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Vending Machine Servicer

Also known as Vending Machine Technician.

Vending machine servicers maintain, repair and replenish machines that dispense goods such as drinks, confectionery and tickets.

Vending machine servicers may work indoors or outdoors, but they usually work under cover.

They will often be mobile and move to different locations each day in response to breakdown calls, or to perform on-site maintenance.

They may also work in a workshop performing maintenance or repairs on vending machines that have either broken down or been returned from on-site lease.

With the increasing complexity of vending machine technologies, an understanding of electrical, electronic and computer hardware and software systems is often required.

The latest equipment has electronic payments systems incorporated and higher level skills in communications and security technologies apply.

TASKS

Vending machine servicers may perform the following tasks:

replenish vending machine products, including drinks and food
study product manuals or specifications to keep up to date with new technologies and learn about individual vending machines
perform routine maintenance to keep vending machines in good working condition by regularly oiling moving parts, replacing worn components and keeping essential parts clean
perform breakdown maintenance on call-out when a vending machine fails
determine machine problems by talking to customers to find out the nature of the faults and examining the vending machine to find causes
repair or replace damaged parts, including refrigeration components and worn bearings and cogs, by soldering cracked or broken housings and replacing broken or faulty parts, then reassembling the machine to test that it works
clear money from machines, account for money collected and check monitoring systems
arrange for removal and replacement of vending machines that cannot be repaired on site

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

problem-solving skills
enjoy practical and manual activities
good hand-eye coordination
aptitude for electronics
mechanical aptitude
literacy and numeracy skills

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a vending machine servicer without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a vending machine servicer through an apprenticeship in Electrical Machine Repair or Appliance Service.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Electrotechnology Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Undertaking some servicing, fault-finding and repair functions will require formal training to obtain relevant licenses. For example, jurisdictional regulations requiring restricted electrical licensing may apply to the replacement of cords and plugs, repair and testing of electrical equipment and machines; work on refrigerated/refrigeration equipment may require a refrigerant handling licence; and work on data communications cabling may require Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) cabling registration.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Vending machine servicers work for food, beverage and other product manufacturers and vending machine suppliers.

In large organisations, opportunities are available for advancement to supervisory positions in charge of a team of servicers and to managerial positions with responsibility for service staff.