VENDING MACHINE MECHANICS California Occupational Guide Number 358 Interest Area 5-D 1995
THE JOB
Vending machines of today give customers quick, easy access to fresh, nutritious food, in addition to the candies, soft drinks, and chips that have been available for years. Machines now dispense complete meals or single servings that can be heated in microwaves or with built-in hot air systems, and chilled, ready to eat sandwiches, fruits, and salads. This new wave of vending machines will soon be available anywhere people gather -- at beaches, airports, or in offices.
VENDING MACHINE MECHANICS are the skilled technicians who install and repair vending machines. They transport new machines to sites, unload them, and make the necessary water and electrical connections and other adjustments, using the manufacturers' instructions. After mechanics have done the set-up, they make sure that it works perfectly. They check out change-making and product-dispensing mechanisms, heating or refrigeration systems, and electrical circuits.
Deterioration from ordinary use and damage from occasional vandalism mean frequent repair and replacement of vending machine parts in field locations or in shops. Mechanics must determine the reasons that machines stop working and repair, rebuild, or replace defective parts, and restore service.
When mechanics cannot immediately diagnose and isolate malfunctions, they troubleshoot by following procedures developed by vending machine service staff or machine manufacturers. Repairs are made at vending sites, if possible. Workers must make quick and efficient repairs because fewer service calls and trouble-free operations translate into profits in the vending business. When vending machines require major repairs or overhauls, mechanics take them or their parts back to service shops and dismantle, repair, and reassemble the units.
Vending Machine Mechanics follow technical illustrations, schematics, blueprints, diagrams, and repair manuals to do their work. Modern vending machines are "high tech" and frequently contain electronic parts that set prices, calculate customer purchases, and control the dispensing of change and products. Mechanics use wrenches, screwdrivers, pipe cutters, soldering irons, hammers, and other hand tools to tighten, cut, adjust, and solder. They also use grinding wheels, saws, and drills to do their work in the shop. They check heating units and use ammeters and ohmmeters to test electronic systems and use refrigerator manifold gauges and thermometers to test refrigeration systems. They use measuring cups to determine whether machines are delivering correct proportions of products. Problems with water flow, carbonation systems, and brewing devices are also handled by mechanics.
Preventive maintenance is a very important part of the job; experienced, alert mechanics help prevent trouble before it starts. On a regular schedule, they clean and lubricate parts, weld any broken brackets, install new panels if necessary, and adjust machines to perform properly. Mechanics who repair food, beverage, and cigarette machines must comply with State and local sanitation procedures and health codes.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Vending Machine Mechanics install and repair machines along established routes. Some mechanics, however, work solely in repair shops; others alternate between the shop and field. Repair shops are usually clean, well lit, and ventilated. Employers who require uniforms must provide or pay for them. Employers also provide power tools and test equipment; mechanics must often supply some of their own hand tools.
Repair work is relatively safe, but hazards may include cuts from sharp tools and metal objects; electrical shocks; and burns from soldering irons, torches, hot beverages, and heating elements. Vending machines are usually heavy and bulky and must be moved with hand trucks (dollies) or other moving devices. Workers are responsible for vehicles furnished by employers. Union membership is required in shops covered by union contracts.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Coin and Vending Machine Servicers and Repairers which includes Vending Machine Mechanics.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 1,520 Estimated number of workers in 2005 1,250 Projected Growth 1990-2005 -18% Estimated openings due to separations by 2000 320
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
This is a small occupational group. Employment will decline during the next ten years, despite an increase in the number and types of machines. Fewer workers are needed to maintain the computerized machines. Job opportunities in this occupation will open as workers retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Mechanics skilled in electronic systems and solid state technology will be in the greatest demand.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Earnings of Vending Machine Mechanics vary according to their training and skill level, type of equipment repaired, size of employer, and geographic location of their jobs. Hourly wages typically range from $5.50 to more than $15.00 hourly.
The normal workweek is five 8-hour days. Whenever overtime is necessary, mechanics receive time and a half. Most employers also offer fringe benefits: paid regular holidays and floating holidays, vacations, and various health insurance and retirement plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
The majority of employers hire only high school graduates. Trainees often start as sales route workers or servicers, refilling or restocking machines, collecting cash, and making only simple adjustments and quick repairs. Workers with mechanical ability can move up to apprentice mechanics. Most employers provide on-the-job training by having skilled mechanics train apprentices to service and repair machines. Vending machine manufacturers may sponsor training sessions, with wages and expenses paid by employers. Training is also offered by the National Automatic Merchandise Association (NAMA) under the sponsorship of vending machine or beverage companies. Apprenticeship training programs are available in some areas of the State; information about the location of apprenticeship programs and employers is available through the California Department of Industrial Relations' Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
High school students interested in this career should take courses in electronics, mechanics, or other courses where hand and power tools are used.
ADVANCEMENT
Experienced mechanics working in large companies have greater chances to advance to route supervisor, shop supervisor, or trainer positions. Some mechanics are promoted to management positions. Ambitious mechanics with management potential who are interested in running a business may become independent vending operators.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers should apply directly to vending machine companies that install and service vending machines, such as vending machine distributors, vending service companies, independent owner-operator shops, soft drink bottlers, and large owners of coin-operated machines who maintain their own repair team. Other sources of job leads include schools that operate job placement centers for their students, newspaper ads, unions, and trade publications. Job seekers should also register with the nearest Employment Development Department Job Service.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
National Automatic Merchandising Association 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3500 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 346-0370
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Refrigeration Mechanics No. 32 Precision Instrument Repairers No. 393 Office Machine Servicers No. 405
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Coin Machine Service Repairer 639.281-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Coin and Vending Machine Servicers and Repairers 859470
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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