Beijing Paradise BBS Backup/PARADISE.ISO/software/BBSDOORW/JOB4.ZIP/OOHB0216.HBK

Text File | 1995-10-24 | 10.2 KB | 206 lines

206
Vending Machine Servicers and Repairers

(D.O.T.  319.464-014 and 639.281-014)

Nature of the Work

Coin-operated vending machines are a familiar sight.  These machines
dispense many types of refreshments, from cold soft drinks to hot
meals.  Vending machine servicers and repairers install, service,
and stock these machines and keep them in good working order.

   Vending machine servicers periodically visit coin-operated machines
that dispense soft drinks, candy and snacks, and food items.  They
collect coins from the machines, restock merchandise, change labels
to indicate new selections, and adjust temperature gauges so that
items are kept at the right temperature.  They are also responsible
for keeping the machines clean.  Because many vending machines
dispense food, these workers must comply with State and local public
health and sanitation standards.

   Servicers make sure machines operate correctly.  When checking
complicated electrical and electronic machines, such as beverage
dispensers, they make sure that the machines mix drinks properly and
that refrigeration and heating units work correctly.  On the
relatively simple gravity-operated machines, servicers check
handles, springs, plungers, and merchandise chutes.  They also test
coin and change-making mechanisms.  When installing the machines,
they make the necessary water and electrical connections and recheck
the machines for proper operation.  They also must comply with local
plumbing and electrical codes.

   Preventive maintenance avoiding trouble before it starts is a major
job of these workers.  For example, they periodically clean
refrigeration condensers, lubricate mechanical parts, and adjust
machines to perform properly.

   If a machine breaks down, vending machine repairers inspect it first
for obvious problems, such as loose electrical wires, malfunctions
of the coin mechanism, and leaks.  If the problem cannot be readily
located, they may refer to technical manuals and wiring diagrams and
use testing devices such as electrical circuit testers to find
defective parts.  Repairers sometimes fix faulty parts at the site,
but they often install replacements and take broken parts to the
company shop for repair.  When servicing electronic machines,
repairers may only have to replace a circuit board or other
component.  They also repair microwave ovens used to heat food
dispensed from machines.

   In repair and maintenance work, repairers use hammers, pliers, pipe
cutters, soldering guns, wrenches, screwdrivers, and electronic
testing devices.  In the repair shop, they may use power tools, such
as grinding wheels, saws, and drills as well as voltmeters,
ohmmeters, oscilloscopes, and other testing equipment.

   Vending machine servicers and repairers employed by small companies
may both fill and fix machines on a regular basis.  These
combination servicers-repairers stock machines, collect money, fill
coin and currency changers, and repair machines when necessary.

   Servicers and repairers also do some clerical work, such as filing
reports, preparing repair cost estimates, ordering parts, and
keeping daily records of merchandise distributed.  However, many of
the new computerized machines reduce the paperwork that a servicer
performs.

   Electronic circuits are important components of vending machines.

Working Conditions

Some vending machine repairers work primarily in company repair
shops, but many servicers and repairers spend much of their time on
the road visiting machines wherever they have been placed.  Vending
machines operate around the clock, so repairers often work at night
and on weekends and holidays.

   Vending machine repair shops generally are quiet, well lighted, and
have adequate work space.  However, when servicing machines on
location, the work may be done where pedestrian traffic is heavy,
such as in busy supermarkets, industrial complexes, offices, or
schools.  Repair work is relatively safe, although servicers and
repairers must take care to avoid hazards such as electrical shocks
and cuts from sharp tools and metal objects.  They also must follow
safe work procedures, especially when moving heavy vending machines
or working with electricity and radiation from microwave ovens.

Employment

Vending machine servicers and repairers held about 20,000 jobs in
1992.  Most repairers work for vending companies that sell food and
other items through machines.  Others work for soft drink bottling
companies that have their own coin-operated machines.  Some work for
companies that own video games, pin-ball machines, juke boxes, and
similar types of amusement equipment.  Although vending machine
servicers and repairers are employed throughout the country, most
are located in areas with large populations and many coin and
vending machines.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Some vending machine servicers and repairers enter the occupation as
route drivers or general shop helpers and learn to fill and fix
machines informally on the job by observing, working with, and
receiving instruction from experienced repairers.

   Many employers prefer to hire high school graduates, but employers
often hire applicants without a diploma if they are otherwise
qualified.  High school or vocational school courses in electricity,
refrigeration, and machine repair are an advantage in qualifying for
entry jobs.  Employers usually require applicants to demonstrate
mechanical ability, either through their work experience or by
scoring well on mechanical aptitude tests.  Because vending machine
servicers and repairers sometimes handle thousands of dollars in
merchandise and cash, employers hire persons who have a record of
honesty and respect for the law.  The ability to deal tactfully with
people also is important.  A commercial driver's license and a good
driving record are essential for most vending machine repairer jobs.

   Electronics are becoming more prevalent in vending machines, so
employers increasingly prefer applicants to have some training in
electronics.  Technologically advanced machines with features such
as multilevel pricing, inventory control, and scrolling messages
extensively use electronics and microchip computers.  Some
vocational high schools and junior colleges offer 1- to 2-year
training programs in basic electronics for vending machine servicers
and repairers.

   Beginners may start their training with simple jobs such as cleaning
or painting machines.  They then may learn to rebuild machines
removing defective parts, repairing, adjusting, and testing the
machines.  Next, they accompany an experienced repairer on service
calls, and finally make visits on their own.  This learning process
may take from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the individual's
abilities, previous education, types of machines, and the quality of
instruction.

   The National Automatic Merchandising Association has established an
apprenticeship program for vending machine repairers.  Apprentices
receive 144 hours of home-study instruction in subjects such as
basic electricity and electronics, blueprint reading, customer
relations, and safety.  Upon completion of the program, performance
and written tests must be passed to become certified.

   To learn about new machines, repairers and servicers sometimes
attend training sessions sponsored by manufacturers, which may last
from a few days to several weeks.  Both trainees and experienced
workers sometimes take evening courses in basic electricity,
electronics, microwave ovens, refrigeration, and other related
subjects.  Skilled servicers and repairers may be promoted to
supervisory jobs.

Job Outlook

Employment of vending machine servicers and repairers is expected to
decline slightly through the year 2005.  More vending machines are
likely to be installed in industrial plants, hospitals, stores, and
other business establishments to meet the public demand for vending
machine items.  In addition, the range of products dispensed by
machine can be expected to increase as vending machines become more
automated and more are built with microwaves, mini-refrigerators,
and freezers.  However, improvements in technology should reduce
breakdowns, so the employment of repairers will not grow.
Nevertheless, job openings will arise as experienced workers
transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.

   Persons with some background in electronics should have the best job
prospects because electronic circuitry is an important component of
vending machines.  If firms cannot find trained or experienced
workers, they are likely to train qualified route drivers or hire
inexperienced people who have acquired some mechanical, electrical,
or electronic training by taking high school or vocational courses.

Earnings

According to a survey conducted by the National Automatic
Merchandising Association, the average hourly wage rate for nonunion
vending machine servicers was $7.63 in 1992, with rates ranging from
just under $5.00 to nearly $14.00 an hour, depending on the size of
the firm and the region of the country.  Nonunion repairers averaged
$9.53 an hour, but rates ranged from $5.00 to $18.00.  Servicers and
repairers who were members of unions generally earned slightly more.

   Most vending machine repairers work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week,
and receive premium pay for overtime.  Some union contracts
stipulate higher pay for nightwork and for emergency repair jobs on
weekends and holidays.

   Some vending machine repairers and servicers are members of the
International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Related Occupations

Other workers who repair equipment with electrical and electronic
components include home appliance and power tool repairers,
electronic equipment repairers, and general maintenance mechanics.

Sources of Additional Information

   Further information on job opportunities in this field can be
obtained from local vending machine firms and local offices of the
State employment service.  For general information and a list of
schools offering courses in vending machine repair, write to:

   National Automatic Merchandising Association, 20 N.  Wacker Dr.,
Suite 3500, Chicago, IL 60606-3102.