In the past, people wouldn’t give much thought to calling a locksmith unless there was an absolute emergency, but that’s all changed in the last decade. The public’s awareness of the necessity for professionally qualified locksmiths to safeguard the security of their property increases as news and videos of house invasions and auto thefts see an increase in hits and views on the internet.
It used to be legal in several U.S. states, like Florida, to provide locksmithing services without a license. This, as could be imagined, resulted in countless incidents of fraud carried out by con artists and crooks disguising themselves as locksmiths. This is why licensed locksmiths are greatly valued in this state, and with over 20% of the population speaking Spanish, it wouldn’t hurt for a locksmith to also know a second language.
If you’re considering joining this field or are simply curious about the profession itself, here are some factors to take into consideration.
Is There Still A Demand for Locksmiths?
The world is quickly developing thanks to technology, and although this technology has made people aware of the risks associated with not taking precautions to keep their houses and automobiles secure, it is also the same technology that holds the answers to these issues. However, the mere fact that these solutions exist is insufficient if no one is available to install them and educate others on how to utilize them.
The locksmithing industry fills that need. The popularity of residential and commercial security systems has increased as a result of the need to protect our belongings, homes, and businesses. According to some polls, almost half of all homebuyers change at least one lock when they move in, and the majority of realtors actually advise replacing all the locks in a new property.
As more individuals want to improve home security, there will be a higher need for skilled locksmiths, particularly in areas like Florida, where the senior population (65 and over) makes up about 22% of the entire population. Everyone naturally wants to feel safe, particularly after retirement. This fundamental need for protection is what fuels the rise in demand for locksmith services, which may range from simple key copying to security devices like window locks and alarm systems.
The attempts to raise awareness have been substantially helped by home insurance providers. When homeowners add certain safety measures, they could be eligible for lower insurance premiums. We may also thank auto insurance companies for mandating the installation of several essential security features in automobiles.
Therefore, regardless of how trends influence other crafts, a skilled locksmith never actually runs out of employment.
What Skills Should a Locksmith Have?
A competent locksmith should be able to install, repair, and replace any lock if they expect to be able to say that they have the basic necessary skills. Locksmiths often work out of their own retail space or mobile service vehicle. They are prepared to offer their service on the go in order to provide their customers with assistance wherever they may be. The majority of locksmiths have a lot of training and experience. They must be well conversant with locks’ workings and techniques. A locksmith must also be knowledgeable about every kind of lock, including deadbolts, door locks, and garage door locks.
A locksmith must be able to communicate effectively with customers and provide the correct guidance. This is why being one of the few Spanish-speaking locksmiths in Florida is not just useful; it’s almost a necessity since over 20% of the population is Spanish-speaking, according to a 2019 census.
Typically, locksmiths work five to six hours a day, seven days a week. This comes out to around 40 hours each week, which could include some late and holiday hours. Due to the fact that locks often malfunction when they are least anticipated, clients may require emergency services at inconvenient times. The bulk of locksmiths are accessible 24/7 since they need to be prepared to handle any emergency requests from clients.
What Employment Opportunities Are There for A Locksmith?
Many people have the misconception that because of the internet, high-tech devices, and online DIY tutorials, all trade skills are vanishing. However, this is not the case with locksmithing. Untrained individuals might, of course, attempt to clumsily install their own home security systems, but as soon as such efforts fail due to inexperience or incorrect instructions, they understand the necessity for a knowledgeable expert, and every year, more and more individuals and companies need locksmiths.
This steady flow of work is essential to the locksmithing industry’s success; hence, it is necessary to hire new professionals every year.
In Summary
The three most important things to understand before becoming a locksmith in Florida are that you must first complete a course and get a license in order to provide these services. Additionally, there are many job prospects, so you should be able to find work. Last but not least, being able to speak Spanish will be a huge advantage.
