Yankee Security Convention is proud to help promote the education of future locksmith professionals at the North Bennet Street School (NBSS) by providing grant money courtesy of the Yankee Scholarship Foundation for eligible students passionate about the industry and pursuing the school’s Locksmithing & Security Technology (LK) program.

This month we feature graduate Nhut Nguyen and Boston Public Library’s desire to revitalize their in-house locksmithing with NBSS Training.

Skilled Trade Shortage
Skilled trades in the U.S. face a critical shortage of experts, and locksmithing is no exception. Many large organizations once had dedicated locksmiths on staff, but over the years, these roles were often eliminated in favor of subcontractors. Institutions that once phased out these roles, however, are reversing course. The Boston Public Library (BPL) is one such organization.

Nhut “Andy” Nguyen LK ’24 joined the BPL after they had identified the need for an in-house locksmith to meet their widespread security needs. From day one, his easy-going demeanor and work ethic made an impression. Brett Curry, Facilities Manager at BPL, recalls, “Andy is a hard worker. His dedication to his work here at the library was noticed and we knew that helping him gain more skills would not only help Andy but also help the library by having a trained locksmith on staff.”

Harnessing Opportunity
To further develop Andy’s potential, BPL turned to North Bennet Street School (NBSS) and its Locksmithing & Security Technology (LK) program. With BPL’s sponsorship, Andy embarked on a rigorous training journey and has continued on as a vital part of the library’s operations—ensuring its locks, doors, and access systems remained robust and reliable.

Meeting Modern Security Demands
Andy’s journey at NBSS began when BPL recognized the need for reliable, in-house expertise. “I was really excited and grateful when they selected me for additional education,” Andy says. “NBSS felt like a great opportunity.”

“I didn’t know the school had a scholarship program and support available from the Yankee Security Convention available, so I was surprised and very happy that they chose to support me. NBSS made me feel valued, and I was eager to gain the skills I’d need to do good work.”

With an expansive, historic facility and nearly 4 million visitors per year, BPL benefits significantly from having a locksmith on staff who understands its unique security challenges. “Most organizations require security for their personnel, constituents, and property,” says Rob O’Dwyer, Director of Admissions & Enrollment at NBSS. “By supporting students through rigorous training, institutions reduce reliance on subcontractors and build a loyal, skilled workforce.”

The Advantages of In-house Expertise

Andy’s work highlights the importance of specialized, in-house expertise. He has seen first-hand how locksmiths are an essential part of daily operations for facilities across industries. 

“A lot of people rely on me to keep everything secure and functioning properly,” Andy says. “I think there are some real opportunities in this field. It’s rewarding to be needed and to have these skills.”

BPL’s partnership with NBSS exemplifies how investing in employee training benefits institutions long-term. Rather than outsourcing security, institutions foster internal expertise tailored to their needs.

“We’re seeing greater interest from organizations aiming to bring skilled roles back in-house, especially as many long-time locksmiths retire,” Rob explains. “It’s a model that pays off in the long run in ways that contracting can’t replicate.”

The Balance of Training and Practice

The NBSS Locksmithing & Security Technology program is known for its industry-focused curriculum. Eddy Dacius LK ’13, Department Head and Instructor, emphasizes its relevance: “Our program is at the forefront of the industry, working with leading professionals to develop a suitable curriculum and collaborating with manufacturers for product certifications.

Students gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and technology, making them reliable solution providers in real-world scenarios. By the time they graduate, they’re well-prepared to handle complex security needs for institutions like the Boston Public Library.”
Today’s locksmiths need more than traditional skills; they must navigate modern security demands, including building safety, mechanical integration, and advanced master key systems. “Our curriculum covers everything from road technician roles to institutional work, ensuring students are ready for diverse career paths,” Eddy explains.

Andy’s daily responsibilities reflect the importance of his training. From addressing jammed keys to maintaining high-security locks, his skills are essential. “Through NBSS, I gained strong skills in understanding different lock systems and how to manage them efficiently,” Andy shares. “My skills have made me feel more comfortable and confident in maintaining the library’s security needs.”

The program’s structure supports students who balance work and training. Classes run from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, allowing students to apply what they learn in the afternoons at jobs or internships. Andy’s ability to apply these skills immediately at BPL reflects the real-world value of the program.

For Andy, having the opportunity to train at NBSS has been transformative. “At Boston Public Library, I’m responsible for handling and maintaining various lock technologies, including multi-lock systems, a lot of Medeco products, and master key systems,” he explains.

Nhut adds, “Every day, I work with different kinds of locks on doors and windows across the facility, sometimes alongside the carpentry team. My locksmithing skills are critical because I frequently replace, repair, and rekey locks throughout the library, ensuring that everything is secure and working properly.”

A Rewarding Path

The path to becoming a locksmith at BPL has also been deeply rewarding for Andy. “I feel like my skills make a difference here,” he reflects. “I’m grateful for the training at NBSS, the Yankee Security Convention’s scholarship and the support from my managers at the library. Together, they’ve given me the chance to do something meaningful.”
Brett agrees, “Now that Andy has graduated, his knowledge and confidence with his new skill has made his work performance excel to another level that is very valuable to the library.”
As institutions grapple with skilled trade shortages, BPL’s investment in Andy’s training serves as a model for others. By prioritizing employee development through programs like NBSS, organizations can address their unique needs while creating stable career pathways. Andy’s story demonstrates the power of targeted, employer-supported training—helping to rebuild skilled trades while addressing modern security needs.

More about North Bennett Street School

NBSS was founded in 1881 as North Bennet Street Industrial School. Their founding mission was to enable immigrants to adjust to their new country by learning the skills needed for gainful employment. In the past, they’ve offered a variety of vocational training courses, such as pottery, printing, sewing, sheet metal work, and watch repair. Though their programs may have changed, they retain a core commitment to train individuals for employment using time-honored methods and skills. For more on NBSS, click here.

More about the NBSS Locksmith & Security Technology Program

The North Bennett Street School’s comprehensive Locksmithing & Security Technology program allows students to work in the field even as they develop critical skills. In the hands-on, nine-month program students study with an experienced locksmith in small classes. The program provides a firm grasp of the fundamentals and can enable you to do high-quality work after graduating. Students learn locksmithing through a combination of classroom theory, lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on benchwork, surveying, and installation. 

Students graduate with the ability to service and repair all types of residential and commercial door-locking devices; and be familiar with security technology such as electronic access control systems. The program space includes individual benches for each student, a room for instruction and demonstration, a resource library, and all the major equipment and tools you would find in a locksmithing shop. Classes meet five days a week in the mornings, and in your second semester, you can work part-time while continuing to learn the trade in class. For more information, click here.

“Securing the Modern World” with Yankee Security Convention
Whether you’re a seasoned security professional or new to the field, the Yankee Security Convention 2025 is the place to stay ahead of the curve and ensure you’re ready to “secure the modern world.”
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Mark your calendar for October 21–25, 2025, and join us in Springfield, MA, for a transformative experience. Stay tuned for registration details, speaker announcements, and more updates as we approach the event. Together, let’s explore how we can meet the challenges of securing a rapidly changing world.

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Source: Originating content for this article courtesy of North Bennett Street School.
https://nbss.edu/news-events/news-stories/nhut-andy-nguyen-bpl-training/