Professional Locksmith College of BC

      According to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) published figures for 2004, for reported incidents only, on an average day in British Columbia 64 vehicles are stolen, 112 vehicles are broken into, and 74 vehicles are vandalized. There is a vast market for professionally trained and equipped automotive locksmiths, and the Professional Locksmith College of BC can give you the tools and training you need to succeed.

"Terry said that by Day 2 of their Locksmith Course I would be able to rekey my house and my neighbours too, and I did."

A.J. - Maples Ridge, BC

"I was paying a small fortune to rekey my warehouses in Fort St. John, so I took Terry's course to service my own buildings, and I've saved big money."

Jean - Fort St. John, BC

"If I'd only known, I would have been a locksmith."

Albert Einstein

1. Course Dates

Daytime Classes

      • Total cost $2,200.

Additional Information

      - Basic locksmithing tools (lock picks, pinning kit, pin tweezers, etc.) and tool case supplied.
      - Handouts supplied at the beginning of each class.
      - Registration and Entrance Exam Fee NA
      - Fees are subject to change at any time.

2. Basic Locksmithing

      This Professional Locksmith course gives students comprehensive hands-on knowledge about locking and unlocking principles as related to lock cylinders. The course provides you with the information and training to become a competent technician who can service, maintain, open, troubleshoot and masterkey locks found in School, Hospital or Institutional key lock systems. Students will learn how to disassemble and reassemble mortise, key-in-knob, deadbolts and rim cylinders using the tools of the trade. Learn about pinning kits, code machines, designing masterkey systems, opening techniques and more.

      Adequate space is provided for each class. Equipment and supplies are purchased in large quantities and the appropriate tools and machines are available to each student. Manufacturer's product catalogs are supplied in the class workbook binder. All instructors are locksmiths with years of on the job experience, and are able to cope with any problems and instruct all operations. All phases of training are equal to, or above the normal standard of Locksmiths.

      Grades are given by the instructor for each lesson and recorded individually as; excellent, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. Professional Locksmithing College of BC requires each student to complete a minimum of 80% class time to achieve satisfactory completion.

      Upon satisfactory completion of the course, each student will be awarded a Certificate of Proficiency from Professional Locksmithing College of BC, endorsed by the school's Chief Administrator and stamped with the school's Official Corporate Seal

3. Topics of Study:

4. Course Outline

Theory /100 for 30% of final grade
Practical /100 for 50% of final grade
Evaluation /10 for 10% of final grade
Attendance /10 for 10% of final grade

Note: Student must supply Criminal Records check before the start of classes.

5. Duties of a 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.

Generally, the duties of a locksmith include:

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

Specific duties of locksmiths vary depending upon the area in which they work.

6. Shop Locksmiths are responsible for:

      - servicing and adjusting key machines
      - repairing locks
      - re-keying 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

7. Mobile Locksmiths are required to work from mobile units. In addition to the duties of shop locksmiths they are also responsible for:

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

8. Safe and Vault Technicians have additional training in safe and vault servicing, and troubleshooting. 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 and electronic and key locks for vaults and safes.

      Locksmiths should be in reasonably good health as they are sometimes required to maneuver 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 metal working is an asset. Locksmiths should be reliable, accurate and honest.

9. Working 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 duties related to running a business.

      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.

10. Skills and Abilities

      Successful locksmiths are often independent, self-motivated individuals who are experts in precision work. They usually enjoy solving problems and helping people.

Those individuals wishing to become locksmiths should possess:

      - mechanical ability
      - good mathematical ability
      - an understanding of computers
      - the ability to lift 25 kilograms
      - patience and stamina
      - tact when dealing with the public
      - good vision and hearing, and
      - good eye-hand coordination in order to work with small and intricate parts

11. Employment and Advancement

      Locksmiths are employed by locksmithing companies, security firms, and institutions. 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. Journeyman wage rates vary, but generally range from $12 to $25 an hour plus benefits. Experienced locksmiths can advance to supervisory positions or set up their own business. Those workers who run their own small business have a much larger earning potential. Most locksmiths consider this to be a life-long occupation.

Information for wages is based on 1996 Census data for British Columbia. The wages are calculated based on full year, full time employment. Wages may vary from company to company

12. Future

      There is a high level of self-employment in the Locksmith trade. This trade should provide a stable number of employment opportunities. Increased housing construction starts will provide additional opportunities for workers in this trade.