Gary Kaiser of Sydney is a third-generation locksmith, but he says the trade is not rooted in the past. With more keyless entry systems being installed in cars, hotels and homes, he says anyone who wants to be a success in the industry must be prepared to learn about electronics. (TERA CAMUS / Cape Breton Bureau)

GARY KAISER is neither spy nor thief, but he relishes the thought of opening a locked safe.

He's a third-generation locksmith in Sydney and he says during his 25 years in the family business there has been no shortage of interesting challenges such as opening safes to which people have lost the combination.

"Facing a challenge and overcoming it: That's what I like best about this job," said the 51-year-old. "It's also a pretty satisfying job because you are usually getting people out of a jam and they are thankful."

Mr. Kaiser has been summoned more than once to help when a parent has left a child in a running car and accidentally locked the doors.

"These people are panicking," he said. "They are so happy when you can do something to help them out."

Mr. Kaiser said anyone thinking about being a locksmith needs patience and an aptitude for mechanics. You need to be able to deal with customers under all kinds of circumstances and be prepared to upgrade your skills continually.

While the basic operation of a lock hasn't changed in a century, the increasing number of keyless entry systems and digital safes requires locksmiths to develop an expertise in electronics.

Interested in locksmithing or related careers? Read on.

NATURE OF THE WORK
Locksmiths make, install and repair locks. Gunsmiths make and repair firearms. Others in this grouping install and repair safes, vaults, and saw blades. Saw fitters inspect and repair the different types of saws used in lumber manufacturing.

SKILLS
You will require manual dexterity and good eye-hand co-ordination to manipulate and use tools and assemble parts. Workers need to be methodical and precise. Good near vision is a must. Communication skills are needed to deal with customers. Some of these occupations involve heavy lifting and require physical strength.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
High school completion plus several years of on-the-job training is usually required.

Locksmith is a designated apprenticeship trade in Nova Scotia. Gunsmiths who sell firearms require a firearms business licence.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Saw fitters work in an environment with high levels of noise.

WORK PROSPECTS
This is not a large occupational group; the workforce is about 170. The number of employers for these occupations is limited. According to Statistics Canada, this is an entirely male workforce. The average age of this occupation category is 41. Retirements should contribute to some job openings in the coming years.

LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION