While in high school, I read an article about skills shortages in Australia. I had always been interested in pursuing a trade, and when I saw locksmithing listed as an in-demand profession, it sparked my interest and motivated me to explore a career in the field.

I was fortunate to land a job at a small business with a rich history in locksmithing. I started out in the workshop as part of a close-knit team of about four people. It was a fun, supportive environment where we all got along well. I had the opportunity to work alongside experienced locksmiths whom I looked up to, and their guidance and passion for the trade inspired me to continue my journey in locksmithing.

Customer service is our mantra at MGB Locksmiths, and I believe it’s the key to success in this trade. Every day, we work with people who have families, responsibilities, and lives beyond the immediate issue we’re helping them with. It’s essential to keep that in mind.

As locksmiths, it’s our duty to ensure the safety and security of these people and their property. Any locksmith can be technically skilled, but it takes a truly great locksmith to combine those skills with empathy, integrity, and genuine care for the people we serve.

There are two main issues facing the locksmithing industry. The first is the growing problem of fake or unqualified locksmiths. The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) has recently launched a strong campaign to raise awareness in the media and educate the public about the dangers of using unlicensed and unskilled locksmith. This issue has been present throughout my time in the industry, so it’s fantastic to finally see real action being taken to protect both the profession and the community.

The other major issue is the rapid growth of electronic security, which will only continue to evolve over the next decade. As a predominantly old-school, mechanical locksmith, I’ve had to adapt by learning more about electronic systems and I continue to do so. Staying up to date with this technology is essential, not only for my own growth but to ensure our trade remains relevant and respected well into the future.

I like to think I represent what a locksmith should be. I take pride in my work, especially when it comes to customer satisfaction and receiving positive feedback from clients. I still keep in touch with some of the people I went through trade school with, and we share the same passion for keeping our trade alive and relevant.

So many traditional trades have faded over time, but I don’t want locksmithing to become one of them. About two years ago, I reconnected with a great mentor in the industry, and now we work together every day. His guidance continues to inspire me, and fuels my commitment to making sure our trade stays respected, both within our field and across other industries.