In person in Buntingford · online in the App
Choose the training that matches where you are now: from a one-day taster to five days hands-on, one-to-one time with Tyler, or the app in your pocket.
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Our main courseIn person · 5 days · Buntingford
From complete beginner to your first jobs: vehicle entry, key cutting, transponders and key programming, bench first and then on real cars.
£2,500 + VATor secure your place with a £500 + VAT deposit
See the 5 Day Course
In person · 1 day · Beginners
Try vehicle entry, lock picking and air bagging on real cars before you commit to full training.
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The facts that matter when you’re choosing. Anything we can’t confirm here, ask us on 07521 504245.
| Main course5 Day Auto Locksmith Course | 1 Day Taster Course | 3 Day 1-to-1 with Tyler | Online courses (the App) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days | 1 day, 10am–4pm | 3 days | Any time, on your phone |
| Format | In person, up to 6 per class, two trainers | In person, max 8 people | In person, just you and Tyler | Online, in the Alter Academy App |
| Best for | Beginners ready to start their own auto locksmith business | Trying the trade before you commit | Anyone who wants Tyler’s full attention | Working locksmiths, and back-up after a course |
| Experience needed | None | None | Ask us | None |
| Hands-on | Yes 100% hands-on | Yes lock picking and air bagging | Yes One-to-one at the bench | Video training |
| Real vehicles | Yes 9 live vehicles | Yes Real cars | Ask us | – |
| Support afterwards | 3 months’ free App access | Ask us | Ask us | Videos and community, while you’re a member |
| Price | £2,500 + VAT£500 + VAT deposit option | £149 | On request | Free plan to startPaid plans on the App page |
| Next step | Book 5 Day Course | Book Taster Day | Enquire | See the App |
Still deciding?
Start from where you are now.
I’m completely new
Try a day first with the 1 Day Taster, or go straight to the 5 Day Course. Neither needs any experience.
I know I want to become an auto locksmith
The 5 Day Course: five days hands-on on 9 live vehicles, then 3 months’ support in the App.
I want focused one-to-one training
The 3 Day 1-to-1 with Tyler: just you and Tyler at the bench, at your pace.
I need back-up on real jobs, or I want to learn online
The Alter Academy App: step-by-step videos, vehicle data and a community of working locksmiths.
Where you’ll train
Every in-person course runs in our Buntingford workshop, with the same tools and cars you’ll use on real jobs.
After the course
Included with the 5 Day course
When your five days are up, you get 3 months’ free access to the Alter Academy App to back you up on your first real jobs. The App is also open to anyone, on its own.
: vehicle specs, the video library and reg search. Plays a 4 minute 51 second video.Read what others have to say about their experience with us.
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
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
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! Very knowledgeable and understanding. Highly recommend Alter Academy, definitely will be back for some more training.
Alex ReesTraining with Alter Academy
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
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
Our students, in the workshop, on why they trained with Alter Academy. Tap one to play it with sound.
1 Day Taster · £149 · no experience needed
Spend a day in the workshop and find out, or give us a ring and we’ll help you pick.
If you’re new and not sure the trade is for you, start with the 1 Day Taster. If you already know you want to become an auto locksmith, the 5 Day Course is built for complete beginners. Not sure? Call us and we’ll help you pick.
No. The 5 Day Course and the 1 Day Taster are both designed for complete beginners, and we cover everything from the ground up. If you’ve already done some auto locksmith work on the 5 Day Course, you’ll be handed harder locks to pick.
The Taster is one day (10am–4pm) to try the trade: vehicle entry, lock picking and air bagging on real cars. It won’t make you job-ready. The 5 Day Course takes you from beginner to your first jobs: vehicle entry, key cutting, transponders and key programming on 9 live vehicles, followed by 3 months’ support in the Alter Academy App.
Yes. The in-person courses are hands-on, with no PowerPoint presentations: you practise on the bench, then on real vehicles. All the tools, cutting machines and programmers are provided.
At our training facility in Buntingford, Hertfordshire, not far from London and Stansted Airport. We’ll send the full address and directions when you book. The online courses run in the Alter Academy App, wherever you are.
After the 5 Day Course you get 3 months’ free access to the Alter Academy App, with step-by-step videos, vehicle-specific guides and live community support, plus advice on getting your first leads. Anyone can join the App on its own, starting with a free plan.
4 courses In person or online
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