Michael Dix working on a cutting machine at the Norwich premises of AC Leigh & Son.

Locksmith

Answers supplied by Michael Dix, a locksmith at AC Leigh (Norwich) Ltd, an architectural ironmonger and locksmith which deals with both the public and trade sectors retailing door and window hardware, safes and many other items and also has a key cutting department and locksmiths.

What does the job entail?
The job entails many different activities, including advising on security to satisfy insurance requirements, cutting keys, installing locks, repairing and opening locks when keys have been lost or stolen and also installing safes and electronic door controls.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
There are no formal qualifications required to get into locksmithing, however there are good courses available to learn some of the basics. Practical skills such as wood and metalwork are an advan-tage, as is being computer literate.

What type of person will fit in?
You need to be a practical person with good communication skills. You also need to be methodical, able to think laterally and remain patient, but above all you must be trustworthy.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
The job can be very interesting and rewarding when you manage to open a difficult lock, but you may not always get many thanks or earn a fortune and it can seem like it is always raining when someone gets locked out.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
There are many different routes to progress from being a locksmith. You could choose to specialise as an auto-locksmith or a safe engineer or become an access control specialist. There are even research and development roles for lock manufacturers. Locks are used throughout the world so there is plenty of opportunity.

What can I expect to earn?
Salaries vary greatly depending on experience, your geographical location and whether you are a specialist. You would probably begin on the minimum wage until you are fully qualified and from there you have the opportunity of overtime to increase your earnings. Salaries are naturally much higher in London.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
Contact the Master Locksmiths Association on (01327) 262255 which has a list of members that you could contact to find out about vacancies. It also runs courses and can give advice. You could also try enquiring at local security firms to see if they have any openings for a trainee or look in the recruitment pages of the local newspaper.