A-1 Locksmith & Security Center is a veteran-owned Arizona company serving commercial customers since 1975. Our locksmiths work with commercial locks, keys, master-key systems, restricted key systems and door hardware. Our standard is simple: When Quality Matters.
We are hiring a Locksmith Apprentice for our Shop Technician Track. This is a primarily shop-based position at our Tempe location. Previous locksmith experience is not required.
We are looking for someone dependable, organized, mechanically curious and comfortable helping customers. You must be careful with details, honest about what you know and responsible with keys and other security-sensitive materials.
The right person will learn through hands-on shop work, structured training, documented qualifications and increasing responsibility.
What You Will Do
- Learn commercial locksmithing in A-1’s Tempe shop.
- Assist customers who bring locks, keys and door hardware into the shop.
- Gather complete information and accurately document what the customer needs.
- Learn to identify different keys, locks, cylinders and commercial door-hardware components.
- Cut and duplicate keys after completing the required training and qualification.
- Learn to disassemble, rekey, pin, repair and reassemble lock cylinders.
- Prepare keys, cylinders, locks and other materials for field technicians and customer jobs.
- Assist with master-key and restricted-key work under appropriate supervision.
- Verify key cuts, key quantities, markings and job information before releasing completed work.
- Use job software to document materials received, work completed, final condition and anything still needed.
- Protect customer keys, master-key information, key-control records and other security-sensitive materials.
- Maintain organized tools, workbenches, parts bins and customer work areas.
- Help receive, label, stage and put away shop materials.
- Communicate clearly with customers, field technicians, dispatch and management.
- Attend scheduled training, accept coaching and progress through A-1’s locksmith qualification program.
- Occasionally assist with local deliveries, shop errands or field training when assigned.
This is primarily an in-shop position and is not an access-control technician posting.
You May Be a Strong Fit If You
- Take responsibility when you make a mistake, even when nobody else noticed it.
- Pay attention to small differences in keys, parts, measurements and written instructions.
- Enjoy hands-on mechanical work and troubleshooting.
- Can stay organized while handling several customer jobs at different stages.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with customers and coworkers.
- Can explain what you completed, what you verified and what still needs to happen.
- Follow established procedures and know when to stop and ask for guidance.
- Respect the responsibility that comes with handling keys, locks and security information.
- Want to develop a skilled trade and long-term career.
- Can maintain a dependable Monday–Friday schedule and communicate promptly when an unexpected problem occurs.
- Are willing to learn from experienced locksmiths and apply feedback to your next attempt.
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license and ability to meet any job-related driving requirements.
- Reliable transportation to A-1’s Tempe location.
- Clear written and verbal communication.
- Basic reading, measurement and math skills.
- Ability to safely use hand and power tools or willingness to learn.
- Ability to learn and consistently use A-1’s job-management software.
- Ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to stand for extended periods, bend, kneel, reach and handle shop materials.
- Willingness to complete A-1’s locksmith apprenticeship and qualification process.
- Ability to meet job-related customer and pre-employment screening requirements.
Schedule and Development
Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Occasional overtime or local travel may be required.
Starting pay is $17.00 per hour. Pay automatically increases to $20.00 per hour when A-1’s apprenticeship requirements have been completed and documented.
A formal performance review will occur near 90 days. Completion of the apprenticeship is based on demonstrated skills and completion of the approved requirements—not time alone.
Benefits
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Employee discount
- On-the-job training
- Tools provided
How to Apply
Submit your résumé or work history and complete A-1’s initial candidate questions. We value specific, honest examples more than polished wording.
Qualified applicants will move through the following hiring process:
- Initial application and candidate-question screening
- Zoom interview
- In-person interview at A-1’s Tempe location
A-1 Locksmith & Security Center, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity and considers qualified applicants without unlawful discrimination.
Pay: $17.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tools provided
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Do you currently hold a valid driver’s license?
- Can you meet A-1’s normal Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. onsite schedule, with or without reasonable accommodation?
- Are you willing to learn commercial locksmithing and door hardware as the foundation for future access-control work?
- Do you understand and accept the posted compensation: $17.00 per hour during apprenticeship, automatically increasing to $20.00 per hour upon documented completion?
- Are you willing to use mobile software and complete written job notes and photos for every assigned job?
- If selected as a finalist, are you willing to complete job-related reference, driving and background screening after receiving the required disclosures?
- When could you begin work if selected?
Ability to Commute:
- Tempe, AZ 85288 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
