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VET & TAFE
Passing it on
Locksmith trades teacher Natalie Ball . Photo : supplied
Becoming a teacher to the industry ’ s next generation in a male-dominated trade .
By Natalie Ball
I
' ve found in locksmithing you have to navigate people and very different situations . It could be a domestic violence situation , where a woman might feel more comfortable with another female doing their locks for them .
Being able to address sensitive situations like this is a very good skill to have and you ’ re earning people ' s trust . That side of locksmithing involves being compassionate , using people skills and social skills . Having all of that really does give you a huge confidence boost , knowing that you ' re capable of doing all those sorts of things .
My passion for locksmithing came from a childhood spent in my parents ’ suburban hardware store . After seeing me thrive with the practical experience in the shop , my father inspired me to pursue a trade .
I undertook my qualifications aged 21 , studying nights at Melbourne Polytechnic . After trade school , I went on to secure a position with Chubb Safes as a safe technician .
As a woman establishing myself in a male-dominated industry , I often reflect on some difficult times .
I grew up surrounded by males , with my dad and brother in the hardware store . I was used to that environment , but it ’ s confronting when you ' re thrown into a male-dominated setting . I found myself laughing my way through times when I should have stood up for myself and said “ no , that ’ s not right ”.
During my early years of work , there was a culture of leaders insulting their young tradies in a misguided attempt to get them to work harder . Instead , it would often make them feel worthless and doubt their abilities .
Thankfully , things have changed now , and I ’ m glad there ’ s support for women who are coming into the industry .
After running my own locksmithing small business across Victoria , I ’ ve found a new niche applying my locksmithing skills and experience as a TAFE teacher .
Locksmithing is really diverse . A lot of people think it ' s just cutting keys – it ’ s not . You can specialise in automotive , or safe work , being a safe technician , or working on houses or commercial alarms . There are so many different areas of locksmithing that you can go into and not be bored with . Your skillset is very broad .
At 38 , I commenced teaching at Melbourne Polytechnic as part of its ‘ trainer under supervision ’ program to get handson experience in the classroom .
I love engaging with people and making a difference . As a teacher , it ’ s been rewarding
Teaching is a continual challenge which is exactly what I need to stay stimulated .
to be able to help people . Teaching is a continual challenge which is exactly what I need to stay stimulated .
TAFE teaching has been an opportunity for me to share my craft and pass on years of on-the-job experience with students in a practical setting . It ’ s never too late to start a new career , and , by becoming a TAFE teacher , I ’ m transferring my expertise to the next generation of locksmiths .
Melbourne Polytechnic promotes TAFE teaching as a flexible and rewarding profession ; a great option for industry experts wanting to pursue a new career path .
My favourite thing about being a teacher is how fun it is . I find it rewarding when a student has hit a wall and , with some patience and gentle encouragement , they improve in leaps and bounds .
You can really see that they ' re proud of themselves and that for me is a fantastic thing to be a part of . ■
Natalie Ball is a locksmith trades teacher at Melbourne Polytechnic .
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