There was a time when becoming a locksmith required a minimum investment in supplies and training. Even today, a Foley- Belsaw brochure on the internet (www.foley-belsaw.com) advertises a locksmith course for $910 which "....includes the entire course including parts, tools, key machine, pick gun, business builder guides and more." Foley-Belsaw uses Skill Numbers for various locksmith procedures. While worthy skills such as impressioning, key identification and pin tumbler key fitting are covered, other topics such as Skill Number 8, warded bit lock construction; Skill Number 23, Schlage wafer key fitting and Skill Number 13, sidebar wafer lock construction are also parts of the course. Several automotive lock and key illustrations in the Foley-Belsaw program guide show designs which were replaced by newer designs nearly 30 years ago. According to the Foley-Belsaw program guide, "You can make an average of $48.00 or more an hour."
Courses such as the one described above did serve as a helpful introduction into the basic procedures needed to become a locksmith in times past but are less helpful in equipping a beginning locksmith for many of the locksmith job requirements of today and tomorrow. Where is the training for servicing automotive transponders and remotes, automotive sidewinder locks, electric strikes, electronic and mechanical push button locks, access control systems, door closers or lock installations?
This dearth of information is not limited to any one particular locksmith mail order course. People interested in becoming a locksmith regularly call Locksmith Ledger for advice. My suggestion is for them to contact a mail order locksmith course of their choice as basic beginning step but to also understand that the locksmith occupation is changing rapidly. Beginners must decide what sectors of the new locksmith vertical markets will be most profitable in their area and then take additional individual classes as needed. Locksmith Ledger regularly publishes a "Continuing Education" section in monthly issues. Manufacturers, distributors and locksmith associations all offer informative classes. Beginners and old-timers alike must invest in educating themselves to keep up with the changing landscape.
