A practical, hands-on training course focused on real-world vehicle key programming. Over two days, you’ll work directly on live vehicles and learn how to complete both spare key and lost key jobs from start to finish.
The course covers:
- VW Polo (spare key)
- VW Golf (lost key, spare keys)
- Land Rover programming (lost key, spare keys)
- Mercedes key & lock work (spare key)
- BMW (lost key, spare keys)
You’ll be trained using industry-standard tools including:
- Key Tool Plus
- Smart Pro
- Key Tool Max Pro
This course is designed to give you the confidence to take on real jobs, understand common issues, and use the tools properly — not just follow steps.
Ideal for beginners or those looking to sharpen their skills and move into higher-value auto locksmith work.
Thinking about becoming an auto locksmith, but not ready to commit to full training yet?
Our 1-day Auto Locksmith Taster Day gives you a hands-on introduction to the trade before you invest in a full course.
You’ll see how real auto locksmith jobs are carried out, what tools are used, and how the Alter Academy app helps you find the right vehicle information, training videos and job data.
You won’t be expected to remember everything in one day. The goal is to show you how the trade works and how to use the app to learn faster.
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal if you:
- Are considering becoming an auto locksmith
- Want to see how the trade works before committing
- Prefer hands-on learning
- Have no previous experience
- Want to understand the tools, costs and opportunities
- Want to know if auto locksmithing is right for you
No tools or experience required.
What You’ll Learn
- What auto locksmithing is
- The main types of jobs: lost keys, spare keys and vehicle entry
- How to find vehicle information using the Alter Academy app
- How to navigate course content inside the app
- What tools and equipment are used to get started
- How key programming, cutting and vehicle entry jobs work
- How Lishi picking and airbagging are used
- Basic lead generation, websites, SEO and branding
Live Demonstrations
During the day, you will see real demonstrations covering:
- Lost key jobs
- Spare key jobs
- Vehicle entry
- Key cutting
- Key programming
- Remote preparation
- App-led vehicle information lookup
Hands-On Session
Towards the end of the day, you’ll get hands-on with Lishi picking so you can physically try one of the core skills used in vehicle entry and lost key work.
What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of the day, you will:
- Understand what auto locksmithing involves
- Know the main types of jobs in the trade
- Have seen real tools and equipment in use
- Understand how the Alter Academy app supports learning
- Have tried Lishi picking yourself
- Know the next steps if you want to continue
- Have a clearer idea of whether this trade is right for you
What’s Included
- 1 full day of training
- Live vehicle demonstrations
- Hands-on Lishi picking
- Use of professional tools on the day
- Instructor support throughout
- Guidance on tools, training and next steps
- Redeemable credit towards future training
Progression Path
This taster day is the first step into our full auto locksmith training pathway.
If you decide the trade is right for you, you can progress onto our vehicle entry, key cutting, programming or full 5-day auto locksmith courses.