We now have an advanced level programmed designed for students who wish to practice as a locksmith at a higher level.
Our advanced courses are aimed at those who have either completed our beginner’s locksmith courses or for locksmiths with experience looking to increase their skill set.
Request Course Pack
Advanced Locksmith Courses
There’s a choice of different modules, depending on the areas of locksmithing you’re looking to work in, including:-
- 5 Day Advanced Course
- Level 2 Opening Module
- Aluminium and Glass Doors
- High Security Cylinders
- Composite & uPVC Masterclass
- Timber Fire Doors – Maintenance & Repair Course
- Advanced Curtain Lock Opening
- Electronic Security Fault Finding & Compliance
- Safes and Safe Servicing
- Bench Locksmithing Course
Below is a breakdown of what you will learn on each course during the day.
1. 5 Day Advanced Course
Our 5-day Advanced Course is here to help you help grow your skills, expand your services and elevate your business. Including everything from advanced opening techniques to deep knowledge of Composite and UPVC.
You can take all courses as one package which will also include a full 15% Discount for members or as separate modules.
What you will learn
- Level 2 Opening Module – Advance your career by mastering the opening of British Standard 5 Lever Mortice Locks.
- High Security Cylinders – Become proficient in picking High Security Cylinders using 2 in 1 picks.
- Advanced Curtain Lock Opening – Take on more complex work by enhancing your proficiency in picking 5 Lever BS and Non-BS curtained mortice locks
- Safes & Safe Servicing – Join esteemed Safe Expert Jon Drake for an insight into Safe Servicing
- Composite & UPVC Masterclass – Increase your knowledge of working with increasingly popular Composite and UPVC windows and doors.
Experience Required
Candidates must have taken all beginners modules or have been a member for over 6 months to attend the 5-day Advanced Course.
We advise you join this course after you have mastered the basic locksmithing skills taught in the 5 Day Beginners Course.
Requirements
- Security Clearance Required Basic Disclosure
Apply via Gov.uk
Price & Location
Members Rate £1366.66 inc VAT includes 15% Discount WAS £1607.83
Non-Members Rate £1813.21 inc VAT includes 10% Discount WAS £2014.68
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
2. Level 2 Opening Module
Course Content
This course is prefect for Locksmiths wanting to take the next step in their career by taking on insurance approved locks. A absolute must for any working locksmith.
The course is run by experienced Master Locksmiths opening these locks every day.
- Various methods of entry explained
- Opening authority procedures
- Detailed lock identification through the keyhole
- How to successfully drill BS curtained mortice locks
- Including hints Tips and how to avoid the dangers of failure
- Hands-on drilling of BS mortice locks
- Instruction and hands-on NDE of BS mortice locks
- Instruction and hands-on NDE of Securefast, Eurospec and Chubb/Union 114
Experience Required
Please note this module is aimed at trading locksmith (rather than complete new entrant).
We recommend this module is taken after some experience following any level 1 training.
- Have a good understanding of lever lock terminology, how locks work and understanding of basic opening techniques.
Requirements
- Security Clearance Standard Level DBS Check
- Member Been a member for 6 months+ or taken level 1 opening module
- Non Member Taken level 1 opening module
After The Course
Once this course has been completed you’ll have a full understanding on opening British Standard 5 Lever mortice locks, via various means just like the ones in the MLA Qualification.
Price & Location
Members Rate £307.97 inc VAT
Non-Members Rate £410.97 inc VAT
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
I recently attended the MLA’s 5 day beginner locksmith course and Level 2 opening course and was thoroughly impressed with the high standard of the facilities and quality of the trading locksmiths teaching the course
– Jordan Morrison
3. Aluminium & Glass Doors – 1 Day
Course Content
- Safely remove/re-fit the doors
- Gain access for repairing and rekeying the locks
- Troubleshoot issues with transom and floor springs
- Install Access Control on aluminium single and double doors
- Replace transom springs and gain an understanding of how to replace floorsprings
- The implications of un-checked/un-serviced doors
- Making your customers aware of health and safety implications from slamming of doors and loose/broken pivots
- Preventing injury to people (especially children) from door slamming or incorrectly set door controls
- The difference between hold-open and non-hold open doors on Access Control installations
Aluminium Doors
- A mixture of theory and practical
- Types of door springs used
- Distinguishing between the side & end load, hold open & non-hold open doors
- Different closer strength sizes & their applications
- Taking off and replacing doors
- Examining and replacing transom springs
- Types of closers & pivots
- Adjusting/calibrating aluminium doors
- Types of locks & fitting them for use with Access Control systems
- Converting double action to single action
- How to fit electric releases, mag locks and correctly aligning door when using shear mags
- Specialist hardware (e.g. fire escape applications)
- Releasing and replacing jammed flush bolts
- Changing screw in and Euro Cylinder locks and barrels
Experience Required
Locksmiths who work on or are interested in working on retail/commercial units.
Requirements
- Security Clearance Basic Disclosure
Apply via Gov.uk - Membership Open to MLA Members and Non Members
Price & Location
Members Rate £267.80 inc VAT
Non-Members Rate £319.30 inc VAT
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
4. High Security Cylinders – 1 Day
Learn how to pick and open 3-star lock cylinders
This course is perfect for Locksmiths wanting to take the next step in their career by taking on insurance approved locks. An absolute must for any working locksmith.
Course Content
- Lock identification
- Terminology of lock parts
- Components and the make up of cylinders
- Drill protection
- Snap protection
- Side bars
- Locking cams
- Security handles
- and more!
Experience Required
Experienced locksmiths wishing to tackle the ever growing market of high security cylinders, standard fitting to new builds and new door installations by manufacturers.
Requirements
- Security Clearance Basic Disclosure
Apply via Gov.uk - Member Member for 6 months+
- Non Member Taken foundation module + level 1 opening module or sponsored by 2 QML members or directors of MLA Approved Companies
After The Course
You will be competent in picking, opening & dealing with failures of high security cylinders such as SS312 & TS007 3 star locks.
Price & Location
Members Rate £307.97 inc VAT
Non-Members Rate £410.97 inc VAT
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
5. Composite & uPVC Masterclass – 1 Day
Course Content
- Advanced opening techniques on composite Auto-fire doors (not picking).
- Auto-fire manual with detailed photographs of different mechanisms, escutcheons, hinges and adjustments.
- With more Auto-fire Composite doors being installed around the country, this course will give you something extra in your armoury to deal with these types of multipoint locking mechanisms.
- uPVC Casement window systems including mechanism and hinge recognition and replacement also methods used to open failed mechanisms.
- Glazing Systems including removal and fitting of double glazed units and Toe & Heeling
Experience Required
Must have a high knowledge understanding of uPVC.
Requirements
- Security Clearance Standard Level DBS Check
- Member Members of 6 months can apply + strong understanding of uPVC
- Non Member Non-Members will have to have done the foundation uPVC Module
Tools Required
- Cordless drill with magnetic screw bit (ph2 pozi)
- General locksmith hand tools including Allen keys and a torch
- Students must provide their own safety shoes and wear adequate clothing (not shorts)
After The Course
After the 1-day course you should be:
- Familiar with current Auto fire multipoint mechanisms and how they operate, identification of escutcheons including various methods and opening techniques
- Able to Identify common composite door hinges including methods used to adjust them correctly
- Familiar with current glazing methods and glazing systems, be able to de-glaze and glaze common uPVC residential doors and casement windows
- Identify the different locking systems on uPVC windows, selection and fitting including friction stays, mechanisms etc
- Identify mechanical faults and use various methods and opening techniques
Price & Location
Members Rate £410.97 inc VAT
Non-Members Rate £462.47 inc VAT
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
6. Timber Fire Doors – Maintenance & Repair Course
Course Content
- The role of the fire door
- What the law says about fire doors.
- Certification, regulations & standards
- Inspection and maintenance requirements
- Record Keeping
- Further reading and resources
- The examinations
- Testing your knowledge
- And finally – Here we sum up the training content and the importance of working to the required standards.
Requirements
- Security Clearance Standard Level DBS Check
- Membership Open to MLA Members and Non Members
After The Course
Delegates that successfully complete the course and pass the final examination will receive a certificate of achievement valid for five years.
Price & Location
Members Rate £307.97 inc VAT
Non-Members Rate £360.50 inc VAT
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
7. Advanced Curtain Lock Opening
Course Content
- Mortice lock terminology
- How mortice locks operate
- Lock Identification
- Selecting the right tool and wire
- Using the correct tension
- Various Lever Types
- Anti-pick variations
- Dealing with Anti-picks
Experience Required
This course is aimed at those wanting to learn to open 5 Lever BS and Non-BS curtained mortice locks and more to help students become a more confident and proficient picker.
The class is Ideal for those with experience of lever locks.
Requirements
- Security Clearance Standard Level DBS Check
- Member Been a member for 6 months+
- Non Member Taken foundation module + level 1 opening module or sponsored by 2 QML members or directors of MLA Approved Companies
Tools Required
- A curtain pick that covers 7g through to 5G is required
- A selection of wires for left hand and right hand mounted locks.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own curtained mortice locks to practice also if they wish to.
After The Course
Attendees should feel more confident in picking, armed with the knowledge of interpreting what the lock is telling them, in order to manipulate it open.
Price & Location
Members Rate £307.97 inc VAT
Non-Members Rate £410.97 inc VAT
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
8. Electronic Security Fault Finding & Compliance
Course Content
- Basic electrical principals
- Simple faults and how to find them
- Learning a methodical way to find faults
- Use of a multimeter
- Safe ways to work on mains electricity
- Basic knowledge of electrical laws
- Correct types of tools required
- How to install access control and comply with current standards
- and more!
Experience Required
This course is ideal for Locksmiths looking to take on access control work, fault finding on access control and how to ensure that work is to current standards
Requirements
- Membership Open to MLA Members and Non Members
After The Course
Attendees can expect to be able to have a newfound confidence in tackling access control systems.
This course will ensure attendees have the required knowledge and understanding in how to deal with the faults in a professional and safe manner, improving their skill set and opening new markets to them.
Price & Location
Members Rate £216.30 inc VAT
Non-Members Rate £247.20 inc VAT
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
9. Bench Locksmithing Course
Course Content
Morning
Key Cutting
- Key Machine Set-up, Calibration & Maintenance
Workshop Tools
- Making a key horse, plug followers, gauges etc.
Euro Profile / Rim Cylinders
- Methods of disassembling
- Passing and mastering
- Modular assembly to construct the correct euro size
- Re-profiling and changing cams on euros
Lock Related Standards
- “Know your BS3621 from your TS621” – a brief overview of the main lock related standards
Afternoon dedicated to
General Lock Repair
- Silver Soldering
- How to extend a key
- How to fit a drill pin
- How to repair a stump
- Re-springing a lever/detainer
- Repairing a gated lever
- Cutting keys by hand
Experience Required
Ideally suited to those with locksmith experience who are looking to either enhance their bench locksmithing skills or offer more locksmith services
Requirements
- Security Clearance Standard Level DBS Check
- Open to MLA Members + Non Members
Price & Location
Members Rate £300 inc VAT
Non-Members Rate £350 inc VAT
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
Book Online or Contact Us
Secure your place on our courses by filling in our online booking form or contact us for more information.
Further Reading
- Training FAQ’s – over 20 popular questions answered
- MLA Qualification (Level 4 Certificate)
- MLA Membership – Reduced course prices