Career Categories Below this heading you will see a row of icons and names. This navigation allows you to view all the careers within a single category. When you choose a different category it will become highlighted.

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Locksmith Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work indoors icon that represents where Locksmith work most of the time. If the person in the icon is standing outside the building then the work is mostly outside. A person inside respresents mostly insde work and two people (one inside and one outside) represent the work has a bit of both. By clicking the Details buttons to the left will open the page and allow you to read more about becoming a Locksmith. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Locksmith click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Equipment Maintenance

Locksmith

work indoors

Locksmiths install, adjust and repair locks, make keys and change lock combinations on residential, automotive, commercial and institutional locksets and door hardware. They also may install and maintain more sophisticated security systems.

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  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; English

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Locksmiths are employed by locksmithing companies, related security firms and institutions.

    Locksmiths are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7384: Other Trades and Related Occupations. In Alberta, 79% of people empoyed in this classification work in the following industries:

    • Retail Trade.
    • Business, Building and Other Support Services.
    • Manufacturing.
    • Other Services.
  • DutiesDetails

    In general Locksmiths:

    • Sell and install high security lock systems.
    • Sell and install key control systems, window bars, deadlocks and keyless entry locks.
    • Repair, replace or fix broken door closers, hinges, doors.
    • Re-key locks.
    • Design master key systems for public buildings.

    Shop work includes:

    • Fix and take care of key machines.
    • Repair locks.
    • Re-key locks.
    • Make keys for locks.
    • Open cylinders when keys are not available.
    • Prepare master keys from code.
    • Repair or make keys for vehicle locks.

    Field work includes:

    • Working from company van to do the same work done in the shop.
    • Repair locks in the field.
    • Open door locks with a lock pick.
    • Open and make keys for automobiles.
    • Install locks, door closers and emergency exits.
    • Replace hinges and re-align doors.
    • Install security bars.
    • Install and repair electric strikes and electronic security hardware.
    • Service and change combinations on safe and vault doors.
    • Safe and vault technicians have extra training in safe and vault servicing and trouble shooting.
    • Open, rebuild, paint, move and install safes.

    Bank work:

    • Work with time locks, time delay devices.
    • Night deposit units.
    • Combination units.
    • Electronic and key locks for vaults and safes.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • Shops.
      • Small stores.
      • Awkward, cramped spaces.
    • Outdoors
      • Vehicles.
      • Exterior entrances and/or exits.
      • All weather conditions.

    Hours:

    • Flexible hours.
    • Regular Work Schedule (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm).
    • May need to work evenings or weekends.
    • May need to work overtime to meet deadlines.
    • May need to work odd hours in emergencies.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • Lift and carry up to 20 kilograms and heavier.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Mechanical ability.
    • Good math skills.
    • Patience and stamina.
    • Good customer service skills.
    • Good vision and hearing.
    • Good hand-eye co-ordination.
    • Able to work with small parts.
    • Able to move heavy objects.
    • Able to climb ladders.
    • Reliable, accurate and honest.
    • Able to work alone.
    • Interested in keeping up to date with new security.
    • Enjoy doing precision work.
    • Enjoy solving problems and helping people.
  • EducationDetails

    Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

    To work in this trade in Alberta, at least ONE of these must be true:

    • You are a registered apprentice.
    • You are an Alberta-certified journeyperson.
    • You have a recognized related trade certificate.
    • Your employer believes your skills and knowledge are the same as a journeyperson.
    • You are self-employed in this trade.

    To register as an Alberta apprentice you need to have:

    • English Language Arts 10-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 10-3 or equivalent.
    • or able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.
    • A Pick license issued by Alberta Justice and Attorney General (you cannot get this if you have a criminal record).
    • If you have training or work experience in this trade it may count towards your certification.
    • Knowledge of computers, electronics, welding, carpentry and/or metal work is helpful.
    • Your own tools.

    Apprenticeship term:

  • Programs OfferedDetails

    Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:

    For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • People leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.
    • Location in Alberta.

    Future Trends:

    • Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
  • SalaryDetails

    Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $20 to $30 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates). Apprentice locksmiths earn 60 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70 per cent in the second, 80 per cent in the third and 90 per cent in the fourth.

    According to the 2013 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in this occupational group earned on average from $21.96 to $32.19 an hour. The overall average wage for this group was $27.67 an hour.

  • Other SourcesDetails