Training FAQs – Popular Questions Answered

Below are questions we regularly get asked about our training courses by anyone looking to start their career as a locksmith.

Training Course Related

I am a complete newbie to locksmithing, which course do you recommend?

We recommend our 5-day beginners course, although if you want a quick taster our 1-day novice courses are a great starting block.

Is locksmithing a suitable trade for women? Have women attended your courses before?

We have had plenty of women attend our training courses before.

Currently, we have numerous MLA Approved Companies owned and run by female locksmiths!

In-fact one of our previous presidents of the association was Val Stokes, owner of Dennis Security.

What are the average class sizes?

There is a maximum of 10 students per course with two tutors on hand to teach.

Is there any online training courses to become a locksmith?

As locksmithing is a hands-on job, online training is difficult to provide in this technical area. A lot of knowledge is gained by touch and feel and this, of course, can’t be delivered via an online medium.

A large amount of time spent on our courses see students working on locks on-site at our training headquarters.

Location Of Training

Where do your locksmith training courses take place?

• Courses take place at MLA headquarters 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.

Do you have training centres in other places in the UK?

Our courses only take place here in Rugby, Warwickshire, although we do run a selection of training classes at regional meetings.

Please see our Facebook events page for future meetings we run.

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Course Dates

When is the date of your next courses?

For all upcoming course dates please see course calendar.

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Cost and Payment Related

Do you offer any kind of payment plan?

Yes! There are various options available for those attending any of our courses.

Course attendees can setup a payment plan, where all we require is 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

Training fees are non-refundable and non-transferable (except in extenuating circumstances), see our terms & conditions here.

How much do your training courses cost?

For full details of prices please see our training page for dates and prices.

What is the price of your 5-day beginner’s locksmith course?

Our 5-day beginner’s course is £1660 Inc VAT for Non-Members, and £1525 inc VAT for MLA Members.

For the reduced membership price and joining the MLA please see our how to join page.

Do you offer a discount on courses?

For discounts see our course offers here.

As we’re a not-for-profit organisation, sadly we cannot, BUT reduced prices are available if you join the MLA – anyone new to the industry usually start out as a ‘Student Member’ of the MLA.

Do you accept Enhanced Learning Credits as payment?

Sadly do not accept enhanced learning credits (ELC).

Once booked on the course can I cancel?

Bookings are non-transferable/ non-cancellable unless there are extenuating circumstances.

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Tools For Training

Do I need to bring any Locksmith Tools with me for the course?

If you’re looking at taking any of the 3 optional modules (Fitting, UPVC & Opening) you’ll need to bring some basic tools – something that we can send you a list of, upon application.

Do you offer tool discounts?

We don’t include tools in our training as the tools you’ll need will depend on the work you do and also geographical location. Also, a lot of basic tools you can make yourself.

We can provide details of suppliers who offer tool discounts, should you become a member in the future.

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Accommodation

Is Accommodation available?

Accommodation is not included in the price, however, details of accommodation in the local area can be provided on request by contacting us

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Earnings and Salary

How much can I earn as a trained locksmith?

The National Careers Service reports that average earnings in the UK are around £25,000 pa. It’s hard to quantify self-employed locksmiths, but the figure’s likely to be considerably more, depending on hours worked, services offered, local competition etc.

I’ve been told I can earn 100K a year as a locksmith

This is a question we regularly get asked, and is a topic we have covered in depth on this page regarding earning 60-100k a year as a locksmith.

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Qualifications Related

Do I receive a qualification after attending your courses?.

Upon attending MLA locksmith training you get a certificate of attendance after each training module.

Those who pass the MLA Exam will receive an Official OFQUAL Level 4 qualification in locksmithing and the recognition of being able to become a Qualified Master Locksmith member of the association.

For more information on locksmith qualifications please see our qualification advice page.

Are there any English & Maths Requirements to attend your courses?

There are no requirements at all.

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Career Path and Progression

Do you offer ongoing support?

We certainly do – as a member of the MLA, there’s the opportunity to attend regional meetings to assist with your career development and even your business start-up as well.  We even offer Marketing + SEO tips for locksmiths in our monthly newsletter.

Members can also join the MLA forum or join our MLA Members Only Facebook group.   Both are a great resource to anyone new to the industry, where members with over 50 years experience in the industry are available to answer questions.

After the Beginners Course, can I start trading a locksmith?

While the course is comprehensive, like any hands-on career, you’d need to gain some on the job experience alongside what you have learnt on any course.

Typically, it can take up to 3 years to become a competent locksmith although you’ll never stop learning!

Can I set up my own business after the course?

Yes, you can.  Most of our students learn on the job and start on small projects and gradually work their way up.

We’re not, however, going to promise loads of work – it’ll be down to you to establish your customer base and build your business.

Recommended reading: Locksmith career guide – 10 quick tips

How can I progress in my career?

1. Offer More Services

We offer advanced courses if you wish to specialise in a specific area – these include growing areas within the industry, such as bench locksmithing, APG & aluminium doors, furniture locks and security safes.

2. Become an MLA Approved Company

You can become an MLA Approved Company and use the MLA logo and be featured on our website – you will need to have a good amount of experience & knowledge, pass the MLA Exam ( 1 part written/3 part practical ), and pass the inspection.

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Other locksmith courses

Do you run auto locksmith training courses?

Yes, our 1 day auto locksmith course will teach you how to pick vehicle locks, open locked car doors to learning about vehicle locks.

What other courses do you run? 

1. Safe Opening Course

We also run a 2-day safe opening & opening course for those wishing to offer a safe service as part of their business, a lot of people often lose the key or code to a security safe, and will need a locksmith offering a service.

2. Advanced Courses

For those who have a little more experience in the industry, there are advanced courses which cover 5 modules, these include a level 2 opening course & module on furniture locks.

3. Van Lock Fitting Course

Our 1 day van lock fitting course is perfect if wish to add fitting van locks to your business.

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For further information about our training to become a locksmith or to request a free course pack please contact us below:

Further Reading

• How to become a locksmith – our expert guide
• Locksmith Career Guide – 10 quick tips
• Locksmith Qualifications – what you need to know