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Slot and Amusement Machine Repairers
If a machine breaks down, slot and amusement machine repairers inspect it for obvious problems and replace defective or worn electrical and mechanical parts. They use testing devices to find defective parts and fix parts at the site or install replacements and take broken parts to the company shop. They read service manuals and study circuit diagrams. They test coin and change-making mechanisms. When installing the machines, they make the necessary electrical connections, complying with local electrical codes. Servicers and repairers may also do some clerical work keeping records, ordering parts, and filing reports. They may prepare estimates of the cost of repairs. However, many new machines are computerized, reducing the paperwork for the servicer.
Hours and Working Conditions Employment Trends
Employment of gaming slot and amusement machine repairers is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations, increasing to 2,620 jobs by the year 2006. On average, demand for these repairers will generate about 130 job openings each year. About 70% of these will be new jobs created by gaming industry growth. Other job vacancies will occur because people change or leave their jobs and need to be replaced. National Outlook The proven popularity and profitability of slot and gaming amusement machines makes their use to generate revenues a significant component of legal gambling, thus expanding the potential need for slot and gaming amusement machine mechanics. The establishment of video terminals to play lotteries will also add to demand. Persons with some background in electronics should have the best job prospects because electronic circuitry and computer technology is replacing mechanical technology in the design and operation of gaming machines. Hiring Practices
Information for this occupation provided courtesy of the NEVADA OCCUPATIONAL EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS (OES) WAGE SURVEY INFORMATION - 1996 © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor |
Education and Training Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates. They train these people to fill and fix machines informally on the job. The trainees observe, work with, and receive instruction from experienced repairers. High school or vocational school courses in electricity and machine repair are an advantage in qualifying for entry-level jobs. Employers usually require applicants to demonstrate mechanical ability. They do this through their work experience or by scoring well on mechanical aptitude tests. Electronics is becoming more prevalent in gaming slot and amusement machines, so employers increasingly prefer applicants to have some training in electronics. Technologically advanced machines extensively use electronics and microchip computers. Some vocational high schools, junior colleges, and private postsecondary vocational schools offer one- to two-year training programs in gaming and amusement machine servicing and repairing. 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 six months to three years. Time depends on the individual's abilities, previous education, types of machines, and the quality of instruction. To learn about new machines, repairers and servicers sometimes attend training sessions. These sessions – sponsored by manufacturers – may last from a few days to several weeks. Skilled servicers and repairers may be promoted to supervisor jobs. dealer. Nevada Licensing National Licensing, Registration, or Certification Skills & Other Requirements Amusement machine repairers need the ability to evaluate situations and solve problems based on facts, the ability to perform precise adjustments and repairs, an ability to work with numbers, the ability to mentally visualize objects from pictures or descriptions, an ability to see detail in graphs, pictures, or objects, such as wiring diagrams. Other skills include the ability to coordinate movement of eyes and hands or fingers, the Ability to move fingers rapidly or accurately, an ability to move hands easily and skillfully when using tools Gaming slot and amusement machine repairers sometimes handle thousands of dollars in cash. Therefore they need to have a record of honesty and respect for the law. Physical demands of the occupation include needing good vision to look at objects up close, the ability to frequently reach for and handle objects, such as tools, the ability to frequently use fingers to pick up small items, such as coins. Occasionally slot machine and amusement machine repairers need to listen to customers or coworkers. They need to occasionally move or lift objects that weigh up to 20 pounds, frequently up to 10 pounds. Occasionally they need good color vision and they need to judge the distance between objects. They may also occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch when making repairs. Getting the Job & Other Information For current job listings, browse America's Job Bank. References Training: California State Training Inventory |