Since we opened the doors to our training academy in 2024, we’ve gone from strength to strength.
Throughout 2025, we had the privilege of welcoming growing numbers of industry professionals to our courses and webinars, equipping them with the cutting-edge knowledge and tools to advance their skills.
This commitment to excellence has not only resonated with our attendees but has also garnered significant industry recognition. Not to blow our own trumpet, but these awards are a testament to our credibility and the quality of our programs.
The heart of our success: In-house training
Our success is rooted in our unique, blended learning approach. This innovative methodology seamlessly combines traditional classroom demonstrations, focused on tool familiarisation and theoretical understanding, with comprehensive, supervised, hands-on sessions. This sparks interest and engagement in our trainees, making learning a dynamic and exciting experience.
We employ bespoke bench rigs and live vehicles to ensure that every participant builds confidence in transferring crucial bench skills directly to real-world vehicle applications. Crucially, our commitment to small group sizes ensures that every individual receives personalised feedback and tailored instructor support, maximising their learning and skill retention.
Future-ready expert led courses
Our team of experts designed our 2025 curriculum to address the most demanding and complex challenges facing auto locksmiths.
A few highlights from this year were:
- ACDP-2 Course: Delving into key programming for FEM and DME modules, alongside advanced fault-finding and troubleshooting techniques essential for modern diagnostics.
- Xhorse VAG Course: A practical deep dive into key programming, remote generation, adapter setup, system identification, and crucial firmware management using the Xhorse Key Tool Plus and full rigs.
- BMW FEM/BDC with Autel Programming: An in-depth course focusing on module programming and key learning, underpinned by extensive hands-on vehicle practice.
- Lock Picking & Decoding Course: A foundational but vital course covering the understanding of automotive lock systems, mastering decoding techniques, utilising Insta Code, and the application of essential ethical best practices.
Recognition and industry firsts
Who doesn’t love a little external validation, right? Well, 2025 was a landmark year for certifying our efforts for the industry. We’re proud to have achieved industry-first certifications, setting new standards, and paving the way for others in the field.
2025 saw us achieve:
- IMI Accreditation: In February, our training academy proudly achieved IMI accreditation, a monumental achievement, making us the first of its kind to earn this prestigious recognition.
- Training Initiative of the Year: The year concluded in November when we were honoured with the Training Initiative of the Year award, presented by the Locksmith Awards, which serves as a powerful testament to the impact and innovation of our programs.
-
- Big Summer Event
-
- Unlocked
Digital events: Widening our reach
Our digital events, including the ‘3D Group: Unlocked’ and ‘3D’s Big Summer Event,’ provided accessible, high-value content to a wider audience, offering quick-fire learning and practical demonstrations:
Digital Event Highlight Key Focus
Xhorse Remote Generation – Mastering wired and wireless remote creation using advanced software and understanding remote types.
AUTEL Key Programming – Practical key programming, exemplified by vehicles like the Vauxhall Vivaro with the Autel 608Pro 2.
GYS Battery Support – Demonstrating how the GYSFLASH 30.12 enhances battery support and workflow efficiency.
Toyota Programming – Comprehensive session on remote generation with the Lonsdor KW100, including best practices.
Xhorse MLB Programming – Live demo of the simplified programming process and resistor removal using the MLB tool.
Real-world impact and outcomes
The true measure of our success lies in the impact on our training attendees.
Post-training follow-ups have consistently demonstrated that technicians are successfully diagnosing and resolving live programming faults. We see that as a powerful indication of trainee independence.
Our flexible learning delivery ensures skills remain current, leading to several key outcomes across the industry:
- Greater technician confidence and precision in tackling complex key programming.
- Improved first-time success rates, significantly reducing costly rework and vehicle downtime.
- Expanded workshop capabilities through exposure to a diverse range of tools and methodologies.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction driven by faster, more reliable turnaround times.
-
- IMI Award
-
- IMI Award
Elevating the standard for tomorrow
As we close the book on an extraordinary 2025, marked by our groundbreaking IMI accreditation and the “Training Initiative of the Year” award, the most inspiring takeaway remains the success of our trainees. It has been genuinely inspiring to witness so many individuals develop their expertise, gain crucial self-reliance, and leave our academy demonstrably better prepared for the challenges of this industry.
But the journey doesn’t end here. 3D Group is dedicated to evolving our curriculum and continuing to provide the essential, hands-on training that turns complex problems into routine procedures.
Ready to gain the competitive edge?
Don’t wait to elevate your skills to an award-winning standard. Our 2026 course schedule, featuring new modules on advanced diagnostics and upcoming vehicle platforms, is now live.
Spaces are strictly limited to maintain our essential small-group, hands-on learning environment.
Call our team to secure your spot for 2026.