Locksmith Occupation: Past and Present

If you have forgotten the keys inside the car or the home, then you will suddenly find the locksmith to become very important. These and many other situations, of normalcy and emergency, do require the locksmiths to be called to gain access through the problematic locks.  Since centuries, this occupation is concerned with the making of the locking systems. The practitioners of this art and science were required to maintain high confidentiality and secrecy in their works. They were required to not let the knowledge of their art to be given to others or even discuss the same with some other person. The occupational secrets flowed down from the lineage and the outsiders were not welcomed in this.

The essence of the principles, rules and regulations that were there for the locksmiths in the past are still being carried forward. In fact, these have been strengthened. The rules have become quite explicit and elaborate. The practitioners are still required to adhere by these. The modern day lock menders have to bear or carry a valid license, for them to operate in this field. This single piece of paper is a proof of their authenticity and their ability to provide their expert service in a total confidential manner. The license, therefore, assumes a lot of importance. It is, in a way, the assurance from a reputed authority (the license maker, which can be the government as well) that the person providing the services is fully capable, in all respects, to provide the locksmith services.

The confidentiality aspects, too, are very cared for. The elaborate rules and regulations are required to be followed during the course of training and even after the same. If there are verifiable and proven complaints against locksmiths, then their licenses can be revoked and in case of any delinquency, suitable action can be taken as per the law.

The revocation of the licenses can only make a locksmith unable to carry on the work with others. But, this still does not prevent him or her from using his skills in the wrong way. The fear of the law can be one of the deterrents from doing any misadventure but it is more important to be very selective in training the people. The present training institutes carry relaxed eligibility criteria since the people can take to this profession as a career, to earn their livelihood.

In this one and very important respect that the occupation can be taken up by anyone, there is a break away from the tradition. In the earlier times, the entry to this trade was quite restricted, confined only to the members of the family and lineage. But, the modern times have not been that restrictive. This could also be due to the higher demand of these professionals of this field in the present day world, the increase in the sale of security instruments and many other factors which have led to the emergence of many practitioners of this trade.