NAMA Unveils Technician Training to Cut Machine Downtime and Boost Safety

Scenario-driven, interactive course built for real world challenges

The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has launched its upgraded Technician Training: Job Fundamentals course—an interactive online program designed to sharpen technician skills, reduce vending and coffee machine downtime, and minimize liability on service calls.

Tailored for the unique needs of convenience services, the training combines narrated modules with real-world problem-solving scenarios. Technicians walk away with the knowledge they can apply immediately in the field, covering topics from refrigeration and plumbing to payment systems and customer service.

“Every minute a machine is down costs operators revenue,” said NAMA’s Vice President of Programs and Services, Kristin Griffith, in a recent press release. “At minimal cost, this program equips service technicians with a solid foundation needed to confidently, quickly, and expertly solve problems. The ROI speaks for itself.”

Key Benefits:

• Cut Troubleshooting Time and Enhance Reputation: Modules mirror real service calls— addressing frequently encountered maintenance and troubleshooting scenarios when servicing vending machines and coffee brewers—so teams solve issues faster and reduce the likelihood of a repeat call.
• Protect Your Investment: Following proper maintenance and troubleshooting procedures increases machine longevity and lowers maintenance costs over time.
• Boost Safety: Electrical and water safety lessons minimize risks to your team and customers.
• Self-Paced & Cost Effective: Accessible, modular format starting at $199 (members) or $299 (non-members). Discounts are available for teams of three or more.
• Increased Trust from Clients: Successfully passing a final exam earns a Certificate of Completion, ensuring clients know your team will keep services operational.

The course reflects input from a task force of operators that reviewed the original training, identified gaps, and ensured new material aligns with current equipment and field realities.

Dr. Michael Kasavana—NAMA Endowed Professor Emeritus and editor of the original NAMA Technician Training manuals—also contributed to the updated program, helping ensure its accuracy and relevance for today’s workforce.

“NAMA’s scenario-based, online modules reflect typical field calls so that technicians are prepared to diagnose and apply corrective actions,” said Dr. Kasavana. “This coursework is more than theory as it is designed to address actual challenges service teams encounter on a regular basis.”

To register or access the course, visit namanow.org/technician-training. Contact elarson@namanow.org with questions or if interested in bulk training discounts.

About National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA)

NAMA represents the $34.9 billion U.S. Convenience Services Industry. By providing advocacy, education and research, NAMA works to promote and protect the industry’s over 160,000 hardworking employees. Through traditional vending and micro markets, office coffee and pantry services, product manufacturing and small-drop distribution, convenience services meets the needs of over 40 million American consumers daily at work, home, school and play. Learn more at namanow.org.