Automotive locksmithing has entered a new, high-tech era. No longer are locksmiths making a living by purchasing a few basic tools, unlocking cars and duplicating keys. In today’s world of sophisticated electronics and pricey equipment, locksmiths need specialized training. Here are some options in the coming months. Please note that pre-registration (and often pre-payment) are required.
June 1: American Key Supply Locksmith University: Hands-On Lishi Training, Las Vegas
This three-hour course provides comprehensive, hands-on training on picking and decoding vehicle locks with Lishi Original locksmith tools. Students learn the tools and procedures that will help them pick and decode both automotive and residential locks. The class will begin with approximately an hour of classroom learning, understanding the basics of the tools and the locks that you will see in the field. We then jump into the hands-on portion of the class where students will be able to pick and decode as many locks as possible. This class will also cover residential Lishi tools also, as well as the new Kwikset SmartKey Decoder by LockTech.
Additional dates are July 13, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19.
More info: www.americankeysupply.com
June 2-3: AKG Academy Locksmith Education, Los Angeles.
Offered quarterly by Key Innovations, this training is also planned Sept. 8-9 in Farmingdale, N.Y., and Nov. 3-4 in Dallas.
Courses include:
- Jaguar/Land Rover/ Range Rover (JLR) Key Programming, June 2
- Soldering and Basic EEPROM. June 2
- GM Module Programming, June 3
- VAG Key Programming, June 3
- Why the Locksmith Needs a Scan Tool, June 3
- IM608 Programming, Sept. 8
- Original Lishi Lock Picking, Sept. 8
- Marketing for the Progressive Locksmith. Sept. 8
- BMW Immobilizers and Key Programming. Sept. 9
- Hands-On High Security, Sept. 9
For more information, visit www.keyinnovations.com
June 21-23: Southern Lock & Supply Learning Expo, St. Petersburg, Fla.
This distributor-sponsored training show and expo includes three days of classes. Automotive sessions (billed as the Southern Locksmith Institute) will include:
Hands-On Lishi Training and Picking: Comprehensive, hands-on training on picking and decoding vehicle locks with LISHI Original locksmith tools. Learn and understand the tools and procedures that will help you pick and decode both automotive and residential locks with LISHI 2-in-1 Picks/Decoders. The class will begin with classroom learning, understanding the basics of the tools, and the types locks you will encounter in the field. In the hands-on portion of the class, you will be able to pick and decode as many locks as possible! Get focused attention and help from our ALOA certified instructor and conquer those troublesome locks.
Hands-On Automotive Key Programming: Get hands-on training with automotive tools such as the AutoProPAD G2 and G2 Turbo by XTool and IM608 Pro by Autel. Covered subjects include:
- Who has what tools and what they are or aren’t using them for
- In-depth coverage of the various functions of the tools
- Programming of important and problematic vehicles
- Hands-on programming of on-site vehicles
- Importance of the VVDI Key Tool Max or Mini
- Importance of pre & post-scans
- EEPROM adapters
Land Rover and Jaguar Key Programming: Learn how to program Land Rover and Jaguar keys from start to finish. This in-depth, hands-on course will cover the entire process including basic module EEPROMing, soldering and handling protocols. Don’t turn down calls for Land Rovers and Jags; instead, expand your skills and maximize your profits.
BMW Key Programming with ACDP: Everything you need to know about making keys to BMW vehicles with ACDP! Other tools to be covered: Abrites, VVDI2, Autohex, and more. Basic module EEPROMing, soldering and handling protocols will be discussed, which is useful if other tools are used. Opportunities for hands-on with BMW modules or vehicles, weather permitting.
Automotive Transponders Explained: Join ALOA-certified instructor Scott Childress as he demystifies the world of automotive transponders! In this course, you’ll get a deep dive into the different types of transponder chips on the market, learn which chips works with which remotes, and also learn how to write them, reuse them, and more!
Advanced Diagnostics/Kaba Ilco Update: If you are new to the industry or simply looking for a better way to offer key programming services, this four-hour, hands-on course is a must. Learn the latest capabilities on Smart Pro vehicle key programmer and its worldwide leading software development, as well as other industry leading solutions, including the RW5 cloud-based cloner and industry trends. Ilco will also conduct prize drawings throughout the class.
The location is the Hyatt Place St. Pete downtown.
More info: www.southernlock.com/resources/slsc-trade-show
July 14-15: AKS Locksmith University BMW and VW Key Programming, Las Vegas.
Day 1: Everything you need to know about safely making keys to BMW vehicles with ACDP. Other tools will be discussed such as Abrites, VVDI2, Autohex, etc. Basic module EEPROMing, soldering and handling protocols will be discussed which is useful if other tools are used. There will be hands-on with BMW modules and probably a vehicle or two. The class covers all aspects of BMW key programming for CAS 1/2/3/4 and FEM/BDC platforms for E and F body BMW cars.
Day 2: This class will teach you how to program ALL immobilizer systems for VW and Audi, including, but not limited to, IMMO 1, 2, 3 and MQB-based vehicles. That includes the UDS and Micronis sytems. This will cover mid-90’s through 2016 (and a little later, depending on the model). Key generation will be discussed, as well as how to pick and decode with Lishi Original tools.
August 6-12: ALOA, Las Vegas
Sept. 14-16: ALOA International Association for Automotive Locksmiths Expo, Kansas City.
Watch for class schedules to be released for both the 2023 ALOA Expo (Aug. 6-12 in Orlando) and the new ALOA International Association for Automotive Locksmiths Expo (Sept. 14-16 in Kansas City, Mo.)
Aug 26: PureAUTO –Key Generation. Lockmasters, Nicholasville, Ky.
This course offers the student an exciting opportunity to learn the skills needed to generate an automotive key. This extended hands-on portion of the class includes a wide variety of tools that will enable the student to experience success and gain confidence. Learn to sight-read keys, use scopes to read wafers, impression, use of Determinators, Kobra readers, AccuReaders, Lishi 2-in-1 tools, progressioning, keys by code and much, much more! This course is recommended for the locksmith who wishes to expand into automotive locksmithing, or learn how to better exploit their key generation skills.
Additional dates are Oct. 6-7
To register, call 866-574-8724. More info: www.lsieducation.com
Aug. 27: PureAUTO – Advanced Automotive Transponders. Lockmasters, Nicholasville, Ky.
Keep up with the ever-changing world of transponders. This class covers Transponder systems made since 1996, programming procedures, key blanks, and tools for most transponder-equipped vehicles in North America. This will include the newest procedures and key blanks for the newest models. Learn about the CAN Systems and new PROX systems as well as laptop based programming options for some vehicles. Includes information on programming and troubleshooting: GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and VW/Audi.
Additional dates are Oct. 6-7
To register, call 866-574-8724. More info: www.lsieducation.com
