Nearest Locksmith
MLA Approved Locksmiths are Vetted Inspected Qualified
UK's Largest Trade Association For Locksmiths
Home > Public > What Is The MLA?
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is the UK’s largest trade association for locksmiths & a non-profit making body; established to set and promote standards of conduct, practice and materials within locksmithing.
Standards of entry to the MLA are high and its motto of “Skill and Integrity” emphasise its determination to ensure that the public, government and industry receive the correct service and advice on security matters from its members.
From a small friendly meeting of ‘like-minded’ locksmiths in London, it has evolved into the professional organisation that it is today.
The first meeting group instigated the embryonic Master Locksmiths Association in 1958 and in 1986 it became a limited company. 1994 saw a major restructure and now the membership is worldwide.
The MLA encourages its members to further their knowledge through ongoing education, regional meetings, seminars and the information disseminated through its membership magazine Keyways.
We run a range of locksmith training courses at our headquarters in Rugby, Warwickshire.
For those new to locksmithing, our are courses perfect for beginners with 4 different modules to attend our beginner’s programme.
The more experienced locksmith can attend 5 different advanced courses which are aimed at those looking to expand their services. A recent addition to our classes has been a lock bumping master class.
We also run Europe’s largest Locksmith & Security Exhibition which takes place at the Telford International Centre over the course of 3 days, an event that occurs every two years. The exhibition is for locksmiths and security professionals, with a dedicated Auto exhibition area for auto locksmiths where training and seminars take place.
The MLA also owns Sold Secure an attack test house, certifying security products through attack testing. It operates its own scheme, which is recognised by the Home Office, insurers and police.
All testers are relevant industry experts and most are MLA members and the testing is to its’ own high specifications developed with the relevant industry bodies.
We also run two groups on Facebook for trading locksmiths.
Can you earn a £60k – £100K salary as a locksmith after a 3 day course?
How to Spot a Rogue Locksmith – 3 Red Flags to Prevent Being Scammed
Locksmith Bait & Switch Price Scheme – What is it?
Locksmith Career Guide – 10 Quick Tips
Should a Locksmith Drill My Lock? (When to Drill a Lock & Not to)
Key Cutting Price List for 2023 in UK + Estimated Times
Our Locksmiths are criminal record checked.How we check our locksmiths
Our Locksmiths are Regularly Inspected.How we inspect our locksmiths
Our Locksmiths have passed the MLA exam.Read about MLA Exam here
Use My current Location
Join the UK's largest locksmith association, all levels of membership available for those new to locksmithing to trading locksmiths.
Members login
MLA Member ID
Password