GUILD OF MASTER LOCKSMITHS UK
Working Together Since 1975 - Locksmith Trade & Training
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The GMLUK Locksmith Awards
Welcome to our GMLUK award page. The GMLUK is the highest possible level of locksmith awards in the UK an award that has been created by The Guild of Master Locksmiths. The GMLUK Award can only be offered by LTTA registered and Certified locksmith trainers.
The awards are based on a series of levels with multiple training programs that are required to be passed with a 98% pass rate. Each level is a tested and exam based level and award system for locksmith based education and takes up to 36 weeks to be able to achieve a level 3 award and to achieve a level 4 award takes 12 months. A master locksmith level award takes 10 years with 3 certificates of excellence awards in locksmith standards.
Read more below to find out about the GMLUK awards and criteria.
About the awarding and criteria!
In the UK there has never been a government based regulatory body that made sure that a locksmith who undertook locksmith training had the credentials or met a criteria to be able to offer such locksmith skills to the public with fly by night locksmiths offering poor training, inadequate teaching methods and have no background in teaching at all or any qualification in teaching giving locksmiths training for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days on a locksmith course then letting them lose on the public. Then these locksmith cause damage to peoples doors, do not hold any public liability, many are scammers and criminals with convictions. Only one other company in the UK offer a similar program but charge a annual membership fee where we do not believe in charging anything for these awards!
Many rouge locksmiths also do not do any DBS /CRB background checks and will use there new skills to commit crime such as burglary and theft.
This is why the GMLUK created the first GMLUK Locksmith Award System in the 1990's and courses in line with Cornwall and Devon Locksmith Training and Gateshead Locksmith Training, Taylors Locksmiths Training Academy and the Guilds own training program. It means that if you are a locksmith that wants to operate in the UK and be trusted in both business education such as consumer law and the required level of skill sets then a locksmith must have undertaken all 4 levels of locksmith training and have full GMLUK accreditation before anyone in the public domain can let them lose on your door to prevent damages, costly repairs or being ripped off by rogue locksmith traders.
Each of the GMLUK locksmiths are monitored, reviews online are checked regularly to watch out for under cutting, ripping off the public and any sign of poor service.
GMLUK certified locksmiths will achieve a statues over a period of years know as the Certification of Excellence and a GMLUK locksmith will require 3 of these over 9 years to be able to enter into our Master Locksmith Covenant which is a award in skill and professionalism and recognises the skilled locksmith as a master of the trade.
To be able to acquire the GMLUK awards so each locksmith must meet a strict criteria which is delivered by our LTTA certified locksmiths who themselves are governed by our Master Locksmith Covenant. This way we can make sure that the locksmith that's teaching has the highest credentials and has the success of there business and time served to be able to offer such training and pass on real world education.
The criteria of the LTTA to be able to award the GMLUK Awards:
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Each instructor who delivers the GMUK award must have a minimum of 10 years Locksmith service as a self employed locksmith with proof of business establishment, 10 years of TAX based records, proof of business and insurance along with any online ratings, reviews , photos or videos of past work to be taken into consideration.
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The instructor must carry the GMLUK Master Locksmith Covenant Award which is a certification in excellence for every 3 years of trading for minimum of 9 years with a perfect record in exemplary locksmith business work proved with real and checked 5 star reviews, business records before they can undertake the LTTA award!
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That instructor must have made a net income from their business of between £50k to £70k per year for a minimum of 5 years of trading as proof of excellence in the industry.
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They must be able to show a customer record of reviews and recommendations to prove they offer the best service to the customer and that they put the customer first.
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The instructor who teaches the GMLUK awarded training must have undergone the Guild of Master Locksmiths LTTA certification which is a training award that a locksmith can earn by undergoing the LTTA training program. The LTTA is the Locksmith Teacher Training Association and Award. It's an award in further education meeting all requirements set out for a teaching qualification but it's based on locksmith training and delivering Locksmith based education, courses and classes. You will also have to pass a series of examinations based on adult learning and course delivery. Each person taking the LTTA are tested to the highest level possible in all areas of the locksmith trade.
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They must carry a separate qualification in training such as a PTLLS in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector or the new AET level 3 Award in Education and Training This nationally recognized qualification carries 12 QCF credits which is the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and demonstrates our competence and readiness to work as a teacher, trainer, or tutor in various educational settings.
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The student will under take a foundation level for maximum of 6 weeks (Apprentice based education)
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The student must pass a physical and written exam and test to be able to move to the next award and certification.
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To be able to achieve a level 3 award from Guild of Master Locksmiths then that student must have undertaken no less than 36 weeks of locksmith training
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The student must have worked on real doors, windows and real homes and not just classroom based training.
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To receive the level 4 award takes a locksmith 12 months of training to achieve with on the job training.
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Each locksmith must show exemplary standards, such as 5 star customer reviews which is awarded with certificates of excellence after year 3 of trading.
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The student must enter into our Master Locksmith Award program to receive full certification which is an additional 10 years of trading as a locksmith with at least 3 awards in excellence.
We will also take into account any other awards that you have gained from your past but such as Business Management degrees. Our instructors who have also come from alternative education based backgrounds. The PTLLS qualification was previously the Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. However, it has now been updated and replaced by the Level 3 Award in Education & Training (AET).
The Guild of Master Locksmiths hold our locksmiths to the highest standards in the UK. Our award system is specifically designed for locksmiths in the UK who wish to hold a certification which stands for more than a 1 - 5 days of mediocre training course which is offered by 99% of the locksmith training providers. Our locksmith training awards are not about money, its not about numbers and they are completely free to hold. There are no fees or memberships. These are certificates in excellence, to show that you have gone beyond the requirements set out by todays locksmith training providers. You have not only dedicated the time, but you have trained longer than any other locksmiths in the UK. You demonstrate a knowledge higher than any other locksmith in the UK and you are master at your trade and recognised as such.
How do you undertake this award?
You will need to contact us below to register your interest and one of our GMLUK trainers will contact you to find out more and offer any advice and answer any question about the awards.
GMLUK Foundation Award LFA1
Locksmith Foundation Award Level 1
The Guild of Master Locksmiths LFA1 Award which is the Locksmith Foundation Award Level 1.
About the award: This is a level 1 foundation learning award (LFA1). Its undertaken via a training method known as distant learning which is a online training course that can be studied from home using a secure online training portal. This is a password protected training portal with easy to watch video, written sections and downloadable content.
Length of Course: This course can take up to 4 weeks but it depends on your background. Some complete this course in 2 weeks.
Who will teach the course?: You will undertake this with a one to one online LTTA certified instructor via video calling.
What you will require: Access to a computer with internet access. You will also require a home training kit which will be sent out by the locksmith training provider.
Why do I need the LFA1?: This award gives you a solid foundation to start your locksmith training. Its helps you by giving a foundation to build your education on and it helps with time management. The next stage from this is to move on to hands on training with a LTTA locksmith trainer. While on site for the 5 days you do not want to be wasting time by asking very basic questions. If you generally do not know then that's fine. You are all in the training program to learn. But it helps streamline the time management and move into more complex training modules.
The LFA1 is part of a full course can't be taken on its own, its part of a package of training programs.
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Guild of Master Locksmiths UK
Level 1 Award in Locksmith Based Skills
The Guild of Master Locksmiths UK Level 1 Award which is the first full award in locksmith training. A level 1 award is what's required by landlords, estate agents handymen / woman. This is a skills based award.
About the award: This is a level 1 full award that is undertaken in a home lock lab that will be provided by your trainer. You will work to practice the skill sets of lock picking level 1, bypass level 1, standard security locks level 1, door maintenance parts replacement level. Multi point doors level 1, door servicing level 1, locksmith tools level 1, fitting level 1, insurance regulations level 1. fire regulations level 1, commercial locks and hardware level 1. Lever locks level 1, latch locks level 1. Plus much more!
Length of Course: To attain this level, you will have been training for 10 weeks. This course can take up to 6 weeks to complete this level of award but it depends on your background. Some complete this course sooner.
Who will teach the course?: You will undertake this with a one to one online LTTA certified instructor via video calling and via pre recorded video format along with downloading the required manuals. Once you have studied the full level 1 and had plenty of practice in your home lock lab you will undertake the level 1 in person, face to face as part of the 5 days of hands on training with your LTTA instructor.
What you will require: Access to a computer with internet access. You will also require a home lock lab training kit which will be sent out by the locksmith training provider. You may require some additional items such as DIY materials and DIY tools.
GMLUK Level 1 can be taken on its own for landlords, estate agents, handymen and other trades people. But it part of a larger frame work which has 4 complete levels that increase in difficulty.
Guild of Master Locksmiths UK
Level 2 Award in Locksmith Based Skills
The Guild of Master Locksmiths UK Level 2 Award which is the second full award in locksmith training. A level 2 award is what's required by a locksmith to undertake work with a locksmith business, to be able to work as locksmith for an employer.
About the award: This is a level 2 full award that is undertaken in a home lock lab that will be provided by your trainer. You will work to practice the skill sets of lock picking level 2, bypass level 2, moderate security locks level 2, door maintenance parts replacement level 2. Multi point doors level 2, door servicing level 2, locksmith tools level 2, fitting level 2, insurance regulations level 2. fire regulations level 2, commercial locks and hardware level 2. Lever locks level 2, latch locks level 2, level 2 in safes, level 2 in office, medical grade locks, composite door locks and hardware level, UPVC door repair level 2, Toe and Heeling level 2, decoding lever locks level 2, decoding pin tumbler locks level 2, key cutting level 2, lock bumping standard cylinders level 2. Plus much more!
Length of Course: You will have been training for 14 weeks when you pass this level of award. This course can take up to 4 weeks but it depends on your background. Some complete this course sooner or longer.
Who will teach the course?: You will undertake this with a one to one online LTTA certified instructor via video calling and via pre recorded video format along with downloading the required manuals. Once you have studied the full level 2 and had plenty of practice in your home lock lab you will undertake the level 2 in person, face to face as part of the 5 days of hands on training with your LTTA instructor.
What you will require: Access to a computer with internet access. You will also require a home lock lab training kit which will be sent out by the locksmith training provider. You may require some additional items such as DIY materials and DIY tools. You will require a level 2 locksmith tool kit which will be provided as part of the course package.
GMLUK Level 2 can be taken on its own for trades people. But it part of a larger frame work which has 4 complete levels that increase in difficulty. The level 2 award is a locksmith award and only trades people performing advanced locksmith skills would require this award.
Guild of Master Locksmiths UK
Level 3 Award in Locksmith Based Skills
The Guild of Master Locksmiths UK Level 3 Award which is the third full award in locksmith training. A level 3 award is what's required by a locksmith to operate there own locksmith business or to be able to work as locksmith for an employer. The level 3 award is an advanced award.
About the award: This is a level 3 full award that is undertaken in a home lock lab that will be provided by your trainer. You will work to practice the skill sets of lock picking level 3, bypass level 3, high security locks level 3, manual dimple lock picking level 3, manual picking of diamond rated locks level 3, mortice lock picking level 3, locksmith tool making level 3, door maintenance parts replacement level 3, multi point doors level 3, automatic multi points level 3, door servicing and repair level 3, locksmith tools level 3, EPG entry level 3, rapid entry level 3, fitting level 3, high security commercial locks and hardware level 3, lever locks level 3, latch locks level 3, office, medical grade locks, anti barricade locks level 3, composite door locks and hardware level 3, UPVC door repair level 3, technical entry level 3, decoding lever locks level 3, decoding pin tumbler locks level 3, door breaching level 3, telescopic pin systems level 3, impressioning level 3, covert entry part 1 level 3, lock bumping dimple and high security level 3, forgotten skills part 1 level 3. Plus much more!
Length of Course: The level 3 award will have taken you up to 21 weeks to achieve this level and award. This level can take up to 7 weeks to complete but it depends on your background. Some complete this course sooner and some could take up to 14 weeks depending on how quick you take to learning tension and manual picking skills.
Who will teach the course?: You will undertake this with a one to one online LTTA certified instructor via video calling and via pre recorded video format along with downloading the required manuals. Once you have studied the full level 3 and had plenty of practice in your home lock lab you will undertake the level 3 in person, face to face as part of the 5 days of hands on training with your LTTA instructor.
What you will require: Access to a computer with internet access. You will also require a home lock lab training kit which will be sent out by the locksmith training provider. You may require some additional items such as DIY materials and DIY tools. You will require a level 3 locksmith tool kit which will be provided as part of the course package.
GMLUK Level 3 can be taken on its own for trades people. But it part of a larger frame work which has 4 complete levels that increase in difficulty. The level 3 award is a locksmith award and only trades people performing advanced locksmith skills would require this award.
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Guild of Master Locksmiths UK
Level 4 Award in Locksmith Based Skills
The Guild of Master Locksmiths UK Level 4 Award which is the fourth full award in locksmith training. A level 4 award is what's required by a locksmith to operate there own locksmith business but for advanced work, such as working with forensic locksmithing, covert entry etc.
About the award: This is a level 4 full award that is undertaken in a home lock lab that will be provided by your trainer. You will work to practice the skill sets of lock picking level 4, re-keying level 4, re-pinning level 4, technical bypass level 4, high security locks level 4, manual dimple lock picking level 4, manual picking of diamond rated, KABA, Mul-T-Lock locks level 4, mortice lock picking level 4, locksmith tool making level 4, locksmith tools level 4, rapid entry level 4, high security commercial locks and hardware level 4, technical entry level 4, decoding lever locks level 4, decoding pin tumbler locks level 4, telescopic pin systems level 4, magnetic pin systems level 4, electronic locks level 4, Impression and duplication level 4, covert entry part 2 level 4, lock, forgotten skills part 2 level 4. Plus much more!
Length of Course: This course can take up to 31 weeks and by the time you complete this section you will have been studying as a locksmith for 1 year but it depends on your background. Some complete this course sooner and some could take much longer depending on how quick you take to learning tension and manual picking skills. This level 4 is more of an advanced achievement award but you do not require this to start trading. at 21 weeks of training you will undertake the business management training award and course for 15 weeks which will take care of all of the legal training aspects.
Who will teach the course?: You will undertake this with a one to one online LTTA certified instructor via video calling and via pre recorded video format along with downloading the required manuals. Once you have studied the full level 4 and had plenty of practice in your home lock lab you will undertake the level 4 exam and test in person, face to face once you have completed this section. The test is done hands on and face to face and can take half a day with a LTTA instructor.
What you will require: Access to a computer with internet access. You will also require a home lock lab training kit which will be sent out by the locksmith training provider. You may require some additional items such as DIY materials and DIY tools. You will require a level 4 locksmith tool kit which will be provided as part of the course package.
GMLUK Level 4 award is only available to locksmiths that have all previous awards and training. This award is the award that allows you to go onto the Master Locksmith Excellence 10 year award which is advanced every 3 years of the locksmith trading.
Guild of Master Locksmiths UK
Business Development Training Award
The Guild of Master Locksmiths UK Business Development Training Award (BDTA) comprises of multiple awards which you will undertake on the BDTA program.
About the award: This is a locksmith business operations, business management, health and safety, consumer law, data protection based courses that a locksmith will undertake to learn how to operate a locksmiths business in the UK. It includes the full training package for the S.C.A.UK Safe Contractor Approved Award which will see you pass a series of security checks such as DBS check plus much more. You will have full public liability and business insurance along with a registered business at companies house before you can pass this award. You will learn how to operate a business in the UK. This deals with everything from legal to bookkeeping, stock control to setting up security restricted accounts to buy stock and tools. It also includes training on marketing to operating a website to learning about search engines and making sure your business can be found by the public plus much more.
You will study: How locksmith businesses develop strategies, handle risk and take decisions? What’s involved in functions such as marketing, accounting and finance? This innovative training is firmly rooted in experience. You’ll investigate how locksmith organisations think and work, how they’re managed, and the external world in which they operate. This includes learning about the ethical and legal responsibilities that locksmith businesses have in the UK today.
Length of Course: This course is a 15 week course delivered through e-learning and distant learning programs with courses in each subject. For example, consumer law, where a locksmith will learn about consumer law and contracts in the UK and have to sit an online test to pass. Each section is about educating the new locksmith in business regulations and operational laws in the UK along with training them how to operate a successful locksmith based business and to avoid the pitfalls and financial losses for both the consumer and the locksmiths business. The course takes around 15 weeks to complete but can take longer.
Who will teach the course?: You will undertake this with a one to one online with a locksmith Business Training Manager (LBMTC) Certified trainer. The LBTMC trainer will have operated a successful locksmith business in the UK for a minimum of 10 years and are able to deliver the required training through other training credentials such as degrees, diplomas and other training body awards but no diploma is better than real world experience and that is why the instructors who train you have all ran or still run highly successful locksmith businesses generating a minimum income of £70.000 or above as a sole trading business.
What you will require: Access to a computer with internet access. Headset if required. You will install any of the required software to help manage your business.
Why you need to undertake this course?: We have proven that each locksmith that undertakes and completes this course goes on to a achieve there financial goals and establish a trusted long term business that has a re-sale value. It stops the locksmith from making financial mistakes and running the business into the ground along with establishing clear growth within the business plan. Because of the this training, the locksmith has no choice but to acquire the relevant insurances and security clearance. This helps protect the locksmith and the new business along with the general public. Because the locksmith understands marketing it helps prevent false advertising. Because of the business development the locksmith can earn a good weekly wage which prevents the locksmith from becoming a rouge trader. We see rouge locksmith created when a locksmith has the training and skills of a locksmith but no business training. They can't generate a reasonable income so result to using high prices, call out fees, hidden charges.
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Locksmith Trade Skills Award Level 2
We have worked to create a level 2 award for trades people in the UK known as the LTSA2 this stands for Locksmith Trade Skills Award Level 2 and encompasses a foundation award, a level 1 and level 2 award so it is actually 3 awards for trades people who already have a background in using tools, such as joiners etc.
Because these are already employed under a company they will have met the basic criteria to be trained such as DBS certification for security clarence. This means that they can undertake the LTSA2.
The LTSA2 Award by the GMLUK is an award which can be earned by undertaking a locksmith training via your employer inline with a LTTA certified locksmith instructor. LTTA certified locksmith instructor will deliver a set course meeting our strict criteria for locksmith training.
Each student must demonstrating a high skill level during the course and pass the final hands on examination to receive the award which is different to a locksmiths level 2. A GMLUK level 2 award would take around 2 month to acquire. This award takes 2 days but you must be trained in 12 modules and then pass the times tests at the end of the training.
In some cases, depending on the trades persons previous training they may be required to study the foundation level award on a distant learning program which is an online training program with a one to one instructor taught over video format. You will then undertake a foundation level 1 exam and must receive a 98% pass rate to be able to undertake the Trades Skills Level 2 Award. Known as the LTSA2.
This can only be delivered by undertaking a course under a GMLUK registered LTTA certified training provider.. For more information on this please contact us and we can advise you on the best accredited trainer for your requirements.
Contact
If you require a copy of any award you have undertaken then please contact us. We will need your full name, date you undertook the award, certificate number, date of birth and address. If it is a LTSA2 award you will need to go through your employer who will be able to contact us for a copy of the award. All awards are subject to a £15 admin fee if you require a printed copy or an email version is free of charge!