Ashworth College has been in operation since 1987 and offers an on-line diploma in locksmithing. The program has 17 lessons, each with new vocabulary definitions, a reading assignment and practice exercises. At the end of each lesson, there is an open-book exam. Lessons include basic locks and keys, how locks work, key-ways and master keying, automotive locksmithing and key duplicating machines. Students can study at their own pace.
Stratford Career Institute offers students a distance locksmith program with four modules: Introduction to the Locksmithing Profession and Professional Locksmithing Techniques Volumes One, Two and Three. Instruction involves basic locksmithing tools, key cutting, master key systems, basic types of locks and keys, electromagnetic locks, alarms and system integration. Students can complete the program in as little as six months or at their own pace. Instructors are available by telephone or email if students need to ask questions.
Penn Foster Career School also offers a distance diploma in professional locksmithing. Students learn about key identification and lock mechanisms, residential locks and key-making, home and business security, panic hardware and electric locks, and electronic security. The program involves six instruction sets that take students step-by-step through techniques and include information about such subjects as locksmithing, locks and keys, key identification, residential locks, key-making and re-keying, opening locks without keys, various security systems and starting a small business.
As the only licensed locksmithing school in New York State, Charles Stuart School in Brooklyn began its locksmithing program in 1992. The school encourages 'learning by doing' and students are taught by licensed locksmiths. Students study general lock construction, installations and master keying, access control and high-security locks. Class sizes are small, at a maximum of 18 students. The locksmithing program is also available for the disabled.
Individuals considering a career in locksmithing typically require strong basic mathematics skills, in addition to technical aptitude. Solid interpersonal skills and communication skills are definite assets too. Locksmiths perform duties such as installing, opening, fixing and adjusting locks. They can also make keys, change lock combinations, work with various lock systems and adjust and change locks for home and business protection. Locksmiths are also able to show customers how to use locks and keys.