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Locksmith

Locksmiths install, adjust and repair locks, make keys and change lock combinations. They work on residential, automotive, commercial and institutional locksets and door hardware. Locksmiths may also install and maintain more sophisticated security systems.

Department Information:
For more information on the Locksmith program, visit the Locksmith Department, under About RDC.

Generally, the duties of a Locksmith include:

  • selling and installing high security lock systems, key control systems, window bars, deadlocks and keyless entry locks
  • repairing, replacing or adjusting damaged or defective components of entrance and exit doors, including door closers, hinges, electric release mechanisms and sometimes the door itself
  • changing lock key combinations by inserting new pins into locks, and
  • designing complex master key systems for industry, governments and institutions.

Specific duties of locksmiths vary depending upon the area in which they work.  Key duplicators perform the task of duplicating keys.  They usually work in kiosks in shopping centres.  They have a good knowledge of how a lock cylinder and key operates, and are able to identify all types of keys.  They are required to operate, service and adjust key machines.  Key duplicators are usually not considered locksmiths.

Shop locksmiths, in addition to the duties of a key duplicator, are responsible for:

  • servicing and adjusting key machines
  • repairing locks
  • rekeying locks
  • making keys for locks
  • opening cylinders when keys are not available
  • preparing master keys from code
  • repairing or making keys for auto locks brought into the shop

Mobile locksmiths are required to work from mobile units.  They are skilled in the duties of the shop locksmiths and key duplicators.  They are also responsible for:

  • repairing locks in the field
  • open door locks with a lock pick
  • opening and making keys for automobiles
  • installing locks, door closers and emergency exit hardware
  • replacing hinges and realigning doors
  • installing security bars
  • installing and repairing electric strikes and electronic security hardware
  • servicing and changing combinations on safe and vault doors.

Some locksmithing firms specialize in security systems for banks, residence, industries or police departments.

Safe and vault technicians have additional training in safe and vault servicing and trouble-shooting.  They are skilled in opening safes, rebuilding, painting, moving and installing safes.

Locksmiths who service bank equipment are skilled in mechanical and electronic time locks, time delay devices, night deposit units, combination locks and key locks for vaults and safes.

Some locksmiths have additional training in the installation of alarm systems and can make repairs where necessary.  Locksmiths in these firms work on a variety of security systems including intrusion alarms, delayed exit and access control systems.  Most locksmiths are required to purchase their own tools.  Depending on what is required, individuals can expect to spend between $500 to $1,000.  Most shops supply major specialized tools.

Some shops, especially mobile units, may be small and crowded, requiring locksmiths to work around benches, counters and stock.  They sometimes are required to work in awkward or confined spaces.  Those working in mobile units may be required to work in adverse weather conditions.

Locksmiths usually work a five-day week but may be on-call nights and weekends to respond to emergencies.  Some locksmiths are self-employed and may be required to work longer hours and have clerical dutie related to running a business.

Qualifications

Those individuals wishing to become locksmiths should posses:

  • mechanical ability
  • good mathematical ability
  • an understanding of computers
  • patience and stamina
  • the ability to lift in excess of 25 kilograms
  • tact when dealing with the public
  • good vision and hearing
  • good eye-hand co-ordination to work with small and intricate parts.

They should also be in reasonably good health as they are sometimes required to manoeuvre heavy objects and climb ladders.  It is important that locksmiths have a willingness to keep learning about new developments in security equipment.

Knowledge of electronics, welding, carpentry and metalworking is an asset.  Locksmiths should also be reliable, accurate and honest.  Successful locksmiths are often independent, self-motivated individuals who are experts in precision work.  They usually enjoy solving problems and dealing with people.

Locksmiths generally acquire their skills through apprenticeship training or by learning informally on-the-job.

In Alberta, the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act requires that anyone working in this trade must be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyman or hold a recognized trade certificate.  To enter the Locksmith apprenticeship program administered by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, applicants must have Alberta Grade 10 education or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer, a person must also hold a pick license issued under section 353 of the Criminal Code (Canada).  The license is issued by the provincial Department of Justice.  Persons with a criminal record are ineligible to obtain a pick license or work as a locksmith.  Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees.  To register, the apprentice and the employer submit an application to the closest Apprenticeship and Industry Training office located at most Alberta Career Development Centres and Canada Alberta Service Centres.  Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.

The term of apprenticeship is four years (four 12-month periods with a minimum of 1560 hours of employment each year). In addition to on-the-job training, the term also requires eight weeks of classroom training for each year.  An applicant who previously completed courses of study or work experience related to the Locksmith trade or holds a related journeyman certificate and has the employer's recommendation, may qualify for credit that could reduce the term of apprenticeship.

The classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry and is offered only at RDC Locksmith/Broadmoor Place (Sherwood Park).  When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies.  Human Resources Development Canada may provide income support for apprentices attending classroom training.  For more detailed information, contact your local Canada Employment Centre.  After successfully completing the required examinations and hours of employment, an apprentice is awarded a Journeyman Certificate.

Experienced Locksmiths can contribute to upgrade their skills through the professional Locksmiths Association of Alberta and other trade associations.

Employment and Advancement

Locksmiths are employed by:

  • property management firms
  • locksmithing companies
  • security firms
  • institutions

Experienced Locksmiths can advance to supervisory positions or set up their own business.  Most Locksmiths consider this to be a life-long occupation.  The increasing awareness for preventative measures by the public to protect against theft is creating a need for more security measures; therefore the demand for Locksmiths is anticipated to remain fairly stable.

For more information about the Locksmith Technician Apprenticeship program, please contact Trades and Manufacturing at Red Deer College 403.342.3100 or Apprenticeship and Industry Training 403.340.5151.

You can also find more information at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.