Upcoming events

    • 15 Jul 2025
    • 08 Aug 2025
    • Various locations around AU & NZ
    Register


    • 09 Sep 2025
    • 10 Sep 2025
    • Sydney NSW
    Register

    The John Andrew Apprentice of the Year Award recognises the next generation of talent in the locksmithing industry.

    If you're a rising star with recently completed qualifications, this is your chance to demonstrate your skills on a national stage.


    Testing dates: 9 – 10 September 2025

    Location: Sydney, NSW


     

    Images from 2024 testing



    Who Can Enter?

    In 2024, the Master Locksmiths Board removed the age restriction for entrants, allowing those who began their apprenticeship after age 25 to participate.

    To be eligible, you must have completed (or be due to complete) your trade qualifications between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2025, regardless of your age when you began your apprenticeship.

    Please note:

    • You are not eligible if you have previously applied and participated in JAAOTY testing. This opportunity is only available once.
    • Applicants must not hold another trade qualification.
    • You must be currently employed by a financial member of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA).




    What's Involved?

    Shortlisted nominees will be invited to participate in two days of hands-on testing in Sydney, on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 September 2025.

    Participants will be tested across several practical and technical areas, including:

    • Master keying in a PM8 environment
    • Mechanical and electronic safe diagnostics
    • Lock fitting
    • Picking and impressioning
    • Automotive key generation and transponder programming

    Download the JAAOTY testing overview PDF for a detailed breakdown of each section and scoring.

    JAAOTY 2025 - Testing Overview PDF



    What Do Finalists Receive?

    All finalists will receive:

    The winner will also receive a trip to Europe - a prize that offers incredible industry exposure and career development.

    Images from 2024 Gala Dinner & Awards Night - 2024 JAAOTY Winner, Toby Simpson



    Why Enter?

    This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:

    • Showcase your skills
    • Network with industry leaders
    • Represent the future of the locksmithing profession
    • Win a potential trip to Europe



    Key Dates

    Testing held in Sydney: 9 – 10 September 2025

    Winners announced: Sat, 13 September at the Gala Dinner & Awards Night, Sydney Town Hall

    • 12 Sep 2025
    • 13 Sep 2025
    • The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
    Register

    44th Annual Trade Expo & Conference

    Located at the Fullerton Hotel Sydney, 12-13 September 2025

    To find all the details about the venue, sessions, trade expo and what's included – click the link below to take you straight there!

    Visit Event Page


    Don’t miss out – Early Bird Prices are now on!

    Click the Register button below to secure your place.

    • 12 Sep 2025
    • 13 Sep 2025
    • Fullerton Hotel - Sydney
    Register

    EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION
    44th Annual Conference / Trade Show

    NB: All booths/sponsorships must strictly be paid for by Fri 27 Jun or your booking will be cancelled and the booths made available for resale.

    • 13 Sep 2025
    • Sydney Town Hall, NSW
    Register

    2025 Business Awards – Entries Now Open!

    Proudly sponsored by SG Lock & Security

    Celebrate excellence in our industry and put your business in the spotlight! The 2025 Business Awards recognise outstanding achievement across the locksmithing sector in Australia and New Zealand.

    These prestigious awards are your chance to showcase your work, gain industry recognition, and be rewarded for excellence in design, branding, functionality and presentation.


    Award Categories

         Over 400 spm

       
     
    Under 400 sqm
     
       
     
     
       
       

       


    Why Enter?

    • Win a share of the $20,000 prize pool
    • Boost your business profile and credibility, and be recognised as a leader in the industry
    • Both finalists and winners receive certificates and the right to promote their achievement for the next 12 months
    • All finalists receive complimentary access to the Trade Expo and a free ticket to the Gala Dinner & Awards Night
    • Celebrate your win at the Gala Dinner during the 44th Annual Trade Expo & Conference in Sydney!



    Criteria

    Judging criteria documents are available for each category – please review them before submitting your entry.

    Shop of the Year (Under 400 sqm) - Criteria

    Shop of the Year (Over 400 sqm) - Criteria

    Van of the Year - Criteria

    Ute of the Year - Criteria



    Key Dates

    Entries close 11 August, 2025

    Winners announced: Saturday 13 September at the Gala Dinner, Sydney Town Hall


    • 18 Nov 2025
    • 12 Dec 2025
    • Various locations around AU & NZ


Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Ltd, Ground Floor, 470 St Kilda Road,
Melbourne VIC 3004

+61 3 9994 1557
8:30am to 5:30pm - Monday to Friday
(Melbourne, Australia time) business days (excluding public holidays)
For out of hours enquiries, please email below:

support@masterlocksmiths.com.au

        

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