The Locksmith Journal May-Jun 2014 - Issue 32 | Page 9

INDUSTRYNEWS SPONSORED BY SECURITY HARDWARE 2016 ‘the training was very relaxing and informative’ was very kind of both Adele and Keeley to spare time to talk to me on the phone about their experiences, which I found extremely helpful.” Asked if women locksmiths can bring some specific skills to the trade – such as multi-tasking, manual dexterity etc, Karen, who achieved her City & Guilds qualification after her training with Bradford-based MPL, said, “I think the skills would be slightly different, perhaps interpersonal skills might be better when it comes to a female locksmith. It’s really difficult to say, since I feel that someone, male for female, can just ‘gel’ with a particular customer.” Commenting on her City & Guilds success, she added: “I think I am probably the only C&G qualified female locksmith in the UK.” After the stringent training to get her hackney licence, how did she find the locksmith training? “I found the training quite easy going. The courses that I attended with MPL, Island Locks and UKLA, were all very relaxing and informative. “And actually, most of the men I’ve met while on forums and while training have To read more, visit www.locksmithjournal.co.uk been really helpful and supportive. Karen now runs Assist Locks (www. assistlocks.co.uk) as a sole trader, and also hopes to do some work for a company in the future. She is currently planning to undertake some more training in non-destructive mortice lock opening and uPVC lock/ door opening. Asked about the lack of recognised locksmith qualifications in the UK, Karen told us: “It does seem strange that there is no single recognised locksmith qualification or regulatory body in the UK, particularly since I have come from very highly regulated taxi industry, into a security industry that has no governmental regulatory body as yet. Karen’s future plans are to continue to develop her locksmith skills, to try to get out and do as many jobs as possible and develop some more experience. She currently works in the domestic, rather than commercial sector. Karen is clearly a person who enjoys a challenge and is determined to utilise her technical abilities in the best way she can. We wish her every success in the future. WIN up to £1,000 of tools and products Visit: bit.do/ LockEx Find out more on page 62 THE MAY/JUN 2014 ISSUE SPONSORED BY ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions 9