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Vending Machine Mechanics

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.