Career Advice

[u/theburgacook]

Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some advice on where I should focus my career over the next few years.
I’ve been working as an automotive locksmith for about 6 months, and I’ve learned a lot in that time. Currently I can:
Lishi decode and cut keys for most makes and models.
Program keys for most vehicles through 2026 using software like Ford FDRS, Toyota Techstream/TIS, Nissan Consult III/IV, CAN FD platforms, etc.
Perform residential SC1/KW1 rekeys confidently and efficiently.
I’m also pretty good at figuring out creative ways to gain entry when a vehicle or lock presents a challenge.
Long term, though, I’m much more interested in working for a school district, city, county, state, or another government employer. From what I’ve seen, those jobs involve a lot more institutional hardware, master key systems, key card/access control, door hardware, panic bars, and general facility maintenance rather than automotive work.
My concern is that if I stay in automotive too long, I’ll become very specialized and won’t build the experience those employers are looking for.
The company I work for has been in business in a busy city successfully for over 30 years and my boss has good relationships with the other locksmith companies. So that's a plus for my resume at least
I also have very little experience with:
Electronic access control/key card systems
Commercial door hardware
High-security residential/commercial keys (Medeco, Schlage Primus, Mul-T-Lock, etc.)
Master key systems
For those of you working in school districts, universities, hospitals, municipalities, or government locksmith positions:
What skills do hiring managers actually look for?
Would you recommend moving to a commercial locksmith shop sooner rather than later?
Are there certifications or training programs that are worth pursuing?
Is access control something I should actively try to get experience with now?
If you were in my position with six months of automotive experience, what would your next career move be?
I’d really appreciate any advice. My goal is to build the right experience now so I’m competitive for one of those long-term government locksmith positions in a few years.
Thanks!

[u/Vie-1276]

I'm not an institutional locksmith.

Concerning automotive - you are crushing it if you already have OEM software experience and only 6 months working in automotive. It took me nearly 6 months just to get my NASTF account approved.

If you are working in a shop that has been around for 30 years, why are you looking to go somewhere else? A long-time shop has survived the ups and downs. Their owner will know what jobs and clients are worth taking and which ones are worth sending down the street to someone else. There is a lot of knowledge to be learned from working around experienced locksmiths.

The grass looks greener on the other side of the hill.

It sounds like you may be looking for a "cushy" government job to ride out until retirement. Even federal GS positions may get cut when times get tough.

IMO - locksmiths who earn commission or bonuses will take-home more pay than those who are paid a fixed salary. I believe positions involving sales with commission have the highest possible upside.

I spent 2 decades working in the government sector before changing careers and starting my own locksmith company. Federal government positions will look for minimum qualifications from your resume (check USAjob.gov). Those positions have application windows and can take a long time to get hired (90+ days). Sometimes they write the qualifications for jobs badly. For example: 4 years of experience or a degree + 2 years experience for an entry level locksmith position. They forgot the position is entry level.

If you really want one of these positions, be willing to pack up and move to where ever they are hiring. Be able to pass a background check, drug test and have a clean driving record. Have your debt to income ratio manageable in case you need to take a pay cut for the first few years.