5-Day Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing

In this in-person class, learn the fundamentals of automotive locksmithing and kickstart your career under the guidance of experienced instructors.

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Cost for ALOA/SAVTA Members: $2,650 [No Lab Fee]

Cost for Non-members: $2,950 [No Lab Fee]

There is also an $80 registration fee.

Students Receive: Student Kit  (yours to keep after class) containing various tools and supplies

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This class will take place at the Embassy Suites - Market Center, where you can stay, enjoy breakfast, attend classes, have lunch provided and relax at the evening reception — all under one roof!

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Course Description

Class Content: 50 % Lecture 50 % Hands-On
7:30 am until 5:00 pm Daily

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This 5-day Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing (FOAL) course is designed as an introductory course for those wanting to get started in the automotive side of the industry. It is especially designed for those in licensed states, which may require 40 hours of training to get started. The course is primarily focused on vehicles 2000 and newer, with education on key origination methods for various systems to produce working keys without relying on key codes. Common problems along with their repair techniques and troubleshooting will be taught as well, with an introduction to key cutting machines and key programming devices. The class also includes a section on ethics as an automotive locksmith.

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Certificate of Training: Participants will receive a Certificate of Training acknowledging 40 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) of the Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing upon successful completion of the course. Note: This certificate documents training hours only. It is not a certification and does not replace any state or local licensing requirements.

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Register Here

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‍Meet Your Instructors

Jennifer Richards CMAL, CRL, CAI, lives in Hickory, North Carolina. She is a 4th-generation locksmith at Keever’s Key & RepairService Inc. She has 30 years of experience in all aspects of locksmithing: residential, commercial and automotive. Keever’s Key & Repair Service has been serving the Hickory area since her great-grandfather started the company 105 years ago in 1920. Jennifer manages and operates their full-service locksmith and repair shop. She is a licensed locksmith with the State of North Carolina, a member of ALOA, IAAL, the North Carolina Locksmith Association, where she is the treasurer, an honorary member of the South Carolina Locksmith Association and a past member of the North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board. She has taught educational classes for the NCLA, SCLA, NC InstitutionalLocksmiths Association, Just Cars, AKG Academy, IAAL and ALOA.

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Jim Lornklang, RL, CAI, is a Marine Corps veteran who worked in the avionics industry in 1989. After 10 Years of experience in electronic components and cable repair with the military, he became a quality control inspector forBE Aerospace Corporation. After attending DeVry’s telecommunications program, he relocated back to Texas and registered as an access control company in 2001.

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Jim established Killeen Locksmith Services LLC in 2005, focusing on GSA safe services, including TL30 Safes and ATMs. In 2007, he expanded into automotive key generation and transponder programming. During the COVID pandemic, he filled the gap in luxury automotive programming: BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar and Porsche using several types of programmers and EEPROM devices. He then quickly expanded into automotive module programming: ECU, TCM, BCM with OEM software with dealership credentials.

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In 2021, Jim was inspired to teach and became a school director for Killeen Locksmith Services LLC.

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Ed Woods, CML, CPS, CMAL, CAI, has a long and distinguished reputation in the locksmith industry. As you may know, the ALOA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes one’s lifetime in character, lifelong actions, success, and continually giving back to one’s industry and community. Ed was ALOA’s 25th recipient in 2019. You may know Ed either by taking one of his many classes, sharing coffee with him at a convention, or calling him as you struggle with an unusual motorcycle or an obscure vehicle lock malfunction. Ed served in the Navy and later joined ALOA in the early ’90s, operating a successful locksmith business for 25 years. He gradually diversified into training where he became the official “company trainer” for Lockout Express. All the while, Ed was teaching many classes nationally and operating as Keyed Rite.

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Most consider Ed a specialist in automotive, with a passion for classic cars. All of this is true, but he is equally qualified in commercial, industrial, institutional and safe servicing. Ed is very involved in his place of worship. He teaches Sunday classes and men’s groups. He provides his skilled labor, going to other churches and charitable organizations, helping them in practical matters on a regular basis. He is deeply involved in outreach programs, including Life Renewed, feeding the homeless, drug counseling, renovation of impoverished neighborhoods, and that list continues. Few know that Ed puts to use his passion for woodworking and uses recycling as a source to support his hobby. Ed’s extensive working wooden padlock collection (that he crafted) has earned him awards. And adding to Ed’s collections and hobbies, he is an excellent gardener.

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Ed is a Master Mason, belongs to the Scottish Rite, has joined Orak Shrine and is directly involved with Shriners Hospital. Ed Woods is deeply involved in our industry. He has co-authored the HPC publication Car Opening Authority and works with Strattec, initiating changes for various instructional documentation. His expertise with motorcycles, current and classic automotive is second to none. Ed served as the first President of ALOA’s newly created Automotive Division, IAAL.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Dress Code

Feel free to dress comfortably; jeans and work shirts are recommended.

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‍Accommodations

Embassy Suites is an all-suites property. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast buffet, featuring made-to-order eggs and omelets, along with our evening reception. These amenities are available daily in the atrium.

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‍Lodging Arrangements

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Please arrange and confirm your travel and lodging. Staying at Embassy Suites is preferred but not mandatory. ALOA does not handle hotel bookings.

Discounted Link https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/dalfwes-foa-b7f68f57-c767-4b26-9c9b-a518aa07b5c2/ 

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Transportation

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The hotel does not offer a courtesy shuttle; guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the hotel.

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‍Parking

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Complimentary parking is available for ALOA guests.

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Dining

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The hotel offers a breakfast bar, and buffet lunch is served in the class. The hotel restaurant and bar are closed for lunch but reopen for dinner at 4:00 p.m.

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Dietary Restrictions

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If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform Dawne. Lunch options will include sandwiches, barbecue, Mexican cuisine, pizza, and southern homestyle dishes, ensuring everyone is well-fed.

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‍Refund Policy

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Full refunds will be issued if a class is canceled.

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‍Hotel Policies

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Verify the hotel's cancellation policy independently. ALOA is not liable for hotel bookings or their cancellation policies.‍

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Apprentice Memberships

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Offered to non-members meeting specific criteria.

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