In his 40s , Mehmet had started to feel the demands of his very physical job more than ever . So , after talking it through with his family he decided to look at a change of career .

Mehmet , who is dyslexic , knew that his options may be limited to find a role which was less physical but still allowed him to earn a reasonable wage to support his family .

It was then that a friend encouraged him to look at the possibilities of becoming a locksmith . His family helped , researching the qualifications he needed and the courses he needed to take . This is when they came across MPL ’ s Specialist Locksmith Training website .

The Wakefield-based organisation offers a range of specialised locksmith courses for all backgrounds and abilities wishing to progress in a career as a locksmith .

Mehmet comments : “ MPL ’ s website stood out more than other training providers for the same subject because of the testimonials from people in similar situations as me

wishing to make a career change in their lives .

“ Obviously , I had added complications because of my dyslexia , but my family encouraged me to get in touch with MPL and at least enquire to see if I had a chance of being able to attend the course .

Mehmet added : “ After several ongoing conversations with Nicky England , operations director at MPL , he convinced me their five-day Ultimate Locksmith Training course would be an ideal solution to help me , not only to gain the skills I needed to get a NCFE Level 3 accredited industry qualification

, but by completing the course , I would also be awarded City & Guilds accredited Programme Status , a certification recognised worldwide .”

Mehmet , alongside several other delegates attended the five-day course in 2015 , covering practical assessments

as well as the standard entry and exit multiple choice type assessments . To overcome Mehmet ’ s disadvantage with written assignments , Nicky sat alongside him , reading out each question and writing down his answer word for word . Nicky said : “ Our locksmith courses are tailored for individuals of all abilities and not just from a locksmith background . Many of our delegates have very little knowledge or skills of the role prior to attending , so we strive to give every student our full support , during and after training .

Mehmet is an inspiration to others who want to do something different in their lives

“ The courses are designed to give delegates practical skills , using the latest equipment , methods and technologies , relevant to all locks on the market . We also train our students in methods of how to market their new skills and business , as a self-employed locksmith .

“ Mehmet ’ s situation was not typical , but we did not see it has an obstacle to stop him from achieving the qualification and skills he needed . Mehmet took on board all the advice and training we instil to students , and after leaving us he set about working closely with the local authorities in Enfield , servicing their needs of securing commercial and domestic properties on a regular basis .”

Mehmet has returned to MPL on a refresher course as new locks continue to be introduced , and often uses the 24 / 7 technical support offered by the business . He is also a regular customer of MPL ’ s lock and ironmongery division , where students benefit

from discounts after they qualify from a MPL training course .

Nicky often calls Mehmet to catch up with his progress and see if he or MPL can assist : “ Mehmet is an inspiration to others who want to do something different in their lives . Living by the principles he was trained by , he now has a great career , his own profitable business which earns him a very good wage and more time to spend with his family .

“ Mehmet ’ s initial worries of not being able to change his vocation in life because of certain challenges were unwarranted and I would encourage anyone looking for a career change or to add new skills to their existing

role , to contact us and see how we could assist .”

Mehmet concluded : “ Taking the course with MPL has to be one of the best things I have ever done . I ’ m earning a lot more money than ever before and I get to spend time with my family more . Following MPL ’ s advice regarding marketing my business , I never worry about the phone not ringing - I am always busy !

“ In my first trading year , I was over the moon and never imagined that things would take off as quickly as they did . The support I have received from MPL since setting up has been fantastic and knowing they are always on hand whenever I need technical advice is a great comfort .”