Locksmith refers to a person who deals in locks of doors, safes, windows, cars and so on. Their functions involve repair, adjustment and installation of locks in everything ranging from cars to buildings. They provide consultation to individuals about their security system and offer services to people who are locked out. It has been a traditional profession as it started with the invention of locks and it will continue as long as locks and keys will be in use.
The function of a locksmith includes fabrication of locking keys apart from making duplicate ones. Their workplace ranges from residential to commercial and automotive establishments. They also bypass locks if authorized to do so apart from changing lock combinations. They require skills and knowledge to work in different establishments.
Responsibilities of Locksmiths
Locksmiths undertake the following responsibilities:
They cut keys for locks of doors, windows and safes in buildings as well as in cars.
They provide locks for doors, windows used for both commercial and residential purposes and repair and maintain them as well.
A locksmith also installs an electronic control system that is accessible for their customers.
They have specialization in making security locks for safes. Their work includes supply, installation, opening and repairing of all kinds of security safes and vaults.
Some locksmiths provide auto locksmithing services to customers which include opening the door of their locked car, programming as well as reprogramming transponder and remote keys or providing new keys for the car.
Some locksmiths provide services with all round the clock beyond office hours.
The Workplace of a Locksmith
Locksmiths are generally employed in traditional companies which are meant for locksmiths or in security agencies. They may work as the freelancer. A skilled locksmith should be able to solve problems and should be willing to work in unusual hours. He should be discreet as he handles sensitive and confidential information.
How to be a Locksmith?
In order to be a successful locksmith, an aspiring locksmith must go through a formal training available through diploma course and certificate. Such courses are offered by community colleges or vocational schools or locksmith associations owned by the state. The students can learn the skill of picking a variety of locks, repairing and making keys as well as duplicate keys. These courses also impart hand on experience in testing security of the locks understanding their mechanism and learning how to install them. Specialized sector courses in locksmithing are also given such as automotive locksmithing. Certain training programs of locksmithing might involve legal as well as business aspects. An alternative to training schools for locksmiths is gaining training as an apprentice from an experienced locksmith. Although learning from a practicing professional is does not help in earning money, it provides aspiring locksmiths with direct knowledge of technical, business and legal aspect of the job. The training for locksmiths can range from a period of three months to that of four years. The tenure depends upon the type of specialization.
As per the requirement of certain states, to be recognized as an experienced and licensed locksmith, a locksmith needs to work at least for a year under a professional. He may get employment in local companies or through the apprenticeship. As some states require locksmiths to obtain a license for obtaining consumer security and meeting professional standards. Locksmiths might have to submit one application and go through background checks. They might have to submit their fingerprints to the database of the state or the federation. State licensure differs from state to state. Voluntary certification is provided by certain training schools for recognition after which locksmiths can continue their education further.
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