Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanics maintain automatic pinsetting bowling machines by adjusting and repairing them when needed.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanics may:

Observe the operation of the bowling-pin-machine to determine the nature and cause of the malfunction

Test relays, solenoids, transformers, electric motors, and wiring for defects

Replace or repair mechanical and electrical parts, such as gears, motors, bearings, coils, armatures, and wiring

Lubricate and clean equipment

Direct workers in reconditioning and painting bowling pins

Maintain an inventory of spare parts and order replacement parts

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanics may specialize in these areas:

638.261-022 AUTOMATIC-PINSETTER MECHANICS maintain automatic pinsetting bowling machines by adjusting and repairing them when needed. Some of them also perform other maintenance, such as conditioning lanes and pins and repairing seats and tables.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanics may work alone or with helpers. They do all their mechanical work indoors. Their work space is usually a long passageway or narrow room at the rear of the bowling machines. Some Mechanics work in bowling centers that have a wall between the bowling machines and the work space. Mechanics work in, on top of, leaning over, or under automatic bowling machines when making repairs or adjustments. They usually work in a well ventilated and lighted area, but it may be noisy if several lanes are in operation. Their jobs generally are not dangerous, although Mechanics might suffer cuts, bruises, falls, and electrical shocks.

Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanics usually work a 6-day, 48-hour week. They may find that night, weekend, and holiday work is common. They may have to work overtime. Those Mechanics who install and service bowling machines for manufacturers must travel to the various bowling centers in their area.

Some Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanics, particularly those employed by manufacturers, join unions. Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanics who belong to unions must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities which involve the use of machines, processes, or methods

• Activities providing results you can touch

You Should Be Able To:

• Visualize how flat drawings or pictures would look as solid objects

• Make decisions based on measurable information

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Perform a variety of duties

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If the machines have to be greased every 3 months and it has been 10 weeks since you did it last, how many weeks do you have until you have to grease them again?

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 letters to different parts distributors requesting any needed parts.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

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

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 , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Working in a bowling center part time may offer a chance to observe people in this occupation. Repairing some type of machinery during summer employment also offers a background for working in this occupation. Secondary vocational education programs in business and vending machine repair may offer a co-op portion that includes some practical experience.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadow experiences

touring a local Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanic employer

internships

volunteer work with a Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanic employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entering this occupation is by applying directly to employers. Assistance in locating a job may be available from your high school placement office or a local office of Michigan Works!. Job openings are sometimes listed in newspaper want ads.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Nationally, the wages (1999) for mechanics at one large company ranged from about $14.50 to more than $30.00 per hour. In Michigan , their wages ranged from about $16.00 to $24.80 per hour. Supervisors' wages were at the top of these ranges.

Most Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanics receive paid vacations and holidays; life, disability, and hospitalization insurance; and a retirement plan. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Most Mechanics start as trainees, often called pin chasers or assistant Mechanics. They generally receive on-the-job training from an experienced Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanic, but may also be sent to a training school conducted by the bowling-pin-machine manufacturer. Advancement for Mechanics depends on ability, training, and experience. However, advancement opportunities for Mechanics are limited. Those who work for manufacturers may advance to service manager. Those with the personality and inclination to work with the public may become bowling center managers.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

The demand for bowling centers is likely to grow somewhat as the population increases. However, because of the high cost of construction, the growth in bowling centers will be slower than in past years. Most openings will occur because of the need to replace experienced Mechanics who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.

The number of Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanics employed in Michigan is unknown. Most worked in the service industry for bowling centers. Small bowling centers bring in Mechanics only when needed, usually on a contractual basis. A few Mechanics are employed by the manufacturers of automatic pinsetting equipment.

There are fewer opening for Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanics both because the machinery is becoming easier to repair and because one mechanic may service several bowling establishments.

The job outlook will depend on how many new bowling centers are opened. Technological improvements resulting in less maintenance and fewer repairs of bowling machines have offset the need for hiring new Mechanics.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Bowling-Pin-Machine Mechanic can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development