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Vending Machine Mechanics (also called coin-machine-service repairers) install, service, adjust, and repair vending, amusement, and other coin- operated machines. Some examples of the machines they repair are food, pop, and candy machines; pool tables and pinball machines; and coin-operated laundry equipment.

JOB DUTIES

Vending Machine Mechanics may:

Prepare machines for installation following manufacturer's instructions

Load the machine with ingredients or products

Test new machines to make sure they work and make needed adjustments

Install machines on location, include making all necessary water and electrical connections

Maintain machines by cleaning and adjusting mechanical parts

Inspect and repair broken machines

Fill out reports, prepare cost estimates, and order parts

Trouble shoot or repair gas, electronic, and refrigeration parts such as compressors, computer boards, and icemakers

Remove and take some vending machines to the shop for repair or rebuilding

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Vending Machine Mechanics may specialize in these areas:

639.281-014 COIN-MACHINE-SERVICE REPAIRERS install, service, adjust, and repair vending, amusement, and other coin-operated machines. Some mechanics may specialize in a type of machine such as jukebox servicer or pinball machine repairer. Others may specialize in the repair of a particular device such as microwave ovens used to heat food purchased from vending machines.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Vending Machine Mechanics usually work alone. They may receive assignments and general supervision from a shop supervisor or manager. They occasionally work with other Mechanics or helpers when installing vending and coin-operated equipment.

Repair shops are generally clean and well lighted, with ample work space. Mechanics servicing machines in the field might have to work in cramped areas. Some heavy lifting is required when machinery must be moved. The work is relatively safe; however, Workers are subject to minor hazards such as electrical shocks and cuts from sharp tools or metal objects. Mechanics doing field repair must also meet and deal with all kinds of people.

Most Vending Machine Mechanics work a 5-day, 40-hour week. However, since many vending machines are operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, some Mechanics must work nights, weekends, and holidays. Overtime work is occasionally necessary. In companies that do not have a night shift, Mechanics are on call to make emergency repairs. Making repairs in the field may require much time driving between the places where repairs are needed.

Mechanics must usually supply their own hand tools, at the cost of $150 or more. Employers usually furnish power tools and test equipment.

Vending Machine Mechanics who work for large repair shops belong to unions. Many belong to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen, and Helpers of America. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving the use of special tools and methods

You Should Be Able To:

• Rate information using standards that can be measured

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Apply shop mathematics to practical problems

• Visualize how diagrams/pictures would look as solid objects

• See detail in objects or drawings

• See slight differences in shapes or shadings

• Work easily and skillfully with hands and fingers

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you charged $25 dollars an hour in labor, what would be the labor charge if it took you 3 hours to repair a certain vending machine.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Despite everyone's best efforts, however, accidents do sometimes occur. If you are involved in any accident while at work, report it to your supervisor immediately.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report to your supervisor explaining any problems that might have occurred during the day.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to look at a malfunctioning vending machine and then decide the best way to alleviate the problem.

Honesty is an important trait because Vending Machine Mechanics handle thousands of dollars in merchandise and cash. Most Mechanics must have a chauffeur's license. Applicants must be at least 18; apply through a local Secretary of State office; pass written, oral, vision, and driving tests; and pay a licensing fee. Also, depending on the weight of the vehicle and other factors, drivers may also be required to have the special designations or endorsements of the Michigan Commercial Driver's License (CDL) on their license. This CDL requires that the driver take further tests and pay fees.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or A High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

034 BUSINESS & VENDING MACHINE REPAIR

Approved vocational education programs in Business and Vending Machine maintenance prepare students to maintain and repair a variety of office machines, calculators, data-processing equipment, duplicating machines, and word processing machines as well as vending machines and related equipment. Instruction is given in diagnosing and testing, and the principles of the mechanics, electricity, and electronics of office machines.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

BUSINESS MACHINES

VENDING MACHINES

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript    

E-Learning Courses and Programs     

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Part-time positions as shop helpers are usually available. While in training, you may work part time as a route driver filling machines and collecting money. Secondary vocational education programs in business and vending machine repair may offer a co-op portion which includes practical experience.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Vending Machine Mechanic employer

internships

volunteer work with a Vending Machine Mechanic employer

community service work with an agency

Most Vending Machine Mechanics find jobs by applying directly to employers. Experienced Mechanics may register for work with local unions. Schools with related programs may help students get jobs in this field. Newspaper want ads often list openings. A local office of Michigan Works! may have information on available positions. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Careers, Colleges, Jobs & Training

America's Job Bank  

Classifieds Employment  

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Vending Machine Mechanics depend on the type of equipment handled, the size of the employer, geographic area, and the amount of training and skill of the workers. Most Vending Machine Mechanics are paid hourly wages.

According to one national survey, vending machine mechanics had the following wages in 1997:

Earnings for some unionized Vending Machine Mechanics employed by Detroit area companies ranged from about $14.50 to $19.50 per hour (1999). One company provided annual lump-sum bonus payments of $1,350. Time-and-a-half is usually paid to Mechanics working overtime. Some companies pay $1.00 to $1.50 per hour more for Mechanics who are licensed as Refrigeration Mechanics.

Most Vending Machine Mechanics receive paid vacations and holidays, health and accident insurance, life insurance, sick leave, and pension plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Beginners usually start as route drivers or shop helpers and may advance to trainee positions. Persons who have had courses in basic electricity and refrigeration may be hired directly as trainees. Vending Machine Mechanics may advance 2 to 3 classes or steps to senior Mechanic or to shop supervisor. A possible career ladder may be: trainee; route driver; Vending Machine Mechanic; supervisor; own business.

The time required for a trainee to advance to a qualified Mechanic position depends on ability. It usually takes from 1 to 2 years to become fully qualified. A fully qualified Mechanic (sometimes called a "Master" or "Class A" Mechanic) will be able to work without supervision on electrical, mechanical and electronic parts and to perform refrigeration repairs. Lower-level Mechanics (sometimes called "Class B" Mechanics) may be familiar with these repairs but need some supervision. "Class C" or entry-level Mechanics need direct supervision. They may uncrate, truck-load, deliver, and install equipment. Advancement to supervisory and managerial positions depends on an individual's training, experience, and supervisory ability. Some Mechanics may go into business for themselves.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were approximately 20,600 Vending Machine Mechanics employed in 1996. Employment of these Mechanics is expected to decline through the year 2006. Most openings will occur to replace those who retire, are promoted, or leave their work for other reasons. The industry distribution for Vending Machine Mechanics looked like this:

There are approximately 450 Vending Machine Mechanics employed in Michigan. The majority worked for retail vending machine companies. Others worked for beverage companies or firms which sell or service coin-operated devices, such as laundry equipment and arcade games (pinball machines and other amusement games).

Employment of Vending Machine Mechanics in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2005. An average of less than 10 openings is expected annually. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

There are good job prospects, however, for experienced mechanics and those with a background in electronics and refrigeration.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.