TRAININGNEWS
SPONSORED BY KEYPRINT
TRAINING TO BECOME A LOCKSMITH
The MLA Training Centre, established at MLA Head Office back in 1992, enabled
the organisation of a basic locksmith training course programme.
Over the years, this has proved very
successful and is now renowned
throughout the locksmithing industry
as the only formal locksmithing
accreditation.
The MLA offers training courses in
becoming a locksmith and its locksmith
apprenticeship provides a starting point
for newcomers and beginners to the
industry through to existing locksmiths
who want to learn new skills or update
their knowledge.
Third Party Accreditation
Having a long history of providing
training to locksmiths (either those who
are starting off in the trade or those who
want to further their knowledge in specific
technical areas), the MLA was awarded
the prestigious City & Guilds “Approved
Centre” status (No. 027758) which enabled
the Association to offer a tailored City &
Guilds award in Basic Locksmithing (No.
1841) based on its entry exam.
Unfortunately, as C&G required large
numbers to be put through the scheme
in order to maintain it (the MLA does
not believe in training for the sake of
it, in what in some areas is already an
overpopulated profession) the Association
decided to put its emphasis upon the
creation of the first nationally recognised
qualification and apprenticeship, working
in collaboration with Skills for Security,
and HABC. The apprenticeship ran i’s first
“off the job” training course at the MLA in
January 2014 and is a great step towards
making locksmithing a true profession.
‘constant need for Continued
Professional Development’
Given the constant changes and
development in the industry, locksmithing
is one career that will keep your interest
- because there is a constant need for
Continued Professional Development.
This is due to the continuous
development of new products; these
require new perception and techniques
on the part of the locksmith. The
locksmithing craft is very diverse as there
are also many specialist fields; some
locksmiths will have a business that covers
some of these fields; some businesses will
specialise in one area.
It is sometimes worth approaching a
local locksmith who may be able to offer
you work as an “apprentice” (the MLA
is working alongside the industry’s skills
body Skills for Security with the aim of
formalising apprenticeship systems).
The government is also putting much
emophasis on the importance of modern
apprenticeships, recognising the need
to get young people involved in proper
career structure with a future.
Another way to gain an understanding
of the industry is to attend a BLI General
Locksmithing Course at MLA’s Training
Centre. The dates of the current courses
can be found in the course calendar
page on the MLA website and early
booking is recommended, a CRB
check to be undertaken prior to course
commencement.
www.locksmiths.co.uk
GETTING TO GRIPS WITH DOOR HARDWARE
The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
(GAI) has introduced an innovative new
development in its respected education
portfolio: the Foundation Module in
Hardware. The new module – with
online learning and examination so it
can be completed at any pace – is aimed
at anyone who wants to get a basic grasp
of door hardware quickly, simply and at
an attractive cost.
The new Module is aimed at those
who do not deal with hardware all
day, every day in their line of work but
do require working knowledge of the
subject - so it is perfect for locksmiths,
68
THE JAN/FEB 2014 ISSUE
SPONSORED BY ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions
builders’ merchants, office support staff at
architectural ironmongers or anyone who
simply wants to gain a positive but basic
knowledge about door hardware.
‘Positive but basic knowledge
about door hardware’
The course, intended to provide an
insight into many of the aspects of
architectural hardware, is taken entirely
online and includes an end of module
exam, success in which provides a
Certificate of Competence in ‘The
Foundation in Hardware’ Candidates
.
can easily fit studying into their work
timetables.
GAI t: +44 (0) 20 7033 2480
e: [email protected].
To read more, visit www.locksmithjournal.co.uk