Today’s high-tech automotive security technology requires education and dedicated software, tools and equipment. When automotive manufacturers adopt new security measures, aftermarket companies serving locksmiths have to update software and develop new servicing methods. Change is constant.

There are plenty of training opportunities scheduled for automotive locksmiths looking to advance in this growing field, offered through trade and locksmith associations and distributors. Here, we list some upcoming classes.

Key Innovations Locksmith Pro Academy

The Key Innovations Locksmith Pro Academy will hold two days of training classes on Aug. 7 and 8 in New Orleans. The lineup includes:

• Volvo Key Programming with VIDA
• Motorcycle Locksmithing: Mechanical Keys & Transponder Fundamentals
• OEM Tools, J2534 Devices and NASTF Compliance
• Hands-On Soldering and Basic EEPROM
• Hands-On Original Lishi Lock Picking
• Toyota & Chrysler OEM Programming
• BMW Immobilizer Systems & Key Programming
• Building & Scaling a Successful Automotive Locksmith Business
• Master JLR Key Programming

The location is the Intercontinental New Orleans. Learn more or register at https://keyinnovations.com/locksmith-pro-academy/.

Save the Date

The 2027 Locksmith Pro Expo, offered by Key Innovations and UHS Hardware, is planned for March 10-12, 2027, at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Registration will open this summer.

The event will include two full days of hands-on education (March 10-11) built for the jobs you're actually doing, from key cutting to programming to running a more profitable shop. The Locksmith Pro Exo will be held March 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

American Key Supply Locksmith University

Check out American Key Supply's Locksmith University for hands-on training at AKS headquarters in Las Vegas. Though dates aren't listed, possible 2026 courses include Motorcycle Servicing, the popular Hands-On Lishi, VW/Audi/Porche Key Programming and Mercedes/VW Key Programming.

More info:www.americankeysupply.com/pages/las-vegas-locksmith-university-lvlu

PureAuto Training Weekend

Automotive locksmiths will roll into Kentucky Sept. 18-20 for Lockmasters’ second 2026 PureAuto weekend of training.

Courses will include:

Intro to Automotive EEPROM. Learn this popular new method of immobilizer bypass for new vehicles. This half-day class gives an overview of Auto EEPROM as well as illustrate how to use a variety of tools and software to read immobilizer  and ECU data from a vehicle’s ECU or other module to program transponder keys.

Intro to Transponders. A great introduction to the world of programming automotive transponders. This half-day class provides a general overview of the components of transponder keys, how transponder systems work. Students will learn programming and cloning fundamentals.  The class includes a broad overview of the progression of automotive transponders, programming procedures, key blanks and tools for most transponder-equipped North American vehicles. This is a great class for beginners wanting to get into the automotive locksmith industry.

Lishi Training & Key Generation. Gain confidence in the popular Lishi 2-in-1 Picks & Decoders! This is the ideal class for any locksmith wanting to expand into and/or improve their automotive locksmithing skills.  This hands-on course allows students to use a variety of tools that will help them learn and gain confidence in the popular Lishi 2-in-1 picks and decoders.  Students learn to sight-read keys, use scopes to read wafers, impression, progressioning, cut keys by code and more.   It is primarily hands-on with lecture.

Advanced Transponders. Keep current with the newest procedures and remotes for the newest models. This full-day class will focus on the latest procedures, software and remotes for the most recent models. Your instructor is in the field every day working on domestic and foreign vehicles and has a wealth of real-world experience.  He will share   information on programming and troubleshooting: GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi and VW/Audi.   Students will get hands-on programming experience as well access to videos showing a variety of equipment used in the field as reference materials.        

Students can take as many of the courses as they choose. For information call 866-574-8724 or visit www.lsieducation.com.

Autel Scholarship Deadline: Aug. 27

PORT WASHINGTON, New York — Autel U.S., a leading developer, manufacturer, and distributor of diagnostic tools and equipment including transponder programmers, is accepting applications for the Second Annual Autel Awarding Excellence Scholarships, supporting students pursuing careers in automotive repair and service. The deadline to submit applications is Aug. 27, 2026.

The 2026 program will award five $5,000 scholarships, for a total of $25,000, to help students offset tuition, tools, books, supplies, and education expenses. Part of Autel Cares, the company’s philanthropic initiative, the program recognizes students committed to building futures in automotive repair. This year, eligibility expands to include adult learners returning to school or transitioning from another career into automotive education.

“Last year’s scholarship recipients represented the talent, dedication, and promise that will help shape the future of automotive repair,” said Chloe Hung, CEO of Autel U.S. “This year, we are excited to build on that momentum by opening the program to both recent graduates and adult learners pursuing automotive education as a new career path.”

Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to attend a trade school, college, or university automotive repair program. Candidates pursuing mechanical repair, tire and rim service, glass repair, collision repair, locksmithing, heavy duty/diesel repair, ADAS calibration, diagnostics, or related fields will be considered.

To apply, students must submit a 500- to 600-word essay or 2- to 3-minute video describing their path to automotive education, how the scholarship would support their training, and the goals, obstacles, and career they are building in automotive repair.

In its first year, the program supported five students pursuing restoration, automotive technology, mechanical repair, auto body, and collision repair studies.

Applications are available at https://bold.org/scholarships/autel-awarding-excellence-scholarship/ and must be submitted by August 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Recipients will be announced on Sept. 28, 2026.

ALOA Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing

After two successful sessions earlier in 2026, the next weeklong ALOA Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing course is planned for October in Dallas. Visit www.aloa.org for updated information.

The course is primarily focused on 2000 and newer vehicles, with education on key origination methods for various systems to produce working keys without relying on key codes. Common problems along with their repair techniques and troubleshooting will be taught as well, with an introduction to key-cutting machines and key programming devices. The class also includes a section on ethics as an automotive locksmith.

In this new in-person class, locksmiths learn the fundamentals of automotive locksmithing and kickstart their careers under the guidance of experienced instructors. The course is 50% classroom instruction and 50% hands-on training.

Course description: This 5-day Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing (FOAL) course is designed as an introductory course for those wanting to get started in the automotive side of the industry. The course is primarily focused on vehicles 2000 and newer, with education on key origination methods for various systems to produce working keys without relying on key codes. Common problems along with their repair techniques and troubleshooting will be taught as well, with an introduction to key cutting machines and key programming devices. The class also includes a section on ethics as an automotive locksmith.

Participants will receive a Certificate of Training acknowledging 40 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) of the Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing upon successful completion of the course. Note: This certificate documents training hours only. It is not a certification and does not replace any state or local licensing requirements.