How to become a locksmith
A locksmithing apprenticeship can open the door to a respected, rewarding and in-demand career for life.
Are you looking for job security, good earning potential and a trade that won’t wreck your knees? Locksmithing might be just the ticket.
Locksmiths do much more than just cutting keys and repairing locks. Modern locksmiths are security professionals, using the latest technology to safeguard everything from homes to classified government facilities.
Like all respected trades, a locksmith’s career starts with a four-year apprenticeship. Where it goes from there is up to you!
What do locksmiths do?
Locksmiths enjoy diverse career opportunities, working across the residential, commercial, industrial or automotive sectors. Many locksmiths work for private businesses (or start their own), while some work in-house with large corporate or government organisations.
Locksmiths install, maintain and repair mechanical and electronic security systems. While mechanical locks are still an important part of the trade, locksmiths also work on electronic access control, CCTV and alarm systems.
Your day-to-day as a locksmith will be interesting and varied, and differs depending on which career specialisation you choose:
Why locksmithing?
Locksmithing is a hands-on trade that finds the best security solutions for clients. It’s a satisfying job and no two days are the same, so you won’t get bored. Demand for locksmiths is strong, making it a stable career choice.
The range of specialisations available mean you can pick a career path that matches your interests. Like most trades, you will be paid to learn during your apprenticeship.
Unlike some trades, however, you won’t spend your day in a crawl space or rubbing your aching back. You can be a locksmith your whole life – you don’t need a backup career for when your knees give out.
How do I become a locksmith?
A locksmithing apprenticeship typically takes four years to complete. Once a locksmith has agreed to take you on as an apprentice, they will sign you up with a TAFE that offers the locksmithing qualification.
Your apprenticeship will include a mix of on-the-job training with an experienced locksmith through your employer, and off-the-job training through TAFE as part of the Certificate III in Locksmithing (MEM30819). There is financial support available for apprentices who meet eligibility criteria in Australia and New Zealand, including government funding.
At the end of your apprenticeship, you will graduate with a nationally-recognised qualification that gives you the keys to a profession for life.
| State | Provider | Course name | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
Queensland |
SkillsTech |
Certificate III in Locksmithing | |
New South Wales |
Sydney TAFE |
Certificate III in Locksmithing | |
Victoria |
Melbourne Polytechnic |
Certificate III in Locksmithing | |
Western Australia |
South Metropolitan TAFE |
Certificate III in Locksmithing | |
New Zealand |
Competenz |
Certificate IV in Locksmithing |
A Certificate III in Locksmithing is only offered at the TAFE institutes in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Apprentices in South Australia, Tasmania, Canberra, Darwin, and those in regional areas throughout Australia, need to attend one of these institutes. Travel and living-away-from-home allowances may be available.
For more information, please contact your Australian Apprentice Network Support Provider.
In New Zealand, the Certificate IV in Locksmithing is only offered at Competenz in Auckland. Apprentices in regional areas throughout New Zealand must attend Competenz in Auckland. Government support, including travel and living-away-from-home allowances, may be available.
For more information, please contact Competenz.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Australia
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process for giving candidates credit for skills, knowledge and experience gained through working and learning.
It can be gained at any stage of their lives, through formal and informal learning, in Australia or overseas, and through work or other activities such as volunteering.
If you’ve been in the industry for a significant period and do not have an official locksmith trade qualification, you can go through the RPL process and obtain a recognised trade qualification.
For more information, please contact one of the four TAFE institutes listed above.
Assessment of Prior Learning – New Zealand
Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) is a process that recognises that experience does count when it comes to gaining a trade qualification.
APL is ideal for mature learners who missed out on gaining their trade qualification when they were younger. It can also help people skilled in more than one trade, or who trained outside of New Zealand to get accredited.
By demonstrating knowledge through assessment, an employee within the mechanical engineering industry can gain a National Certificate in Locksmithing.
For more information, please contact Competenz.
Additional Information
A Certificate III in Locksmithing is only offered at the TAFE institutes in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Apprentices in South Australia, Tasmania, Canberra, Darwin, and those in regional areas throughout Australia, need to attend one of these institutes. Travel and living-away-from-home allowances may be available.
For more information, please contact your Australian Apprentice Network Support Provider.
In New Zealand, the Certificate IV in Locksmithing is only offered at Competenz in Auckland. Apprentices in regional areas throughout New Zealand must attend Competenz in Auckland. Government support, including travel and living-away-from-home allowances, may be available.
For more information, please contact Competenz.