WWW.ALOA.ORG APRIL 2023 KEYNOTES 59 or knowing.” Education can mitigate that negative in a good way. We never know where our future paths will take us on our life’s journey. Maybe you will get an abundance of safe work at some point. Perhaps your institutional job may change locations to where there are safes to be serviced, and they need you. Or your institution could acquire safes at some future time. There you are. The takeaway message is that it’s prudent to be well-versed and knowledgeable on many aspects of locksmithing rather than being limited. Education can offer that. But you may be asking yourself, “Why should I spend eight hours in a class that could be expensive?” The reasons may surprise you. The Best Around ALOA offers the finest live classes in locksmith training, bar none. The in- structors are highly qualified industry experts from across the country — and even internationally. ALOA is proud to have some of the best content experts available. Taking quality classes will not only offer you breadth and depth within a specific area of locksmithing, but it will add to your “appreciation” of that area. I would also be remiss not to point out that appreciation doesn’t have to imply that you will like everything being ex- pressed. But it does support a general understanding of a body of knowledge and its related skills. The Benefits of Taking Classes Higher Income. Specialized classes pro- vide specialized knowledge and skills that support acquiring more and varied types of work. To that end, live classes expose you to the latest products and techniques, which can lead to an increased custom- er base, and eventually, higher income (more profit). Licensing/Continuing Education Requirements. Some states require locksmiths to take ConEd/CEUs (Con- tinuing Education/CE Units) in the form of approved classes to maintain their state license. Why not do it in style in the most accurate, intense and com- prehensive way through a sanctioned ALOA class? Test Taking Advantages. For those who are on the pathway to certification, ALOA classes are designed to dovetail with the ALOA PRP (Proficiency Regis- tration Program), allowing locksmiths to gain certifications that demonstrate knowledge and skills at varying levels (e.g., CRL, CPL, CML, etc.). Some em- ployers require this type of certification advancement during their employment. At the very least, it will set you apart from those who have not done so. Networking. One of the best ways to network with fellow locksmiths is by tak- ing an eight-hour class. Friendships are quickly developed, mentors are found, and referrals are only a fingertip away. Just bouncing ideas off other locksmiths can save you tons of time and money. Get connected! Increasing Qualifications. Your cus- tomers and employers will be more con- fident when you increase your expertise level. Classes can assist in garnering new designations, adding experience and achieving an augmented knowledge/skill base, all of which play into a higher level of professionalism. And why wouldn’t you want that? Hands-On/Live Instruction. The true excitement of a live class coupled with im- mediate feedback within a high-quality class is a fundamental asset of live ALOA instruction. Instructor follow-up after the class (and weeks later) is easy and help- ful when needed. Also, ALOA members receive a discount when taking classes as a member benefit. So, you invest some money up front, but it can quickly be off- set in savings received in return. Enjoyment and Personal Growth. We certainly cannot forget the plain enjoy- ment of experiencing a room filled with other like-minded locksmiths, all thirst- ing for information. A class can be chal- lenging, as it may push your comfort zone a bit, but a rewarding experience is what you will get. That all being said, why not enroll in a Safe Appreciation class to add a new skill? Take an Interchangeable Core Apprecia- tion class to increase your profits. Or sign up for an Automotive Appreciation class just for the fun of the ride. Regardless, the love of learning is always a great reason by itself. So, go ahead and just do it. I’m sure you’ll appreciate it. William M. Lynk, CML, CPS, ICML, CMIL, CAI, M.Ed., has been a locksmith since 1975 and is the owner of www.ICLSglobal.com. Bill is an IC specialist, an indus- try author, the subject matter expert on IC for ALOA, and an ALOA ACE instructor, teaching classes on interchangeable cores and master keying across the country. He has originated SFIC Technical Manuals for both national and international lock manufacturers, and main- tains a working relationship with the major lock and security manufacturers throughout the world. In 2013, he was named Keynotes Author of the Year. “ALOA offers the finest live classes in locksmith training, bar none.”
