure that your requirements are met from consultation, installation and repair.
Contact Galmier Locksmiths today on 0407 022 234, or save our number to your phone – you never know when you might need us!
