cfc@ctf.wa.gov.au Information was sourced from Department of Education, Skills and Employment Job Outlook website. The information provided is only to be used as a guide

What would my working day look like?Some of the tasks you may complete are:

Cutting duplicate or new keys and installing locks

Responding to urgent call outs

Working on a variety of buildings including homes and public buildings

Install, repair and maintain locks and security devices and systems

Disassemble electrical and mechanical locking devices

Coding key machines

Install electronic access and alarm systems

Travel to customers in need of urgent assistance

Create locks based on a customer’s needs and security level required

Open a lock without a key using various techniques

I might enjoy this job if: I enjoy technical work

I have good hand eye coordination

I have patience and can be tactful with other people

I enjoy subjects such as English, Design and Technology and the manual subjects such as woodwork and metal work

Working conditions and hoursAs a Locksmith you may work in a shop or out on the road. You can work on interior and exterior locks and security devices and travel between sites once each job is complete. Depending on the work you may use specialised tools such as welding equipment or those used in precision work. You will generally work business hours but may be required to be on call for emergencies. You may work part time or full time (generally 43 hours per week) and/ or on a contract basis.

How do I become a Locksmith?If you’re still at school or you are post-secondary schooling and don’t have any experience in the industry, enrol in the Certificate II in Building and Construction-Trades pathway.

Otherwise, to become a tradesperson and get a trade certificate you’ll need to complete a Certificate III in Locksmithing as an apprenticeship, which takes up to 48 months to complete.

If you intend to install security equipment in Western Australia, you will also need a National Police Check and a referee to obtain a Security Installer Licence, issued by the Licensing Service division of WA Police.

Future pathways and opportunitiesFuture career development may involve working as a sub-contractor or starting your own business.

With further experience and training your career may lead you to become a manager of the business or you may go into security system technician works or become an adviser.

Locksmiths inspect sites and consult with clients to evaluate security requirements and design, or recommend, install and maintain locks and related security equipment. Their work includes the manufacture and duplication of keys and the keying and combination of locking mechanisms. Locksmiths require knowledge of the construction, operation, and functional characteristics of locking devices, and are skilled in manufacturing replacement parts and a variety of installation and repair processes.

LocksmithCareer Profile:

What skills and personal qualities do I need?

Can solve problems

Enjoy doing a practical job and have good dexterity skills

Have good time management and organisational skills

Have good interpersonal and communications skills

Be willing to work irregular hours and be on call

Have a careful, methodical and patient approach to work

Have an awareness of safety issues, especially for working at heights

Average Pay

$1,149 per week

depending on your qualifications and experience.(Source: Job Outlook)

Up to

Australian Apprenticeship Pathways – www.aapathways.com.au

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Providers – www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

Western Australia Police (Police Licensing Services) – https://www.police.wa.gov.au/About-Us/Our-Agency/ Police-Licensing-Services

Next StepsFurther information can be found at:

Job Outlook – www.joboutlook.gov.au

The Good Universities Guide – www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au

Jobs and Skills WA – www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au