The locksmith industry is as old as the hills and from the very first locks introduced way back in medieval times there has been the need for a locksmiths, someone who is skilled in circumventing this type of security and able to repair these complex devices.
Fast forward to the 21st Century and you find that the locksmith industry is a well respected one with hundreds of professional locksmiths operating all over the UK. However, the role, skills and the responsibilities of locksmiths have swiftly changed and expanded as technological advancements have improved safety and security systems. The humble Locksmith no longer simply repairs, installs and replaces physical locks and keys on home, businesses and vehicles, they must be trained and equipped to deal with the latest high security so called un-pickable locks and high end vehicle security features. This is why continuous locksmith training is essential and why companies like Train Locksmiths are inundated with enquiries and bookings each time new course dates are released
Job Prospects For Locksmiths
New figures suggest that Job prospects for locksmiths are expected to increase during the period from 2019 to 2029 by a massive 20 percent. This anticipated increase in demand for locksmiths is partially due to planned new construction of commercial and residential properties, new affordable homes, the increase in the number of private landlords and unfortunately an increase in residential and commercial break-ins.
There has never been a better time to start a new exciting and profitable career as a locksmith either full time or part time, but the most important factor to consider in the correct training because without the correct training you’ll simply end up another have a go amateur struggling for work due to bad feedback and force to sign up with some call centre.
Locksmiths Industry Regulation
At the moment the locksmith industry is completely unregulated meaning that anyone can set up and start trading as a locksmith whether they have received professional training of not, some amateurs even set up with zero training or knowledge of the industry and simple go after emergency access jobs where they are simple breaking in using whatever means necessary be it by hammer, chisel, drill or a combination of all three leaving you the home or business owner with massive repair bill too.
A professionally trained locksmith will away first attempt what is known in the industry as non destructive entry where they will attempt to pick the lock either manually or using an electronic pick or gain access using some other non destructive specialists’ tool, these method however require training.
Do You Need to Be DBS Checked to work as a Locksmith
No, because the Locksmiths Industry is unregulated a DBS (formerly CRB) check in not a legal requirement and locksmith who are DBS checked do so voluntarily. This does however separate the “have a go” amateurs from the professional locksmiths as an untrained amateur will not usually bother with these things.
The advantage of being DBS Checked is that it shows the locksmith is trustworthy – the disclosure provides a certain degree of confidence that he or she is reliable. It also provides peace of mind to whoever owns the keys of the household or business in question.
As professional locksmith who is of course DBS checked I believe it should be compulsory to get DBS checked especially if you are in a business sector where there is any chance of you being either alone with a vulnerable person or in charge of a home or business security
Any legitimate locksmith should be getting DBS check… It’s nothing to do with it being compulsory..
I heard about this a few months ago from the locksmith we use on our rental properties….. he said by this time next year it will be illegal to work as a locksmith without the correct qualification due to too many cowboys putting people in danger, he says its a pain but sees it as a step in the right direction