Jim Clark To Retire As Instructor For Vending Technician Repair Program; Industry Committee Seeks A Replacement

After 22 years of service at the School District of Philadelphia and to the vending industry as instructor for the vending technician repair program, Jim Clark, has announced that he will retire during the 2012/2013 school year.

Clark has trained many technicians for companies both locally in Philadelphia and nationally. He has helped to transform teenagers from inner-city Philadelphia into young men and women to work in our industry.

The vending industry occupational advisory committee that oversees the program is currently working with the School District of Philadelphia to find an instructor to carry on with this program, noted Bud Burke, committee chairman.

Since this is the only program of its kind in the country, a job posting needs to be developed by the school district.

The basic requirements are:

• High School Diploma or GED, but a Bachelors Degree is preferable
• Must have at least two years industry experience in machine maintenance.
• Must attend teacher certification classes.

Anyone interested in applying for the position should contact Bud Burke at [email protected].

Editor’s Insight: The vending industry owes a debt of gratitude to Jim Clark. He has managed the one vocational training program in the country for vending repair technicians, and he has invested countless hours securing support for the program from the Philadelphia school board in addition to his role as instructor.

This is an important program for the industry, and the industry cannot afford to scale back its support. Many companies have donated equipment to the program, and they must continue doing so. 01-12-12 By Elliot Maras