The Locksmith Journal 119 April 2026 | Page 44

AUTO LOCKSMITHS EXTRA

If you’ re thinking about becoming an auto locksmith, or adding vehicle services to your business, there are clear opportunities to grow.

» MORE CUSTOMERS NOW NEED help with vehicles— from lost keys, to lockouts, to replacement keys.

For locksmiths, this is a growing area of the trade.

Two main areas within automotive locksmithing

Automotive locksmithing can be split into two main areas:

• Vehicle entry( lockouts)

• Key replacement and programming

You can choose to focus on one or offer both as part of your services. Both provide valuable opportunities, depending on the direction of your business.

Build the service that suits your business

Not every locksmith needs to offer the same services.

Some choose to focus on vehicle entry and emergency work. Others develop a full automotive service, including keys and programming.

Both approaches can work well.

The key is to choose what fits your business, your customers, and the type of work you want to take on.

A growing area of the trade Adding automotive services can help you:

• Take on more jobs

• Reach new customers

• Increase your income

• Stay competitive

It is a strong and growing part of the industry.

1-Day Vehicle Entry Course – Auto Lock Picking

For locksmiths looking to focus on gaining access, vehicle entry is a practical starting point.

This includes:

• Opening locked vehicles safely

• Using non-destructive entry methods

• Applying picking techniques with the correct tools

This type of work is suited to:

• Locked keys in cars

• Emergency callouts

• Gaining access where keys are lost

It’ s a useful skill that can sit alongside general locksmith work.

Tutors: Gary Turner

A working auto locksmith with decades of experience in diagnostics, vehicle entry, and key systems, bringing practical, real-world skills into training.

Tim Hart

A highly experienced locksmith with a background spanning lockshops, safes, and vehicle systems, known for clear, hands-on training built on years of industry experience.

Scan for more information and book:

Final thoughts Automotive locksmithing offers flexibility. You can start with vehicle entry. Or expand into full key replacement and programming.

3-Day Auto Locksmith Course – Vehicle Locks, Keys & Programming

For those looking to offer a more complete automotive service, key replacement and programming opens up further opportunities.

Delivered in partnership with Aldridge Security, the course reflects the tools, techniques, and products used by professional auto locksmiths today.

This is a new course introduced for June, which has already sold out, reflecting strong demand for automotive locksmith training. The next opportunity to attend is 23 – 25 September 2026.

This includes:

• Cutting and programming vehicle keys

• Working with transponder and immobiliser systems

• Cloning and replacing keys

• Completing the full process from entry to working key

This area requires both practical skills and technical knowledge but allows locksmiths to offer a full service to customers.

Tutor: Richard Jones

An experienced vehicle locksmith with a background in electronics, product testing, and advanced key programming systems, delivering practical, confidencebuilding training based on real-world work.

Scan for more information and book:

• The 1-Day Vehicle Entry Course – Auto Lock Picking supports entry work

• The 3-Day Auto Locksmith Course – Vehicle Locks, Keys & Programming supports a full automotive service

Both provide a clear way to develop your skills and grow your business.