The largest locksmith trade association in Britain, the MLA, have stated that it is to fund nationally recognised qualifications in a bid to commit to the long term development of the profession and its individuals working within the industry.
The Master Locksmiths Association will be working alongside the skills body, Skills for Security to promote the development of talented apprenticeships and thus award qualifications which are recognised nationally as standard. The two bodies have been working for 12 months on National Occupational Standards for the industry, which are to be submitted to the regulator at the end of March 2011.
In addition to participating to develop the nationally recognised qualification, the MLA is to financially support development of the programme thanks to monies expected to be raised by the MLAs Expo 2011 exhibition due to be held in Telfords International Centre in September.
A consultation meeting is to be held for all locksmiths who are interested in participating with their views on qualifications and apprenticeships. This is to be held on May 6th 2011 at Skills for Security in Worcester, whereupon a working group will be created.
The development director of the MLA, Dr Stefan George said:
The MLA has been campaigning for a nationally recognised locksmith qualification and an apprenticeship scheme for years.
He also went on to comment on how passionate the MLA are about achieving the right status in the locksmith industry in order to help them reach and maintain the right brand awareness in the industry.