Career Mirror -- by Mark Sproxton

Thieves stole over $350,000 worth of computer equipment from a large Calgary company last night. Using crowbars and hammers, the low-tech robbers smashed through doors and windows before making off with the high-tech loot, police said. Included in the re-opening after such an incident comes the work of a locksmith.

A high security key cutting machine is but one of a locksmith's tools.

Working around the clock, locksmiths come upon all sorts of circumstances at all times, and all weather. Businesses need new security devices after a break-in, and people who locked their keys in a vehicle at -30 C need to be let in quickly. "There's lots of freedom," explained Dale Parker, Manager of A-1 Uptown Locksmiths. "If you're on the road you meet people all the time and you're away from the office and the bosses. Some people can't work that way, but most like to be away from the office."

While working with Calgarians of all stripes can be a highlight of the job, it can, at times, also be the most difficult part of the work, the 19-year locksmith said. "When dealing with public, there's the good and the bad." Some people are open to the advice of a locksmith, while other's have their own ideas, Parker said. "If someone calls and they have problems, they'll think they know what they want. We make suggestions that may be a better solution to their security problems, and then let them decide."

In the early 1980s, Parker also knew little about the work of a locksmith. "I just sort of stepped into it. There was an ad about training locksmiths. All you needed was some tools and you had to be mechanically inclined." He hasn't looked back since, even though the training procedures have changed.

"At that time it was hands-on learning: 'Here, go out and do this job,' the journeyman said. "A lot of it was self-taught." In 1989, however, Alberta recognized locksmithing as a trade and continues to offer a four-year apprenticeship program leading to the journeyman designation.

Despite the changes to training, Parker said the basic skills remain the same. "You have to be mechanically inclined," he said. "And previous work experience helps. For example, if you were a framer, you know about doors and windows. You'll know (whether) it is easier to go through the door or the wall."

Duties of a locksmith can include: producing master keys; servicing and opening safes; opening cars; repairing and installing doors; various security installations, surveys and consulting; and even installing alarm systems. While the locksmiths at A-1 do little alarm and electronic security work, Parker said there will always be a need for manual systems, especially when the power goes out. And while many people are familiar with store-front or mobile locksmiths, many in the trade are also employed at large companies and institutions wherever there are many doors and windows leading to valuable merchandise.

Depending on the company, locksmiths may also specialize in a specific type of work. For example, Parker said large commercial businesses account for most of A-1's work, although they will do residential and "emergency" work. "We try and send the same guy to the same customer so they can work up a relationship," Parker said. "Here, we have commercial guys and Johnny-on the-spot guys."

The locksmiths at A-1 also work varied shifts, some full-time and some part time. Some work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while others will work only on weekends, and others will work evenings and into the wee hours of the morning. Those working evening and early-morning shifts have the opportunity to earn commission on the work they perform at certain times of the day and night, Parker said.

And not everyone can legally pick a lock of a vehicle or home. A pick licence (Automobile Master Key Licence), issued through Alberta Justice, which includes a background police check, is required. Many licensed smiths have their own lock picking equipment to complement their regular tools such as screw drivers, cordless drills, cell phones and some specialty tools not found in a local hardware store.

For those considering a career as a locksmith, Parker has some sage advice. While he sees more security devices becoming electronic, he doesn't see a corresponding increase in demand for locksmiths in Calgary. "It can be hard to get into the apprenticeship program. You first have to get a job, and there's lots of locksmiths in the city. Most places looking for new employees are looking at the people already here."