Associations
The Institute of Certified Locksmiths
The Institute of certified locksmiths {was|was basically} started by a group of locksmiths in order to provide an organisation which wasn't driven or motivated by profits instead the focus is on the
quality and craftmenship of the locksmiths work. in order to find out more click on the folowing links:
Objectives
Principles
History
Constitution
The Auto Locksmith Association
The Auto Locksmiths Association (ALA) was originally formed as a non profit making association in 1996
All Applicants must have been trading as an auto locksmith for a minimum of at least 2 years and also pass the ALA entrance exam and provide a number of references.
Meetings of the ALA are held 2 times per year and are an opportunity for members and their invited guests to obtain additional training and to share locksmith related information and keep up to date with current techniques.
Further information can be found on their website www.autolocksmiths.net
National Network of Approved Locksmiths
The NNAL was formed back in 2003 the national network of approved Locksmiths (NNAL) main aim is to provide to the public and also private sectors with peace of mind when using any particular locksmith or security company to resolve
their security requirements or issues.
All the of members of the national network of approved Locksmiths (NNAL) have been fully trained and vetted by the NNAL and should carry their photo ID card which will contain an recent photograph of the locksmith
for identification and will match the image of the locksmith held on the NNAL website.
Further information about the NNAL network cvisit the website here www.nnal.co.uk
UK Locksmiths Association
The UK Locksmiths Association primarily run locksmith training courses for individuals who would like to become locksmiths in their own right. In addition to training new locksmiths the UK Locksmiths Association offer refresher courses for the more experienced Locksmiths.
Further information about training courses can be found on their website www.uklocksmithsassociation.co.uk
General locksmith business information
When it comes to associations it can be a godsend or a waste of money, In modern times we have see the rise of so called trade organisations who's main aim is to get as many members paying them as possible and offer little more than a logo and an id card. Today's self employed or small business locksmith needs to be aware of this and ask the questions: What is joining and paying this organisation going to do for me or my business?
As with any business decision which involves spending company money locksmiths need to ask What are the benefits of joining this association?
Many recent locksmith associations and other industry organisations for that matter create a convoluted set of requirement, hoops if you like for the locksmith to jump through in order to legitimise the organisation, and detract from the simple fact that the association may not be providing much in the way of benefits for the member.
The best advise is to ask, talk to other locksmiths and find the best locksmith associations they feel give their business benefits. Locksmiths can also research on the internet and find pages like this one offering advice or join forums and discussions on the subject of locksmith associations.
