Locksmithing

Nationally recognised training for the technicians who install and maintain the milking, water, and effluent systems New Zealand's dairy industry depends on.

Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications — tailored to your business's specific needs.

5,672
Apprentices trained
Level 4
National qualification

The locksmithing programme provides a nationally recognised qualification that combines practical workplace training with technical knowledge. It equips people with the skills to specify, install, service, repair, and commission a wide range of locking systems. Training covers mechanical and electronic hardware, safes, automotive security, access control, and forensic locksmithing, ensuring locksmiths can provide reliable security solutions across homes, businesses, and specialised environments.

Benefits of these programmes

•  Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
•  A blend of practical training and technical knowledge
•  Flexible structure combining workplace learning, eLearning, and block courses
•  Coverage of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility
•  Build skills in key production, lock installation, servicing, diagnostics, and bypass techniques
•  Knowledge of safes, automotive systems, access control, and forensic locksmithing
•  Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.

How we work with you

We partner with members of your industry to help recruit and build talented employees. This support includes promoting careers in your industry, identifying potential learners, and encouraging work placements.

We also ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs, support industry events like conferences, and regularly celebrate your learners’ success.

When apprentices enrol, we assign them a Competenz account manager. Our account managers understand the industry and the skills learners and businesses need to gain.

Employers Hub

Sign up a new apprentice

Use this form to register with Competenz. We’ll get you started and ensure everything is set up smoothly.

Get started →
Onboarding guides

Get a clear picture of how apprenticeships work and the part everyone plays — your responsibilities, the importance of a workplace mentor, and how to help your apprentice succeed.

Onboarding guides →
See your business impact

View the approximate cost of an apprenticeship and how the benefits build as your apprentice develops. The lasting value of investing in your workforce.

ROI Calculator →

The dairy industry faces a persistent shortage of skilled technicians. Training your own people is the most reliable way to build capability that actually stays.

Competenz Training Advisor — Dairy Systems, Waikato region

You run the operation. We handle the training architecture.

What do they do?

Locksmiths provide security for homes, businesses and other assets. Locksmiths secure premises and provide security advice as well as open jammed or broken locks, make replacement keys, unlock vehicles, buildings or safes and help law enforcement agencies with evictions, repossessions, search warrants and forensic investigations.

A typical day

Sometimes an eight-hour day; sometimes on shift work rosters or on call.

Work can include discussing clients' security needs through to replacing lost keys or cracking a safe. Typically, you travel to the client's location so you're often on the move. Your clients could be private owners or law enforcement agencies depending on the company.

You may also be involved in providing security advice, for example, alarm systems.

Sounds like you?

If you’re practical, curious about how things work, and comfortable in both workshops and outdoors — this is worth reading.

Study areas that help

  • English or Media or History
  • Maths or Accounting or Economics
  • Sciences or Workshop Technologies
  • Computing/ICT/Information Management.

Helpful experience

  • Customer service or helping people
  • Making or fixing things.

Work environments

  • Inside (retail or shop)
  • Lots of different places every day.

Good to have

Problem-solving mindset

  • Strong eye for detail
  • Confidence with IT, computers, technology
  • Good work habits/time management
  • Good at problem solving/creative.

Career pathway

The apprenticeship is the foundation — not the ceiling.

School

Getting ready

These can be useful from school:

Ideally NCEA Level 2 in:

  • Maths
  • Science (physics)
  • Technology (metal work)
  • English.

Entry level

Apprenticeship

  • Locksmith

Advancing

Higher learning

  • Specialist Locksmith
  • Team Leader
  • Supervisor.

Senior

Higher learning

  • Business Manager
  • Business Owner.

Common questions

How do I set up my account for Competenz Central?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

I’m an international student - can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Do I need a visa or work permit?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How old do I need to be?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How long is an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How much does an apprenticeship/traineeship cost?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

I have a job, what do I do next?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Do I need to be employed to be an apprentice/trainee?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

What experience do I need to do an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

What is an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can I be a trainee?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can I be an apprentice?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Who is Competenz?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Locksmithing

The locksmithing programme provides a nationally recognised qualification that combines practical workplace training with technical knowledge. It equips people with the skills to specify, install, service, repair, and commission a wide range of locking systems. Training covers mechanical and electronic hardware, safes, automotive security, access control, and forensic locksmithing, ensuring locksmiths can provide reliable security solutions across homes, businesses, and specialised environments.

Benefits of these programmes

•  Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
•  A blend of practical training and technical knowledge
•  Flexible structure combining workplace learning, eLearning, and block courses
•  Coverage of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility
•  Build skills in key production, lock installation, servicing, diagnostics, and bypass techniques
•  Knowledge of safes, automotive systems, access control, and forensic locksmithing
•  Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.

Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications – tailored to your businesses specific needs.

How we work with you

We partner with industry associations like the Master Locksmiths Association and members of your industry to help recruit and build talented employees. This support includes promoting careers in your industry, identifying potential apprentices, and encouraging work placements.

We also ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs, support industry events like conferences and graduations and regularly celebrate your learners’ success.

When apprentices enrol, we assign them a Competenz training advisor. Our training advisors understand the industry and the skills learners and businesses need to gain.

Employers Hub

Sign up a new apprentice
Use this form to register with Competenz. We'll use this form to get you started and ensure everything is set up smoothly.
Onboarding guides
Get a clear picture of how apprenticeships work and the part everyone plays. These guides explain your responsibilities, the importance of a workplace mentor, and how you can help your apprentice succeed.
See your business impact
Use this calculator to view the approximate cost of an apprenticeship and how the benefits build as your apprentice develops. It’s designed to show the lasting value of investing in your workforce.

Ready to get started?

What do they do?

Locksmiths provide security for homes, businesses and other assets. Locksmiths secure premises and provide security advice as well as open jammed or broken locks, make replacement keys, unlock vehicles, buildings or safes and help law enforcement agencies with evictions, repossessions, search warrants and forensic investigations.

A typical day

Sometimes an eight-hour day; sometimes on shift work rosters or on call.

Work can include discussing clients' security needs through to replacing lost keys or cracking a safe. Typically, you travel to the client's location so you're often on the move. Your clients could be private owners or law enforcement agencies depending on the company.

You may also be involved in providing security advice, for example, alarm systems.

Sounds like you?

Study areas
  • English or Media or History
  • Maths or Accounting or Economics
  • Sciences or Workshop Technologies
  • Computing/ICT/Information Management.
Attributes
  • Strong eye for detail
  • Confidence with IT, computers, technology
  • Good work habits/time management
  • Good at problem solving/creative.
Helpful experience
  • Customer service or helping people
  • Making or fixing things.
Preferred work environments
  • Inside (retail or shop)
  • Lots of different places every day.

Pathway

School

These can be useful from school:

Ideally NCEA Level 2 in:

  • Maths
  • Science (physics)
  • Technology (metal work)
  • English.
Entry level jobs

Apprenticeship

  • Locksmith
Advancing jobs

Higher learning

  • Specialist Locksmith
  • Team Leader
  • Supervisor.
Senior jobs

Higher learning

  • Business Manager
  • Business Owner.

FAQs

Related FAQs

Ready to get Started?