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Apprenticeship in Locksmithing

The UK’s first locksmith apprenticeship

As of 2023 there is currently no apprenticeship in locksmithing being run, but we do run a range of locksmith training courses for all skill levels, for those with no experience our beginners locksmith courses are a great starting point.

We also currently run a locksmith qualification programme.and an OFQUAL Level 4 certificate in locksmithing, which is rewarded after passing the MLA Qualification.

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About Previous Locksmith Apprenticeship

The Master Locksmiths Association developed the UK’s first locksmith specific apprenticeship. An apprenticeship in Locksmithing that helped anyone progress in the locksmith industry.

With the lack of government regulation of the locksmith industry and even the lack of recognition of locksmithing as a true profession, the MLA decided to do something about it and fund the development of the UK’s only nationally recognised qualification and locksmith apprenticeship.

There were 2 off the job locksmith training courses included in the formal apprenticeship scheme – the MLA’s 5-day beginners locksmith course and opening course, as well as students that learnt on the job with their employer.

Apprentices were regularly assessed by an MLA assessor to ensure that skills in the required areas were being developed.

How to become a locksmith
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Educational Requirements.

It is important to note that there are some specific requirements for English and Maths skills for those taking the locksmith apprenticeship.

What are the English & Maths Requirements?

The requirements are summed up in the graphic below ( click to view full size )

What If I Don’t Meet The Requirements?

If the apprentice doesn’t meet these requirements then they can either get them before taking the apprenticeship (n.b. local college or further education centre) or they can take a course run by Skills for Security (depending on age there may be a cost associated with this).

Beginners courses – perfect starting point
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What was Covered in the Locksmith Apprenticeship?

The areas covered by the apprenticeship was split into various sections.

5 mandatory topics:

Reducing the risks to health and safety at work
Communicate effectively with others
Conduct dynamic risk assessments during the locksmith activities
Key system design and locks assembly
Cut and provide keys

A choice of either:

Prepare and maintain equipment and machines

Meet customers need locksmith information & advice

and

Maintain security of customers keys & records during locksmith activities

And finally any 2 of the following:

Provide a complex quotation for security devices and door hardware
Provide a simple quotation for security devices and door hardware
Survey sites to collect information for the specification, installation and
maintenance of security devices and door hardware
Diagnose and rectify faults on security devices and door hardware
Open security devices to gain access to property and equipment
Install security devices and door hardware

Is there funding available?

The short answer is YES.

16 – 18 Years Old – the course is fully funded.
19+ Years Old – apprenticeship is partly funded with 50% employer contribution.

Do I get a Qualification?

The short answer is YES, whilst the MLA led the way with the development of the first NVQ for Locksmithing a number of years ago.

The association has continued to help the industry develop by funding the locksmith apprenticeship.

Those who successfully pass the apprenticeship will have a Level 2 Certificate in Locksmithing – the only nationally recognised qualification that currently exists for locksmiths.

Locksmith qualifications guide

Don’t be fooled by the marketing hype from some training organisations, they don’t offer qualifications, they are simply “tailored awards” which means certain criteria set by the awarding body have been met – and some not insignificant fees have been paid.

So if you’re looking to start your career in Locksmithing, consider the apprenticeship as the way of getting an actual qualification, and if you’re an employer and want staff to get qualified, then consider putting them on the apprenticeship.

MLA Qualification – Level 4

Testimonials From Past Course Attendees

To see what working locksmiths have thought of this course in the past and how it has benefitted their business.

Despite spending nearly 3 years within the industry – the formal training clarified a lot of info that I hadn’t picked up in the locksmithing trade
– Harry McGinley | Newark & Sherwood Locksmiths

I would definitely recommend the course as I think it’s ideal if you’re starting from scratch and want to learn the basics of locksmithing in an easily digestible format!
– Conor Watson | Haines Security

As the apprenticeship scheme has now ceased, sadly the above apprenticeship is currently on hold.

For information about our beginners locksmiths courses please contact our head office via our freephone number 0800 783 14 98 or contact us via the website:

MORE INFORMATION

Read through our becoming a locksmith FAQs below which cover all the important topics to anyone new to locksmithing.

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Becoming a locksmith FAQ’s

Locksmith Training Courses

Courses we currently offer include:

Locksmith Training Courses – UK’s Largest Locksmith Association

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Beginners Locksmith Courses (1, 2 & 5 days) – Book Now

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Advanced Locksmith Courses

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Auto Locksmith Training Course – Auto Lock Picking (1 Day Entry Level)

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Safes & Safe Servicing Course

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Training FAQs – Popular Questions Answered

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Van Lock Fitting Course – 1 Day Training

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Women in Locksmithing Foundation Course

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Training Course Dates

12-16 May 2025