The Locksmith Journal 120 May 2026 | Page 42

COMMERCIAL SECTOR

» COMMERCIAL locksmithing continues to grow as buildings become more complex and expectations around safety, compliance, and access control continue to evolve. From emergency exit hardware and fire doors to shutters, safes, access systems, and electronic locking, many locksmiths are now developing specialist skills that go well beyond traditional domestic work.

For locksmiths looking to expand their services, commercial work can provide a valuable long-term pathway— combining technical problem-solving, ongoing learning, and opportunities to work across a wide range of environments.

But commercial work also brings greater responsibility.

Compliance, safety standards, correct specification, and system integration all matter. Customers increasingly expect contractors to understand not only how hardware works, but how it performs as part of a wider building environment.

That is why ongoing professional development is becoming increasingly important across the sector.

Building Skills Through Real-World Training

The MLA continues to support locksmiths looking to develop commercial knowledge and practical skills through hands-on training designed around real-world application.

Courses such as:

• Emergency Exit Hardware Installation

• Aluminium & Glass Doors

• Timber Fire Door Maintenance

• Electronic Security Fault Finding & Compliance

• Timber Door & Frame Repair

• Safe & Safe Servicing

all help locksmiths build confidence in specialist areas while developing a stronger understanding of compliance, safety, and professional standards.

The Safe & Safe Servicing course, for example, introduces locksmiths to the principles of safe construction, locking systems, opening techniques, servicing, and safe lock work- providing a practical starting point for those looking to move into this specialist area.

There is also growing attention around emergency exit hardware and compliant door systems following the introduction of Martyn’ s Law, officially known as the Terrorism( Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The legislation places increased focus on emergency preparedness, safe evacuation, and how buildings respond in high-pressure situations.

For locksmiths working in commercial environments, understanding panic hardware, escape routes, door behaviour, and compliant installation is becoming increasingly important- particularly in publicly accessible buildings and venues.

The MLA’ s Emergency Exit Hardware Installation course is designed to support locksmiths in this area through practical, hands-on training focused on real-world application, correct specification, and current standards.

Scan to explore MLA advanced training and upcoming specialist courses:

Learning Through Industry Connection

Across the MLA, regional meetings and events continue to create opportunities for locksmiths to learn directly from others working in specialist sectors every day.

Recent regional sessions have included:

• roller shutters

• RFID and fob duplication

• Safes

with locksmiths sharing practical experience, technical insight, and real-world problem solving.

This practical, peer-led learning remains an important part of professional development within locksmithing— helping individuals build understanding step by step while staying connected to changes across the industry.

Further specialist commercial training and technical sessions will also feature as part of MLA Unlocked this November.

Supporting Progression Across Locksmithing

Commercial locksmithing is not a single skillset. It is an area that continues to evolve alongside building standards, security expectations, and technology.

For many locksmiths, the pathway into commercial work develops gradually— building knowledge over time through training, practical experience, and conversations with others already working in the sector.

That ongoing development matters because professional locksmithing increasingly relies not only on practical ability, but also on understanding compliance, safety, and the wider responsibilities connected to the work being carried out.

Updates on upcoming courses, regional meetings, and technical events can be found on our MLA EXPO & Events Facebook page, scan here: