Locksmithing is a popular career choice for former military personnel, as many of the skills gained in the military – such as attention to detail, problem-solving, and mechanical aptitude – translate well into this field.
The MLA, the UK’s largest trade association for locksmiths, supports over 1,000 professionals and is a leading provider of locksmith training. Our Level 4 Certificate in General Locksmithing Skills is Ofqual-regulated and certified by ABBE (Awarding Body of the Built Environment).
The MLA are proud to be an official Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Services (ELCAS) Approved Learning Provider, offering a locksmith qualification and membership package to military service personnel transitioning out of service.
Eligible participants in our ELCAS course will receive training and MLA membership to kickstart their locksmithing career.
The program includes a 5-Day Beginners Course, Level 2 Opening, Exam Preparation Day, and additional course notes for the MLA Modular Exam.
We recommend practicing the skills learned before the exam, and our ELCAS course offers 2 years of MLA Personal (Registered) Membership with access to support tools to aid in this process.
Upon passing MLA Exam you’ll be awarded an Ofqual regulated and ABBE certified Level 4 Certificate in General Locksmithing Skills.
For more information visit www.enhancedlearningcredits.com – our ELCAS provider number is 13463. Alternatively click here to find the information on the MLA website.
We’ll be at the BFRS National Careers Fair at Catterick on Thursday 28th November 2024, please come and have a chat.
Paul’s Journey from Military Service to Master Locksmith
Paul Montgomery | Sir Fix-a-Lock
Paul has been a member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) since 2016. His company, Sir Fix-a-Lock, is an MLA Approved Company in Devon, listed on the MLA website’s “find a locksmith” section.
Paul transitioned from a 25-year military career, where he served as a Communications Specialist and instructor in various skills. He served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Northern Ireland.
In March 2011, he began his locksmithing career with Sir Fix-a-Lock. Planning for his resettlement early, Paul chose locksmithing after a friend’s suggestion. He completed a locksmith course funded through ELCAS and started practicing in his spare time, building a client base before his military service ended.
In May 2024, Sir Fix-a-Lock was recognised for its excellent in Sustainable Development receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise.
Click here to find out more about Paul and his journey into locksmithing as well as his advice to ex-forces planning their resettlement.
Dave Rickett
“I left the RAF after 22 years in 2024. I had been trading part-time as a Locksmith for the 4 previous years so didn’t really need the income. Now that I am a Veteran, I’ve taken my small locksmithing business full time self-employed.
“To that end, I wanted to do some upskilling training while being part of a recognised organisation. Unfortunately, when I left the RAF, the MLA was not ELCAS registered so I used my resettlement funds for courses: 5-day Beginners Course, Level 2 Opening, Advanced Curtain Picking.
“The MLA is now ELCAS registered. With this you get a good range of courses that set you up for the Exam Preparation Day, then you are ready for the exam to become a Qualified Master Locksmith.
“Why choose Locksmithing? It’s not for everyone but I’ve spent 22 years being ‘managed’ it’s now time to have the freedom to work and play when I want with no restrictions.”