In person · 1 day · For complete beginners
1 Day Auto Locksmith Taster Course
Spend a hands-on day in our workshop and find out if the trade is for you, before you commit to full training.
- Duration
- 1 day, 10am–4pm
- Location
- Buntingford, Hertfordshire
- Group
- Max 8 people
- Experience
- None needed
- 100% hands-on: real tools on real cars
- Vehicle entry, lock picking and air bagging
- All tools and equipment provided
- Certificate of attendance
Questions first? Call 07521 504245, Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
What you’ll do
Your day, 10am to 4pm
A real taste of the trade: real tools, real cars, and a trainer beside you from the first job to the last.
- 10:00Arrival and introductionThe types of auto locksmith job, and the essential tools and equipment you’ll use all day.
- 10:30Demos: app data and spare keysFinding job data in the Alter Academy App, then spare key demos on a Ford Kuga and a Volkswagen.
- 12:30LunchOne hour. Lunch isn’t provided, so bring your own or pop to the local shops.
- 1:30Range Rover and picking basicsA spare key for a Range Rover, then how lock pick tools decode and pick locks.
- 2:30Your turn: Lock picking and air baggingYour first pick with the HU66 lock pick, and safe, non-destructive vehicle entry with air bagging.
- 4:00Wrap-upFinal questions, a summary of the day, and advice on your next steps in the trade.
Is this for you?
Built for beginners trying the trade
A good fit if you’re
- A beginner exploring auto locksmithing
- Thinking about a career change
- Wanting to try it before booking the 5 day course
Go straight to the 5 day course if you want
- To be job-ready: one day won’t get you there
- Key programming, beyond the demos on the day
Inside the workshop
See what a day in the workshop looks like
Lock picking on the bench and on a car door, in the Buntingford workshop where your taster day runs. The full film walks through the 5 day course.
Enjoyed it? Keep going
From taster day to your first jobs
- 01 · This page 1 Day Taster Try vehicle entry, lock picking and air bagging on real cars.
- 02 · £2,500 + VAT 5 Day Auto Locksmith Course Five days hands-on: entry, key cutting, transponders and key programming on 9 live vehicles.
- 03 · After the 5 day course 3 months’ support in the App Free access to the Alter Academy App to back you up on your first real jobs.
What do our students say?
Read what others have to say about their experience with us.
By day 5 I have the confidence
Just completed their 5 day crash course baring in mind on Monday I knew nothing… By day 5 I have the confidence to go out into the field and start my business. Tyler and Andy such great trainers honestly so friendly and respectful.
Callum Allsopp5 Day course
Only good things to say
Completed the 1 day course and only have good things to say. Both trainers are friendly, experienced and knowledgeable, they allow everyone to progress at their own speed. Actual cars to work on rather than just locks in a vice.
Jayden Butler1 Day course
Worth every penny!
I did a 2 day lockpicking and Programming course. Andy and Tyler were fantastic teachers, very knowledgeable… This has taken my business to another level. Highly recommended, worth every penny!
Stuart Tarrant2 Day course
Tyler and Andy are amazing!
Tyler and Andy are amazing! Very knowledgeable and understanding. Highly recommend Alter Academy, definitely will be back for some more training.
Alex ReesTraining with Alter Academy
Miles ahead of the rest
I’ve been signed up with Alter Academy’s online course for nearly a year now, and honestly I can’t fault any part of the process… genuinely a game changer for me. The support, knowledge, and effort they put in is miles ahead of the rest.
Craig PilleyOnline course
Well worth the money
Purchased the starter lock pick from Tyler and the gang. Great package and well worth the money. The online tutorials are brilliant and well informative. Great aftercare sales service.
NeilStarter lock pick
In their own words
Hear it from people we trained
Our students, in the workshop, on why they trained with Alter Academy. Tap one to play it with sound.
Questions
Taster day questions
Can’t see yours? Call 07521 504245 or email support@alteracademy.co.uk.
Do I need any experience?
No. The day is built for complete beginners who have never held a lock pick, and our trainers guide you step by step.
What happens during the day?
An introduction to the trade and its tools, app data and spare key demos in the morning, then your own hands-on lock picking and air bagging in the afternoon. See the timetable.
Where is the training?
At our training facility in Buntingford, Hertfordshire. We’ll send the full address and directions when you book. There’s free parking right outside.
What should I bring?
Just your lunch: it isn’t provided, but tea, coffee and water are free all day. All the tools, picks, equipment and training vehicles are provided. Wear comfortable, casual clothes and flat, closed-toe shoes, as the workshop can be dusty.
What if I want to carry on?
One day shows you what the trade involves, but it won’t make you job-ready. The next step is the 5 Day Auto Locksmith Course, followed by 3 months’ support in the Alter Academy App.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, a certificate of attendance to confirm you’ve completed the introduction to vehicle entry and lock picking.
1 Day Taster · Buntingford, Hertfordshire
Ready to try a day in the workshop?
No experience needed. Real cars, real tools, and a maximum of 8 people on the day.
£149
1 day, 10am–4pm · Call for the next taster date
Prefer to talk it through? Call 07521 504245, Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
£149 1 day · 10am–4pm
Book Your Place