Locksmith onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: ALOA certifications, State locksmith license (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: key machines; pick sets; pinning kits; key programmers
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Locksmith training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Verify ownership
Protect key records
Drill safely
Drive safely at night
Shadow an experienced locksmith through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: rekey a pin tumbler lock
Supervised practice: verify ownership before a lockout
Supervised practice: design a simple master key system
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Install locks: independently
Rekey locks: independently
Cut keys: independently
Open lockouts: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, ALOA certifications)
Discuss the career path: Apprentice → Locksmith → Master Locksmith
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Rekey a Pin Tumbler Lock
Verify Ownership Before a Lockout
Design a Simple Master Key System
Lock installation
Rekeying
Key cutting
Lockout opening

How to measure onboarding success

Weeks until the new hire works without close supervision
Recordable incidents and near-misses in the first 90 days
Rework caused by new-hire errors
Apprentice retention through year one

How Locksmith training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Locksmith Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Locksmith Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Locksmith Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Locksmith Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)