CARMEL, IND. – ALOA Security Professionals Association recently announced United States Army Specialist Wade Martin as the inaugural recipient of its ALOA Veterans Scholarship. With this scholarship, SPC Martin will receive financial support and training to prepare him for a career as a locksmith.
SPC Martin has served in the U.S. Army since 2012 and remains active. As he begins his transition from the armed forces to civilian life, SPC Martin will receive up to 376 hours of professional development courses through ALOA. The training will focus on locksmith fundamentals, business basics and electronics.
During his training, SPC Martin will be given the opportunity to serve as an apprentice at Area Wide Locksmith in Lampasas, Texas. This lock shop chose to offer SPC Martin an apprenticeship based on his commitment to professional training and his aspiration to one day purchase the business following the owners’ retirement.
“Wade Martin was recognized with the first ALOA Veterans Scholarship because of his commitment and vision for the industry,” said Jim Hancock, education and certification manager of ALOA. “We’re looking forward to the positive impact Martin will have at Area Wide Locksmith and supporting him with training during this transition.”
ALOA uncovered the need to have more training opportunities available in the locksmith industry. To support this opportunity, ALOA secured GI Bill funding to make ongoing technical training for veterans more accessible. This training will be the foundation for locksmith careers and will be coupled with on-the-job training to create a well-rounded experience in the industry.
Allegion is the sole sponsor of the ALOA Veterans Scholarship, and its support funds travel and training classes to supplement areas that the GI Bill does not cover. Its sponsorship also supplements SPC Martin’s wages at Area Wide Locksmith.
