Locks offer people a measure of security, but they can also cause challenges. Suppose you step outside to retrieve your mail and the wind slams your door shut. The lock’s on, so you find yourself trapped outside your home. While some people have a spare key outside, many forgo this option if they live in townhouse communities and can’t conceal their key’s location.

Locksmiths open locking mechanisms when people are locked out of their homes or vehicles. These professionals also install, build, and repair locks. Technology is also changing the scope of this career, which is why aspiring locksmiths should consider their postsecondary education carefully to ensure they choose suitable studies for their careers. Let’s look at some college programs you can consider to prepare to enter this career field.

1. You can supplement an apprenticeship with a business degree.

Locksmiths need a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Pursuing an apprenticeship involves demonstrating you have the skills and aptitude for a career in locksmithing and are committed to this career path.

Aspiring locksmiths who want to launch a business can prepare by supplementing their apprenticeship with an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in business administration. Studying business administration ensures you know how to manage your business’s operations. Business administration students study communications, finance, computer skills, marketing, management, and mathematics.

Once you launch your business, you’ll determine which type of locksmithing services to offer and what resources you need. Investing in automotive key cutting equipment enables you to service automotive clients in addition to residential and business clients. You can produce laser or edge-cut keys with a key-cutting machine and make factory original keys with a keypunch machine. Locksmiths can also invest in Dolphin battery-operated portable key cutters that use Bluetooth technology to produce keys, enabling them to serve clients in any location. Purchasing supplies from a superior key-cutting machine supplier ensures you’ll have the best hardware available.

2. You can enroll in a locksmithing program.

State licensing requirements for locksmiths vary widely, which is why you’ll benefit from consulting experienced college counsellors when you’re in high school. Your college admissions counselor can help you identify optimal courses to take while earning your high school diploma to give you the best chance of securing an apprenticeship. Since locksmiths work with their hands and use various tools, you may benefit from taking carpentry and electrical classes to demonstrate you’re comfortable working with tools and have good hand-eye coordination.

Accredited locksmith programs may lead to a diploma or associate degree. Programs outline the duties these professionals perform, common types of locks and keys, safety practices, replicating keys, and making keys from blanks. Students also learn about the applications of various locking mechanisms and rekeying pin tumbler cylinders. Programs may also cover home security, home security wiring, and recording and detection systems. Since the locksmith’s role has expanded to include home security, aspiring locksmiths benefit from learning how to install and operate home security systems.

3. You could study electrical technology.

Earning an associate degree in electrical technology takes two years of postsecondary studies. You’ll learn how to use power tools and hand tools, ensuring you’re familiar with many of the tools you’ll use when you enter your career field. You’ll also learn about the national electrical code (NEC) and electrical safety, which will be beneficial when working with home security systems. Electrical technology programs also teach students how to read electrical blueprints, install and splice cables, install conduits, and how circuits work. An associate degree in electrical technology can help you gain employment as an alarm technician, and you can use this experience to secure an apprenticeship.

Although locksmiths don’t need a college education to prepare for their careers, they can improve their job prospects with postsecondary training. Studying business administration, locksmithing, or electrical technology can prepare you for a career in this field.