Locksmiths are professionals who are trained to make keys, open locks and install locks. These experts are capable of changing the locks on your home, assist you get in your vehicle when you have locked your keys inside or fix new locks in case you’ve build a new house. Locksmiths normally use their mastery of key cutting to make duplicate copies of business, automotive and household keys. In Singapore, it is important that if you’re a locksmith you make sure you become licensed if you want to hassle free get clients. This is not only good for the state, but it also shows how professional you’re conducting your locksmith business. A career as a locksmith is often suitable for those individuals who’ve got an aptitude for practical tasks. This write up will focus on discussing about how you can become a licensed locksmith in Singapore.
Tips on How to Become a Licensed Locksmith in Singapore
Tip#1: Getting Trained:-
The very first step you should partake in your attempt to become a qualified licensed locksmith in Singapore is pursuing a locksmithing course. This should be done at a technical institute or college. Most of the institutions offering courses in locksmith provide a two- month locksmithing program which offers training in areas such as lock mechanisms, business and home security, key identification as well as electronic security systems. Also, you can get started by joining any locksmith apprenticeship in Singapore, whereby you will be taught the craft from the veteran locksmiths. Note that in Singapore locksmith apprenticeships may take a period of four to five years to complete.
Tip#2: Mastering Essential Qualities:-
Before you begin applying your license, you require basic blueprint- reading, computer skills and complex- problem solving so that you can be categorized as an accomplished locksmith. You should be able to read as well as work from building plans and technical drawings, and trouble- shoot faults in electric or digital lock systems. Drill jigs, broken key extractors and plug spinners are some of the accessories and tools locksmiths often use in their trade. Therefore, you require strong practical skills so that you can be able to set up and operate your locksmith business properly.
Since the job may involve you to sometimes work in very tight spaces or on the scaffolding, you require the physical stamina so that you can be in a position to hassle free endure such activities. Basically, a sound understanding of NFPA i.e. National Fire Understanding Association’s safety code in Singapore is essential also, since it’ll enable you know well the locks which are prohibited or permitted for stairwell doors, exit doors and the other kinds of doors. Once you’re fit with the aforementioned two tips, you are then good to apply for a license.
Tip#3: Finding an Experienced Locksmith to Shadow:-
Finding an experienced locksmith to shadow is another effective factor you should take into consideration in your attempt to access a license as a locksmith in Singapore. It is ideal that you try to follow more than one experienced locksmith, and make sure that they’re reputable. Typically, these experts may give you a recommendation when you’re ready to apply for your own license. Note that being a master locksmith’s apprentice is normally the best, hands- on technique to learn what you require about becoming a licensed locksmith.
Tip#4: Visiting a Locksmithing Licensing Office:-
Visit any locksmithing license office in your area and enquire about the necessary requirements needed by a person who want to obtain a license in Singapore. Typically, in most cases, while applying for a license, a person is usually required to fill out an application form, get finger- printed, pay a fee and provide documentation like photo identification. Also, in Singapore while applying for a locksmithing license, a person is often required to undergo a criminal background check in order to determine if he has ever involved himself in any criminal activities within or outside Singapore. Note that if in case the criminal records show that you’ve ever engaged in criminal activities, you can easily be denied the license. When applying for a license there are no exams offered. However, your employer may be required to vouch for you.
Tip#5: Renewing your license Yearly:-
A locksmithing license in Singapore is usually valid for a period of twelve months from the date of issuance. Therefore, after the lapse of twelve months from the date you were issued the license, it is ideal that you renew your license so that you can operate your locksmithing business in a legit way and without being disturbed by the tax collectors.
Note that different places in Singapore normally require different periods of renewal. Therefore, knowing the licensing guidelines of the location you are working in is very essential. In case of any changes in the operation of your business, it is ideal that you inform the relevant licensing bureau in Singapore so that they will be current with your business and employment. Be aware that you will be required to obtain a different kind of license if you happen to go into business for yourself. It is thus ideal that you decide to co- own a business with another person or take on an apprentice. This will save you from spending more money when it comes to renewing your license.
Tip#6: Securing Employment:-
Once you’ve find a license as a locksmith you’re good to go to the locksmithing job market. You can start looking for job opportunities in the locksmithing firms, firms that supply or sell locks and also on the security companies. After you gain several years of work experience thus developing a very firm business sense, you should start thinking on how you can come up with your own business of locksmithing.
Alternatively, you can also decide to pursue additional courses in forensic locksmithing. This can make you have an opportunity to work as a forensic locksmith in the law enforcement agencies.
Last but not the least: locksmithing is a job that can really change your life since it is very rewarding. Ensure that you follow the aforementioned tips to the latter if you intend to become a locksmith and you will not regret. Thank you.