These 1-day, 2-day & 5-day locksmith courses run by the Master Locksmiths Association are for beginners new to the industry; our training courses will teach you everything needed to become a locksmith from how to cut keys by hand to opening, picking and fitting locks.
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We run 4 different courses during a 5 day week; the first is a 2-day Foundation Course perfect for someone with no experience or new to locksmithing and 3 follow-on courses.
Looking to be a car locksmith? See our beginners auto locksmith course which teaches you how to unlock and open cars.
5 Day Locksmith Course – Perfect for Beginners
Our 5-day beginners course has 4 modules during the week, select which course you want to take or attend every course during the week.
- 5 Day Beginners Course
- 2 Day Foundation Course
- Fitting Course (1 Day)
- UPVC Course (1 Day)
- Level 1 Basic Opening Course (1 Day)
5 Day Beginners Course
Our 5 day beginner course is made up of a 2 day foundation course and 3 more specialist modules. You will learn everything needed to become a locksmith from how to cut keys by hand to opening, picking and fitting locks
You can choose to take the full 5 days or you can take the modules individually.
What You Will Learn
- 2 Day Foundation Course – teaches you how to cut keys, basics of safes, how locks work- a perfect introduction to locksmithing
- 1 Day Fitting Course – learn to fit and upgrade mortice locks & night latches
- 1 Day UPVC Course – learn the important aspects of UPVC doors & Multipoint Locks, from identify multipoint locks to opening jammed mechanisms
- 1 Day Basic Opening Course – learn the basics of opening different types of locks
Experience Required
- Perfect for total beginners this course is ideal for anyone wishing to begin a career in locksmithing or for those who require a basic knowledge of locksmithing for their job.
Career Progression
After our beginners course, our 5 day advanced locksmith course will help improve your skills and expand the services you offer.
Further career development can be achieved by working towards and taking the MLA Qualification.
Passing the MLA Qualification gives you an ABBE Level 4 Certificate in General Locksmithing Skills Qualification and the recognition of being able to become a Qualified Master Locksmith member of the association.
Pass the MLA Qualification for a Level 4 Certificate Qualification in Locksmithing – ABBE Accredited
Requirements
- Security Clearance Required Basic Disclosure
Apply via Gov.uk
Price & Location
Member Rate £1653.15 inc VAT
Non Member Rate £1812.80 inc VAT
Payment Plans Available
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
Foundation Course (2 days) – Beginners Course
The foundation course gives you the perfect introduction to mechanical locksmithing – ideal or those with no experience and entirely new for locksmithing. You’ll learn the types of locks currently in use and terminology.
What You Will Learn
- Types of locks currently in use & terminology
- Cylinder Key Identification
- Pin Tumbler Mechanisms
- Cylinder Key Machine Set-up. Maintenance & Safety
- Cylinder Key cutting by machine
- Stripping rim cylinder
- Mortice key blank identification
- Lever mechanisms
- Mortice Key cutting by machine
- Mortice locks
- Lever lock key cutting by hand
- Safes (brief overview)
- Lock Opening Basics (intro to picking, wafer lock and picking open disc tumbler lock)
- Code Key cutting
Experience Required
- For those with no experience and entirely new for locksmithing the 2-day foundation course is a perfect taster.
Requirements
- Security Clearance Basic Disclosure
Apply via Gov.uk
Price & Location
Member Rate £638.60 inc VAT
Non Member Rate £705.55 inc VAT
Payment Plans Available
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
Undertaking this course has given me the confidence I need to trade as a locksmith & start my own business. Now aim is to return to the MLA and complete further training, in addition to sitting my MLA master locksmiths qualification in the near future
– Jordan Morrison
Fitting Course (1 day) – Beginners Course
Get hands on experience installing a selection of the most common locks and security devices. Perfect for total beginners.
What You Will Learn
- Tools for fitting
- Fitting rim night latch
- Fitting lever mortice lock
- Upgrading lever mortice to euro cylinder operated mortice
- Fitting secondary security devices
Experience Required
- Perfect for total beginners.
Requirements
- Security Clearance Basic Disclosure
Apply via Gov.uk
Price & Location
Member Rate £319.30 inc VAT
Non Member Rate £350.20 inc VAT
Payment Plans Available
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
UPVC Course (1 day) – Beginners Course
Thinking about fitting/repairing UPVC door locks? This course is perfect for total beginners and will help broaden your skills and give you experience of working with UPVC door locks.
What You Will Learn
- Multi-Point Lock ID (various locking types/mechanisms, backsets, strike plates, profiles and packing etc.)
- Toe & Heeling
- Opening Jammed Mechanisms
- Gearbox Replacement
- Hinges & Handles
- Security upgrades
- Additional security
Experience Required
- Perfect for total beginners, this module will help broaden your skills and give you experience of working with UPVC door locks.
Requirements
- Security Clearance Required Basic Disclosure
Apply via Gov.uk - Non Members – must have taken foundation module first or be sponsored by 2 QML members or directors of MLA Approved Companies
Price & Location
Member Rate £375.95 inc VAT
Non Member Rate £406.85 inc VAT
Payment Plans Available
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
Level 1 Basic Opening Course (1 day) – Beginners Course
Get hands on experience practicing the basic non-destructive entry techniques on a selection of the most common locks
What You Will Learn
- Tools for opening
- Methods of entry
- Opening authority procedure
- Theory of mortice lock picking
- Picking 2 & 3 lever mortice locks
- Other opening methods for 2/3 lever locks (jigglers, overlift)
- Lock Identification (how to)
- Theory of Mortice Lock Drilling
- ERA 5 lever padlock opening
- Theory and then practical of picking pin tumbler locks
- Theory and then practical of drilling cylinder locks
- Pick Guns
- Other opening Techniques (bumping, snapping, slipping, letterbox tool)
Experience Required
- Perfect for total beginners, must have taken our 2-day foundation beforehand to attend
Requirements
- Security Clearance Required Basic Disclosure
Apply via Gov.uk - MLA Members must be a member for 6+ months or taken 2-day foundation course
- Non-MLA members must first take 2-day foundation course prior or be sponsored by 2 QML members or directors of MLA Approved Companies
Price & Location
Member Rate £319.30 inc VAT
Non Member Rate £350.20 inc VAT
Payment Plans Available
Reduced Price Become an MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates
All Beginners Course Requirements
-
You must have a Basic Disclosure Security (DBS) no older than 3 months or;
A standard disclosure no older than 3 years
Apply here or various private providers online - MLA Members can attend with no other stipulations
- Non-members have to have taken the 2-day foundation module first or be sponsored by 2 QML members or directors of MLA Approved Companies
Location
Our training courses take place at our dedicated purpose built training centre in Rugby, Warwickshire.
- 2 minutes from the M6
- Sat Nav Postcode: CV21 1TF
By Train
- Rugby has direct train services from major routes including London & Birmingham.
- 8 minutes in a Taxi from Rugby Train Station
Visit Western Railway to book Cheaper Train Tickets in Advance.
- London to Rugby on train from Euston Station in under 1 hour
- Advanced fairs from as little as £25 return
>> Click here for London Train Timetables
By Air
The nearest Airport to Rugby is Birmingham (BHX) which is 20 miles away.
Accommodation
We are happy to provide a list of hotels nearby contact us for this list.
Discounted Pricing
We currently have training discounts available or you can become an MLA member for discounted members rates:
- Members reduced price – Become an MLA Member
Those new to the industry should look to join as a Personal Member under the ‘student’ category.
Training FAQ’s – Questions answered
Questions About Beginners Locksmith Courses
1. Who Should Attend This Course?
An absolute beginner or someone with relatively limited experience within the industry
2. Can I Trade as a Locksmith after the Beginners Course?
This course will equip you to either seek employment as a trainee locksmith or even set up your own business.
3. Do I become qualified after attending your Beginners Course?
All attendees of each beginner’s course receive a certificate of attendance from the UK’s largest locksmith association, the Master Locksmiths Association.
Become a Qualified Master Locksmith with ABBE Level 4 Certificate in General Locksmithing Skills Qualification
If you are looking for a nationally recognised qualification, the MLA Qualification allows locksmiths to become a fully Qualified Master Locksmith with a recognised ABBE Level 4 certificate in general locksmithing skills qualification that is OFQUAL regulated.
The MLA Qualification is the highest locksmith qualification in the UK, recognised by OFQUAL and certified by ABBE (Awarding Body of the Built Environment).
4. Do you offer any kind of payment plan?
Yes! There are payment plan options for those attending any of our courses.
Course attendees can set up a payment plan, where all we require is your course to be paid in full one month before the start date.
Payment MethodsWe offer the following payment methods:
- Bank transfer (BACS)
- Debit/Credit Cards
- Direct Debits
Training fees are non-refundable & non-transferable (except in extenuating circumstances), see our terms & conditions here
Contact Us about Payment Plans
Call Us: 01327 262 255
5. Do you accept any type of Funding?
Yes, we accept ELCAS funding if you are ex armed forces/ex military.
We run a custom ECLAS locksmith training course aimed at beginners, with an official qualification at the end of the course.
View ELCAS Funded Locksmith Course
Learn how to cut keys in our training workshop
Further Training After Beginners Course
Once you have practiced the skills learnt on our beginners course, you may wish to explore our advanced and specialist courses.
Advanced Courses
Our advanced courses are designed for individuals, or members of staff, who’ve completed our beginner’s locksmith courses, or have some locksmith experience; and are looking to increase their skill set to expand their service offering.
Specialist Courses
Our specialist courses are designed for either experienced locksmiths looking to expand their services and gain new skills or for those who wish to specialise in a particular area of the trade such as auto locksmithing, security safes & vans.
Start your career as an auto/car locksmith service and open locked cars, we run a 1-day auto locksmith course, and van lock fitting course
Those looking to get into safes & vaults, our safes & safe servicing course is the perfect starting point.
Request Course Pack
Find out more about our courses, either request a course pack or contact us.
Click to view our Course Costs and Dates for the next available dates when courses start.
Further Reading
- Training FAQ’s – over 20 popular questions answered
- Locksmith Qualification Programme (For Beginners)
- MLA Qualification (Level 4)
- How to become a locksmith – our expert guide
- Locksmith Career Guide – 10 quick tips
- Locksmith Qualifications
