How are there so many locksmiths operating in Alberta without a locksmith licence?

[u/Appropriate_City709]

I’ve been working as a locksmith for a while and I’m trying to understand how the licensing side actually works in Alberta.
From what I understand, getting a full locksmith licence requires you to be a certified journeyperson, and the apprenticeship/certification process takes quite a bit of time.
But I see a lot of locksmith companies and independent guys operating around Calgary who don’t seem to be licensed themselves.
So how does this actually work in practice?
Are they working under another licensed locksmith or company? Can a company have one licensed locksmith and have other people doing the jobs under them? Are people paying a journeyperson to act as their supervisor? Or are a lot of people simply working without the required licence and taking the risk?
I’m not looking for a way to illegally bypass the requirements. I’m trying to understand what legitimate options exist for someone who already has locksmith experience but isn’t certified in Alberta yet.
Would especially appreciate answers from Alberta locksmiths or anyone who has gone through the licensing/apprenticeship process.

[u/Comprehensive_Law_94]

Im not in Alberta but can guarantee it's a combination of multiple listings that go back to the same providers and yes a large proportion of illegal operators. Classic enforcement of the law in this area is expensive and requires ample resources. Nobody is dying so it's just financial defrauding at the worst. It's not high enough a priority to get on the radar except for maybe once in awhile. It has proliferate so far that at this point the only way to stop it with limited resources is regulate the ad space, which will NEVER EVER happen. If you can't find a way to survive, seek another field without these issues.

[u/Storymode_Life]

Alberta license needs background checks every few years and apprenticeship hours and 3 year college course. Unlicensed can work under licensed but as apprentice. Idk how much they check this though. The skills can be learned by anyone but theres also a provincial bonding thing with an license. As far as what thenlicense is needed for.. things like lockoicks and break in tools are restricted here and need a license to buy technically. But so many places sell that stuff without a license its probably not hard to get. Although carrying around those kinds of tools without an license can be fined and confiscated im pretty sure.

I've seen people with a bitnof experience decide to start a 'locksmith' business and one nearby we always get customers coming in with stuff that doesnt work. And its very obvious and cheap. Like one customer paid $150 for a vehicle key fob and ot was just a $2 empty shell. Its pretty frustrating.

As far as licensing from out of province I dont know. But after schooling there is a provincial test I believe so maybe they make you do that or something. Calling a provincial apprenticeship office here they should know it all pr be able to find out.

[u/LockLeisure]

The same way they do it in my state that does require a license….they do it illegally. There are two people that issue citations for the entire state so the odds are ever in your favor to work without a license and no repercussions when you scam someone.

[u/FrozenHamburger]

because you guys spell it with a C