Vending Machine Operative
What is the work like?
Vending machine operatives fill, clean and maintain machines that carry goods such as cigarettes, confectionery, drinks and packaged snacks. Some digital vending machines also offer games, ring tones, logos and pictures for mobile phones.
As a vending machine operative working for a local company, you could be responsible for maintaining around 100 machines. With a national firm, you may cover a large area and have responsibility for thousands of machines. Your employer would usually supply a van.
Your duties would include:
- refilling machines
- collecting money that has been deposited
- cleaning vending machines
- making sure all machines are in good working order
- fixing minor faults
- calling out service engineers to make the repairs.
You may have a set route for the day or plan your own route, visiting between 10 and 20 sites in your designated area.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will not usually need specific qualifications to start work as a vending machine operative, however, a good general education may be preferred by employers. GCSE grades A-E can be useful, especially in English, maths or science. Knowledge of basic mechanical and electrical engineering would also be helpful.
You need a reasonable level of physical fitness to carry out this work. You will also need a current clean driving licence for travelling between clients and sites.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer, covering areas such as:
- an introduction to vending machinery
- health and safety
- hygiene
- stock control
- record keeping
- merchandising
- customer care
- use of communication equipment
- security.
You could go onto work towards NVQ Level 1 in Hospitality (Food and Drink Service), which includes units on vending, and NVQ Level 3 in Drinks Dispense Systems (Installation and Maintenance).
The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) provides materials to members to help with development in areas such as hygiene, cleaning, health and safety.
Where can I go for more information?
1 Villiers CourtUpper Mullgrave Road
Cheam
Surrey
SM2 7AJ
Tel: 020 8661 1112
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Vending machine operatives can earn between £11,000 and £18,000 a year, depending on the location and level of responsibility of the job role.
Figures are intended as a guideline only
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically start a shift at around 6am and finish around 3pm. Overtime and part-time hours may also be available.
You may need to work weekends and be on call. You will spend most of your time indoors on customers’ premises, and travelling between sites.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to work on your own initiative
- a responsible attitude to work
- reliable and trustworthy
- the ability to maintain accurate records
- awareness of security issues and health and safety.
What opportunities are there?
Opportunities for work as a vending machine operative are stable as the use of vending machines continues to be widespread. Most employers are members of the Automatic Vending Association (AVA). Some jobs are advertised on the Jobcentre Plus website.
With experience, you could progress to a supervisor or manager post.
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