These 1-day, 2-day & 5-day locksmith courses run by the Master Locksmiths Association are for beginners new to the industry; our training courses will teach you everything needed to become a locksmith from how to cut keys by hand to opening, picking and fitting locks.
Request Beginners Course Pack
We run 4 different courses during a 5 day week; the first is a 2-day Foundation Course perfect for someone with no experience or new to locksmithing and 3 follow-on courses.
Looking to be a car locksmith? See our beginners auto locksmith course which teaches you how to unlock and open cars.
5 Day Locksmith Course – Perfect for Beginners
Our 5-day beginners course has 4 modules during the week, select which course you want to take or attend every course during the week.
1. Foundation Course – 2 Days
2. Fitting Course – 1 Day
3. UPVC Course – 1 Day
4. Level 1 Basic Opening Course – 1 Day
For those with no experience and entirely new for locksmithing the 2-day foundation course is a perfect taster.
Foundation Course (2 days) – Beginners Course
What You Will Learn
- Types of locks currently in use & terminology
- Cylinder Key Identification
- Pin Tumbler Mechanisms
- Cylinder Key Machine Set-up. Maintenance & Safety
- Cylinder Key cutting by machine
- Stripping rim cylinder
- Mortice key blank identification
- Lever mechanisms
- Mortice Key cutting by machine
- Mortice locks
- Lever lock key cutting by hand
- Safes (brief overview)
- Lock Opening Basics (intro to picking, wafer lock and picking open disc tumbler lock)
- Code Key cutting
Price
£585 inc VAT – MLA Member
£645 inc VAT – Non Member
Experience & Requirements
Perfect for total beginners.
- Basic Security Check required to attend – Apply via GOV.UK
Undertaking this course has given me the confidence I need to trade as a locksmith and start my own business. It is now my aim to return to the MLA and complete further training, in addition to sitting my MLA master locksmiths exam in the near future
– Jordan Morrison
Fitting Course (1 day) – Beginners Course
What You Will Learn
- Tools for fitting
- Fitting rim night latch
- Fitting lever mortice lock
- Upgrading lever mortice to euro cylinder operated mortice
- Fitting secondary security devices
Price
£295 inc VAT – MLA Member
£320 inc VAT – Non Member
Experience & Requirements
Perfect for total beginners.
- Basic Security Check required to attend – Apply via GOV.UK
UPVC Course (1 day) – Beginners Course
What You Will Learn
Thinking about fitting/repairing UPVC door locks? This course you teach you all about uPVC locks.
- Multi-Point Lock ID (various locking types/mechanisms, backsets, strike plates, profiles and packing etc.)
- Toe & Heeling
- Opening Jammed Mechanisms
- Gearbox Replacement
- Hinges & Handles
- Security upgrades
- Additional security
Price
£350 inc VAT – MLA Member
£375 inc VAT – Non Member
Experience & Requirements
Perfect for total beginners.
- Non Members – must have taken foundation module first or be sponsored by 2 QML members or directors of MLA Approved Companies
- Basic Security Check required to attend – Apply via GOV.UK
Level 1 Basic Opening Course (1 day) – Beginners Course
What You Will Learn
- Tools for opening
- Methods of entry
- Opening authority procedure
- Theory of mortice lock picking
- Picking 2 & 3 lever mortice locks
- Other opening methods for 2/3 lever locks (jigglers, overlift)
- Lock Identification (how to)
- Theory of Mortice Lock Drilling
- ERA 5 lever padlock opening
- Theory and then practical of picking pin tumbler locks
- Theory and then practical of drilling cylinder locks
- Pick Guns
- Other opening Techniques (bumping, snapping, slipping, letterbox tool)
Price
£295 inc VAT – MLA Member
£320 inc VAT – Non Member
Experience & Requirements To Attend
Must have taken our 2-day foundation beforehand to attend
- MLA Members must be a member for 6+ months or taken 2-day foundation course
- Non-MLA members must first take 2-day foundation course prior or
be sponsored by 2 QML members or directors of MLA Approved Companies - Basic Security Check required to attend – Apply via GOV.UK
All Beginners Course Requirements
- Basic Disclosure security clearance check required before attending course
- Apply for basic disclosure here or various private providers online
Location
Our training courses take place at our dedicated purpose built training centre in Rugby, Warwickshire.
- 2 minutes from the M6
- Sat Nav Postcode: CV21 1TF
By Train
- Rugby has direct train services from major routes including London & Birmingham.
- 8 minutes in a Taxi from Rugby Train Station
Visit Western Railway to book Cheaper Train Tickets in Advance.
- London to Rugby on train from Euston Station in under 1 hour
- Advanced fairs from as little as £25 return
>> Click here for London Train Timetables
By Air
The nearest Airport to Rugby is Birmingham (BHX) which is 20 miles away.
Accommodation
We are happy to provide a list of hotels nearby contact us for this list.
Discounted Pricing
We currently have training discounts available or you can become an MLA member for discounted members rates:
- Members reduced price – Become a MLA Member
Those new to the industry should look to join as a Personal Member under the ‘student’ category.
Questions About Beginners Locksmith Courses
Who Should Attend This Course?
An absolute beginner or someone with relatively limited experience within the industry
Can I Trade as a Locksmith after the Beginners Course?
This course will equip you to either seek employment as a trainee locksmith or even set up your own business.
Do you offer any kind of payment plan?
Yes! There are payment plan options for those attending any of our courses.
Weekly or Monthly Plans
Course attendees can setup a monthly or weekly payment plan where all we require is for your course to be paid in full one month before the start date.
Payment Methods
We offer the following payment methods:
- Bank transfer (BACS)
- Debit/Credit Cards
- Direct Debits
Learn how to cut keys in our training workshop
After Attending Beginners Course
Expand your skill set & offer more services as a locksmith, e.g offer a car locksmith service and open locked cars, see our auto course here.
A popular choice is to attend courses from our intermediate and advanced programme, that help locksmiths to offer more services to their customers.
Request FREE Brochure
Click to view our Course Costs and Dates for the next available dates when courses start.
Further Reading
- Training FAQ’s – over 20 popular questions answered
- How to become a locksmith – our expert guide
- Locksmith Career Guide – 10 quick tips
- Locksmith Qualifications
