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» SIX MONTHS INTO THE TRADE, Dean McLaughlin is bringing a unique mix of emotional intelligence, risk assessment and relentless determination to locksmithing in Carlisle.
At just six months into his locksmithing journey, Dean McLaughlin of McLocklin Locksmiths is already carving out a reputation for professionalism, honesty and calmness under pressure. Based in Carlisle, Dean entered the trade from a completely different world, mental health and residential childcare, but the skills he developed there are proving invaluable in locksmithing.
Fascinated by Security from the Start
I’ ve always had an interest in safety and security. Even growing up, I was fascinated by heist films where someone could crack the impossible lock or bypass high-end security systems. I grew up in a rough area, so being vigilant and security conscious was just part of life. You learn quickly about protecting yourself, protecting your home and reading situations properly, and that awareness never really left me.
Before locksmithing, I worked as a personal trainer and then spent around ten years working in mental health and residential care homes with children who had experienced trauma and complex needs. It was intense work emotionally. You’ re constantly risk assessing, dealing with regulations, managing crises and trying to keep people safe.
I reached a point where I wanted to step back from working directly with emotional trauma every day and focus more on working with things instead of people, but I still wanted that safety aspect to remain. Locksmithing gave me exactly that.
A Different Kind of Pressure
I was apprehensive about selfemployment at first because it’ s a huge leap. But once I commit to something, I go all in. I set targets, break things down step-by-step and work towards them methodically.
Honestly, after working with children with
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complex trauma, there’ s very little that phases me stress-wise. In residential care, things can change instantly. You’ re constantly assessing risk and managing unpredictable situations. Locksmithing still has pressure, but I feel equipped to deal with it calmly.
People probably don’ t realise how much problem solving is involved in this trade, it’ s none-stop puzzles every day. You assess the situation, look for risks, work out what’ s failed and figure out the safest, cleanest way to solve it. That’ s what I enjoy most.
Learning the Trade the Hard Way
When I decided to become a locksmith, I wanted to get started straight away. I looked at training providers and found Gateshead Locksmithing Training who offered courses in Gateshead and Newquay. In the end I chose to train in Cornwall because I didn’ t want to wait.
The course was intense and pretty fullon. I can absolutely understand why some people try locksmithing and realise it’ s not for them. It’ s very mechanical and handson. I learn by doing things and physically feeling how things work rather than sitting reading theory all day.
Steve Taylor, my trainer, has been fundamental to everything I’ ve achieved so far. He’ s got around 25 years of industry experience and still helps me regularly with decision making and technical advice. He even helped me set up my website! Having someone experienced in your corner when you’ re new makes a massive difference.
I’ ve also had support locally from Steve Goodwin at Locksmiths Carlisle, who’ s in the finals for the top 10 locksmiths in the UK. He’ s shared knowledge, jobs and old-school advice with me. Sometimes it’ s just breaking a task down over the phone or asking the right questions. He definitely keeps me on my toes.
Understanding the Criminal Mindset
One thing I became aware of very quickly in locksmithing is that you occasionally come into contact with situations that don’ t feel right.
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JUNE 2026
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