Locksmith
OFO No: 652203
Other name for Locksmith:
- Safemaker
Youtube clip – The Career – Locksmith
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is a Locksmith?
Everyone needs a Locksmith sometime in their life!
A Locksmith specialises in locks and keys.
Locksmiths install, repair, and adjust locks in homes, offices, all kinds of buildings and motor vehicles.
Locksmiths may work from a shop or have their own mobile business, operating from a van.
People are always:
- losing their keys and can’t get into their homes and offices
- slamming the door with their keys still in the car or in their boot
- jamming or breaking the key off in the lock
- wanting duplicate keys made for family members and staff
People don’t really want to break a window or knock down a door to solve their problem – calling out a Locksmith is a far better option.
In addition to handling locks, some Locksmiths also work in security consulting, since locks are one way to control access
Some Locksmiths may also supplement their income in their shop/office by also offering other services like:.
- Shoe repair
- Remote controls and advice etc
What does a Locksmith do?
- is available almost 24-7 for emergencies
- discusses requirements with clients
- cuts keys
- picks locks to open them for clients
- keeps stock of materials
- services cutting machine
- keeps client records
Are you … ?
- discreet and confidential?
- responsible?
- available almost 24-7?
- willing to travel to client’s destination: house, office, car etc to solve the problem?
- good with your hands?
- able to deal with stress?
- security conscious?
- a person with good eyesight?
How do I become a Locksmith?
‘The Unit Standards, which form the framework for the training of Locksmiths, were registered by SAQA in August 2006.
The courseware material has been developed and written.
Assessors and Moderators have been trained and accredited and training facilities have been set-up and accredited.’ – LASA
- LASA: Locksmith Association of South Africa
Offers an accredited National Certificate in Locksmithing
PATH 1
- Apprenticeship
- Trade Test
PATH 2
- Learnership – Locksmithing NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 3
- Learnership – Lock Manufacturing and Assembly NQF Level 2 and 3
- Learnership – Lock and Safe Manufacturing and Assembly NQF Level 4
- Trade Test
PATH 4
- National Certificate: Engineering Studies: N1, N2 and N3
- These can be done at many TVET (FET) colleges. Check out your local college to see what they offer.
- Workplace experience
- Trade Test
PATH 5
- Artisan Internship
- Trade Test
PATH 6
- RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
- If you have already been working a long time as a Locksmith without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
- Trade Test
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
- THE SCHOOL OF ADVANCED LOCKSMITHING
Offers various courses on locksmithing
http://www.locksmithschool.co.za/courses.html
Minimum requirements: Grade 10 usually required
Recommended school subjects: Woodwork, Metal Work, Technical Drawing and Workshop Practice
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Tool, Jig and Die-Maker … or … Body Guard
Is becoming a Tool, Jig and Die Maker the right career choice for me?