If you are a highly motivated and independent individual, you may want to look into the Commission for the Blind's Vending Facilities Program. This program prepares persons who are blind for a challenging and rewarding career in concessions management. Upon successful completion of training, you are eligible to be selected to operate one of our forty-eight concessions. These range from news-stands and coffee shops, to vending machine routes and cafeterias. Managers are responsible for hiring and training employees, ordering and stocking machines, maintaining and repairing vending machines and all financial aspects of their business. The MCB Vending Facilities Program operates under the auspices of the federal Randolph Sheppard Act, and is funded through the Vocational rehabilitation program.

If you're interested in the Vending Facilities Program, here's some information that you will find helpful.

Management Opportunities

The Commission for the Blind has vending facilities throughout the state. These are managed by persons who are blind, and have completed the required training for licensure in the state of Massachusetts. Licensed Vendors who manage sites are responsible for all aspects of the business, including, hiring, firing, menu planning, ordering, merchandising, marketing, cleaning and repairs. In addition, Vendors are also responsible for all financial aspects of the business including paying bills, payroll, taxes and submitting reports. All of the profits realized by the facility accrue to the Vendor.

Training

The Vending Facilities training program begins with an interview and a two week placement at one of our stands. This is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the Program and how your skills match with the demands of this career. This placement is followed by an intensive twelve week training placement with our most talented senior Vendors and challenging locations. Training areas include: food preparation, serving, customer relations, ordering, merchandizing, vending machines and lottery. Each trainee earns a Food Safety Certificate. Skills learned during the training are transferable to other business and food service occupations.

Once you have successfully completed training and a concession becomes available to you, the Program provides equipment and initial stock to help get you started. The rest is up to you!

Find Out More About the Vending Facilities Program

To get more information, contact John Oliveira ( john.oliveira@state.ma.us), Director of Employment Services at 617-626-7509 or in Massachusetts call 1-800 392-6450 x7509.

This information is provided by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.