Notice Board
MLA NOW AN OFFICIAL ELCAS SERVICE PROVIDER :
Helping ex-service personnel transition into a successful locksmith career .
» LOCKSMITHING IS A VERY POPULAR career choice for former military personnel . Several of the skills attained in the military , such as attention to detail , problemsolving , and mechanical aptitude , can be very valuable and transitional in this field .
As the UK ’ s largest trade association for locksmiths , the MLA are the leading provider of locksmith training . We offer membership to over 1000 locksmith professionals , connecting them to the industry and consumers looking for vetted , inspected and qualified locksmiths . Our qualification , the Level 4 Certificate in General Locksmithing Skills , is Ofqual regulated and certified by ABBE ( Awarding Body of the Built Environment ).
The MLA are now proud to be an official Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Services ( ELCAS ) service provider , offering a locksmith qualification and membership to military service personnel transitioning out of service .
Those eligible for our ELCAS course will benefit from training and MLA membership that will get their professional locksmithing career off to a great start .
You ’ ll take our five-day Beginners Course , Level 2 Opening , Exam Preparation Day and receive FREE Course Notes to ensure that you are fully equipped to take the MLA Modular Exam .
Before taking the MLA Modular Exam , we always recommend that students take
some time to practice the skills they have been taught in our training . To support students during this time , our ELCAS locksmith course provides access to a range of support tools through two years registered membership of the association . Upon passing MLA Exam you ’ ll be awarded an Ofqual regulated and ABBE certified Level 4 Certificate in General Locksmithing Skills .
For more information visit www . enhancedlearningcredits . com and search for learning providers , our ELCAS provider number is 13463
Alternatively use this code to find the information on the MLA website .
PAUL ’ S JOURNEY FROM MILITARY SERVICE TO MASTER LOCKSMITH
Paul Montgomery | Sir Fix-a-Lock
» PAUL HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE MLA ( Master Locksmiths Association ) member since 2016 . His company , Sir Fix-a-Lock , is an MLA Approved Company based in Devon , and features on the coveted ‘ find a locksmith ’ section of the MLA website www . locksmiths . co . uk .
Paul started his military career as a Communications Specialist before going on to become an instructor in areas including Skill at Arms , Map Reading , CBRN , and Battlefield First Aid . He trained recruits and served in Iraq , Afghanistan , Bosnia , and Northern Ireland .
Transitioning from a distinguished 25-year career full colour service in the military , Paul began his career in locksmithing in March 2011 with Sir Fixa-Lock .
Paul credits his transition success to planning for resettlement early and his decision to explore a career in locksmithing came from a friend during this planning . He was immediately drawn to the diverse challenges and outdoor work locksmithing offered , Paul made the decision to take a locksmith course , funded through ELCAS , 3 years before he was due to end his military career . Practicing in his spare time and gradually building a client base over his final three years in service meant Paul had the beginnings of a successful business when he came to the end of his service .
Use the code below to read more about Paul and his journey to become an MLA Approved Company as well as his advice to ex-forces planning their resettlement .
DAVE RICKETT
» “ I LEFT THE RAF after 22 years in March 24 . I had been trading part time as a Locksmith for the four previous years and so didn ’ t really need the income . Now that I am a Veteran , I ’ ve taken my small locksmithing business full time self-employed .
To that end , I wanted to do some upskilling training while being part of a recognised organisation . Unfortunately for me , when I left the RAF , the MLA was not ELCAS registered so I used my resettlement funds for three courses . The five-day Beginners Course , Level 2 Opening & Advanced Curtain Picking .
The MLA is now ELCAS registered . With this you get a good range of courses that set you up for the Exam Preparation Day , then you are ready for the exam to become a Qualified Master Locksmith .
Why choose Locksmithing ? It ’ s not for everyone but I ’ ve spent 22 years being ‘ managed ’ it ’ s now time to have the freedom to work and play when I want with no restrictions .”
14
MAY 2024
locksmithjournal . co . uk