The Steps to Becoming a Locksmith

Choosing to become a locksmith in Auckland can be a wise career move. Locksmith professionals in Auckland earn good money while working flexible hours in a variety of settings – commercial, residential and automotive. They also get to run their own business and be their own boss. Here are the steps you need to take to become a locksmith in Auckland.

How to become a professional locksmith

Step 1: Training

Aspiring auto, commercial and residential locksmith professionals must complete a 3-year apprenticeship in order to earn a certification (a license). Locksmith apprenticeships are offered as part of the New Zealand Government’s Modern Apprenticeships, which are meant for individuals between the ages of 16 and 21. These apprenticeships may consist of block courses, evening classes or day release courses, as well as on-the-job and off-the-job assessments, which are offered by a polytechnic or a private specialist training provider.

During training, apprentices learn how to install and repair locks in commercial and residential locksmith Auckland settings, pick locks, make keys and duplicates, test the security of locks after installation and more. They not only receive support and subsidy from the government, but also get to gain professional and practical skills, earn money as they learn and attain a Level 4 National Certificate.

However, to become a locksmith Auckland apprentice, you have to meet the entry requirements for this apprenticeship. The first requirement is completion of secondary education. As an aspiring emergency locksmith contractor, you must pass Level 3 NCEA subjects such as workshop technology, ICT, maths, and English. You also must not have any criminal convictions, particularly those involving dishonesty. A driver’s license and a security guard’s license may be required by the specific employer providing the apprenticeship.

If you satisfy these requirements, you can find a locksmith apprenticeship position through adverts online or in local newspapers and magazines. Check with residential locksmith Auckland companies to see if they are interested in taking on a new apprentice. You can find helpful information on locksmith apprenticeships on websites like Competenz and Skills4Work.

Step 2: Certification

As a trainee locksmith in Auckland, you’ll gain skills on the job. Your employer will work with you to develop an appropriate training plan for your individual situation. This study plan will outline all aspects of your training, including on-the-job and off-the-job training and assessments. As part of your training, your employer may send you on a 3-week block course to the NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE). The cost of this course is subsidised. Your employer will help you gain your certification once you complete training.

Step 3: Continuing education

As a qualified commercial, residential, or emergency locksmith professional, you can further your knowledge by attending seminars and conferences where industry specialists trade information and experiences. Locksmith schools, lock manufacturers, and trade associations may also offer continuing education opportunities.

Step 4: Joining a professional organisation

While membership in a professional organisation is not mandatory, joining one can provide you with a number of benefits such as industry networking and bonding, discounts on insurance, legislative representation, continuing education, web-based testing and more. Some of the trade organisations that you may consider joining include: Australian New Zealand Locksmiths Association, New Zealand Locksmith Association, and Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia.

Locksmart: quick And professional 24-hour locksmith Auckland service

Lost your office keys? Locked out of your vehicle? Need new locks installed in your residential house? We offer a full range of emergency automotive, commercial and residential locksmith services in Auckland and can handle all types of lockout situations. Whether you need your home’s locks repaired after a break-in, you’ve been locked out of your house or office or need your car boot opened, www.locksmart.co.nz is here to help.

Our highly-trained and skilled emergency locksmith Auckland technicians are fully-equipped, ready, and on standby to get the job done in a quick and efficient manner. Because we have mobile units, we can get to almost anywhere in Auckland within 30 minutes. Our super fast response times and high quality workmanship makes us your best choice for locksmiths in Auckland. Call us at 0800 33 41 22 now for FAST, reliable, and professional emergency 24 hour locksmith Auckland service.

Top Tips to Reduce Crime in Your Area

Crime is an unfortunate part of life in New Zealand and no one wants to be a target. There are a number of ways you can assess your home environment and neighbourhood and make some improvements to minimise the risks of your area becoming a target.

One of the quickest ways to reduce your chances of being a target for crime is to either strengthen your defences or remove from sight objects that are frequently targeted. For example, placing your car in a locked garage overnight is a safer option than leaving it out in the driveway or street. If you don’t have a secure garage, try to park within view of your home or near street lights. You can make your vehicle more secure by fitting a steering wheel lock. Remove temptation by taking out your car stereo if possible and not leaving valuables in your car overnight.

Adding extra lighting to the exterior of your home, especially motion sensors, can be an excellent deterrent for intruders. Providing lighting for garden paths and alleys down the side of your home will all help to discourage intruders. Having low fences will lessen your privacy but also provide less hiding places for potential burglars.

To improve the security of your home it is a good idea to fit good quality window and door locks. Just make sure the locks are installed professionally and don’t reduce your chances of escaping your home in a fire emergency. Shutters are good for businesses or homes with shop fronts. An alarm system is also a good idea, ideally one linked up to a security company.

Removing objects from around your home that could be used to gain access to windows is a such as wheelie bins is a good thing to do. Putting away your gardening equipment and children’s bikes and scooters in a secure garage or shed will minimise the chance of them tempting thieves.

Once you have worked on securing your own home and property it is time to work on building a stronger neighbourhood. Join or set up a neighbourhood watch scheme and get to know your neighbours so it will be easier to spot those characters who are not regulars. Would you know if someone was entering your neighbours property? Would you recognise an intruder or just think they were the new tenants?

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to go away for the weekend knowing that someone in your neighbourhood was watching over your property and may even empty the letterbox for you or bring the empty rubbish bin in so you don’t signal to burglars that you are away!

For home security options and advice from Auckland locksmiths, contact LockSmart. For details of their Auckland-wide emergency locksmith services visit their website www.locksmart.co.nz. Should you need an automotive locksmith in Auckland they can assist with your car as well. Whether you are locked out or need advice on improving your home’s security, the team at LockSmart are waiting for your call.