Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

The Work

Locksmiths supply, fit, service and repair a wide range of locks. They also give people advice on ways to improve the security of their homes or business premises. Locksmiths are highly skilled; their work involves everything from basic key cutting to emergency opening procedures and the installation of sophisticated security systems.  
 
Many locksmiths work from a shop and offer a call-out service to do a wide variety of different tasks. Others are mobile and offer a 24-hour emergency service. They deal with emergency access problems, for example, when someone has lost their keys, locked themselves out of their house or had a lock damaged during an attempted break-in. They may also do this at the request of the police, local authorities and housing associations. Call-outs can involve travelling in the local area at any time of the day or night to gain access to a vehicle or building. Locksmiths often work outdoors, sometimes in bad weather.  
 
When fitting a new lock or replacing a faulty one, locksmiths first talk to the owner or builder of the property to discuss their requirements. Locksmiths often give advice on security and fire safety issues, using their expert knowledge to recommend the most appropriate security systems for the customer. Some customers (for example, businesses and large organisations) have sophisticated requirements, for example, electronic locks, master key systems and closed circuit televisions. Larger projects of this kind may involve locksmiths in co-operation with building companies and security guard firms.  
 
After talking to the owner or builder of the property, the locksmith advises which type of lock assembly is most suitable. The locksmith measures and marks the exact position of the new lock, and then uses tools to cut or chisel holes that fit the lock exactly. Using screws, the locksmith secures the mechanisms. They make sure mechanisms work properly, making minor adjustments if necessary.  
 
Locksmiths who work in retail outlets give advice and sell security products to the general public. This may include selling padlocks and safes, and producing duplicate keys either by hand or using key cutting machinery. Some locksmiths work for specialist firms, advising property owners on security issues.  
 
Locksmiths may become involved in auto-locksmithing (fitting locks in cars), for example, hel

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Cut new or duplicate keys, using key cutting machines.
• Disassemble mechanical or electrical locking devices, and repair or replace worn tumblers, springs, and other parts, using hand tools.
• Cut new or duplicate keys, using impressions or code key machines.
• Open safe locks by drilling.
• Install door hardware, such as locks and closers.
• Insert new or repaired tumblers into locks to change combinations.
• Set up and maintain master key systems.
• Keep records of company locks and keys.
• Move picklocks in cylinders to open door locks without keys.
• Repair and adjust safes, vault doors, and vault components, using hand tools, lathes, drill presses, and welding and acetylene cutting apparatus.

Further Information

• Locksmith - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Many employers provide their own training that is carried out by senior qualified locksmiths. In some cases training may take up to five years.  
 
Practical craft and engineering skills will give you an advantage in entering this work. Many people develop towards LockSmith career from other trades involving skills in Tool use. 

Licensing of Locksmiths Contractors

Legislation dictates that all security employees including locksmiths now have to be licensed by the Private Security Authority (PSA). Vetting may form part of application for this career. 

PSA licensed locksmiths are professionally trained in the installation and servicing of locks. Licence holder must:

• Comply with Industry Standards
• Obtain Approved Training qualifications in line wih PSA Guidelines 

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €27k - €44k

Salaries vary by Employer, location, duries & role, skills & qualifications, and experience
  

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Payscale/ LGMA

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual average employment growth rate was below average for this occupation, although there was an increase of over 2,000 persons employed between 2021 and 2022. As the Census data indicates, there are a large number of roles within this group, with many employing fewer than 1,000 persons. Between 2016 and 2022, employment levels fell for many of these roles.

Despite the decline in employment evident in the Census data, the Skills for Growth data indicates issues with recruitment of upholsterers for both the industry and retail (repair) sectors; upholsterers also appeared in the DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy data (albeit in small numbers), along with spray painters (included in the other skilled trades n.e.c. category). Although demand for many of these trades have declined in recent years, an increased focus on the circular economy may see increased demand, or at least slow the decline for roles such as upholsterers and tailors.

• Associated Locksmiths of Ireland (ALOI)

  • Associated Locksmiths Of Ireland, Unit 2J Ard Gaoithe Business Park, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
  • Click Here

• Private Security Authority

  • Davis Street, Tipperary Town
  • 062 32600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA)

  • Security Centre, Unit 1A, IDA Industrial Estate, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 484 7206
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Locksmith Organisation

  • Click Here