Since our initial social media announcement, raising awareness of an OFQUAL locksmith qualification, Train Locksmiths received many comments and messages with queries surrounding the new and unfamiliar changes. You wanted answers and rightly so! We therefore felt it was important to provide you with as much information as we could to settle any pressing concerns and hopefully relay our passion for the imminent evolution of the industry.
Why Should I Do The New Qualification If I’m Already Working As A Locksmith?
With an official OFQUAL qualification, locksmith professionals can take advantage of larger contracts within the commercial and construction industry, since contractors earn more money than employees (contractor calculator, 2017). As the world population is now bigger than ever before, there is increased competition for work and careers. This qualification will eliminate the competition between unprofessional and professional tradesman, giving the industry official regulations.
Furthermore, locksmiths like many other trades abide by many government legislations, for example; Health and Safety At Work Act 1974, Regulatory Reform 2005, Equality Act 2010, GDPR Date Protection Act 2016, Building Regulations 2010, Public Indemnity, Public Liability and Employers Liability and these new qualifications assist in that knowledge and understanding.
BUT DON’T PANIC... The new qualification contains key information and learning, providing you with worry-free business.
If I’ve Already Trained As A Locksmith, Do I Get The Qualification Automatically?
Unfortunately, as there has been no official registered qualification previously available, we cannot ‘exempt’ people from the course work. Therefore, all participants within the trade are being strongly advised to obtain this new qualification to ensure they are trading professionally. However, we may have the opportunity to apply for an RPL (Recognition of prior learning), which you have previously covered on other courses. In addition to this, all returning students of Train Locksmiths will be issued with a 10% loyalty discount on any course when they choose to continue their studies with us.
Does Years Of Experience Mean You Are Qualified?
Many believe that years of experience gives you the ability to be a qualified professional, unfortunately the only way to be qualified is to hold the recongised qualification. Like all other industries, experience does not equal a qualification. Therefore, whether you are a newcomer or have a year of experience under your belt, gaining this new qualification is advised if you wish to move forward within the industry. Completing the new qualification will help maximise your potential and experience over a 6-12 month period, ensuring that you are competent and confident with insurance policies and government legislations.
Why Haven’t Other Training Providers Posted Information On This Qualification?
Simply answer - Many locksmith-training providers are not to the standard of similar training institutes like college centres. Train Locksmiths Ltd is an approved training provider, as they have an approved training centre with 6 qualified tutors and a further 6 member of administration staff. As more training providers are approved to meet the awarding bodies criteria, more centres will then be promoting and running the new qualification. With this in mind, other training providers are continuing their courses to gain financial aid, to then eventually run the new qualifications.
How Much Will It Cost And Is Funding Available?
£2,700 based on alternative trade diplomas - If you train with a proper training provider, then there will be government and private funding opportunities. To discuss fees and the funding opportunities available to you, please call us on 0800 458 5117, or alternatively visit our funding page
Do Train Locksmith’s Tutors Need To Complete This Qualification?
As anyone would expect and rightly so, there are no exceptions! All Train Locksmith tutors are required to gain the new qualification within a period of three years. With the aim of keeping the industry moving forward and to ensure locksmiths can do the course at the earliest opportunity, Train Locksmiths will be commencing the training as of the launch date. But rest assure, all our tutors and assessor will be gaining the qualification themselves.
How Will The Scammers Be Stopped From Gaining This Qualification Too?
All course participants will be required to meet a certain standard in order to achieve the qualification. Anyone deemed unable to reach this standard, may be directed towards a foundation level qualification to ensure they are prepared for the next stage of their studies. Once qualified, in order to maintain a good trading status, locksmiths will be required to maintain a clear DBS check for the course and many clients may request this on contract induction. This can be initially achieved alongside your course, with help and guidance from Train Locksmiths and must be repeated every 2-3 years (possible sooner) to comply with industry standards and client requirements.
What Makes This New Qualification Different To Previous Courses?
The new OFQUAL regulated qualification is unlike any others to date, superseding all existing locksmith qualifications and creating a minimum standard amongst all professionals. It will take a minimum of six months to complete and prior to this the longest course available was over seven days. Due to the extended length of the new course, it is clear to see that extended knowledge and expertise will be expected in order to successfully qualified. We respect that many of our students will be actively working within the industry and we appreciate that you can’t drop all of your work to study. Therefore, students will only be required to attend our training centre for as short as period as possible and the remainder of their studies will be done online or in-person at your location with ongoing one-to-one support from our qualified tutors and assessors. We will assist every learner through the course with funding, course support, business plans, work support and even an official graduation event! This is a fantastic move forward to remove the rouge traders and bad tradesmen from the industry, thus creating greater opportunities for work and profit.
To discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 458 5117, or email info@trainlocksmiths.co.uk and we will be more than happy to assist you.
We appreciate that change can be scary, but we're here to support our students every step of the way. Learning and innovation go hand in hand and it’s the process of seeking new knowledge, skill and understanding that provides the industry with career security moving forward!
