Training and Jobs for Vending Machine Repair
Many individuals get jobs for vending machine repair and maintenance and repair on other coin and amusement machines (such as slot machines). Although some get training on the job, there are several ways to independently train for these repair jobs.
Individuals who are good at working with tools and are mechanically inclined often get vending machine repair jobs right out of high school. Of course, there are no specific degree programs in vending, coin and amusement machine repair. However, some technician courses in college or technical/vocational school may include classes on the repair and maintenance of vending machines.
Examples of college classes or technical courses that would be good training for vending machine repair include electrician programs and anything to do with refrigeration. HVAC vocational classes, for example, will teach some of the principles used in repairing vending machines and other coin-operated devices. While not directly applicable, any math and science courses would be good for learning fundamentals of repair and would also be good on a resume when looking for vending machine repair job openings.
The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has training programs for vending machine repair and maintenance. Employers interested in training and certifying their staff can use these training materials. Individuals who do not yet have a vending machine repair job can also independently obtain repair and maintenance manuals to prepare themselves for repair jobs.
NAMA has a couple of manuals used to train repairers. They include the Electrical/Electronics Manual and the Refrigeration Manual. Both of these vending repair training references are $150. A related guide should also be used to bring it all together, and that is the Job Fundamentals Manual. It is also $150. Because the electrical and refrigeration manuals teach a good deal of theory, it is also nice to supplement that with the guide on job fundamentals to help apply that theoretical knowledge to actual vending machine repair.
While jobs are not in great numbers, these vending repair and service workers had around 36,000 jobs in May of 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Major employers included vending machine owners, the recreation industry, beverage makers, and grocery wholesalers. Local governments also hire around 3000 vending machine repairers. The median salary was about $30,000 for these maintenance jobs.
Resources:
National Automatic Merchandising Association: Vending Machine Repair Manual for Electrical/Electronics
NAMA: Vending Repair Job Fundamentals Manual
BLS: Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers