Fairground/Arcade Worker

Also known as:

Amusement Arcade Worker
Arcade Worker

Introduction

Fairground/arcade workers supervise rides, side-shows and games machines. They also look out for the safety of customers and stop any inappropriate behaviour. The work involves handling money.

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Work Activities

Fairground workers supervise rides, side-shows and stalls. They open up the rides and stalls at the beginning of the day and lock up at the end. They may also be involved in setting up and dismantling rides or attractions, and in cleaning, painting and assisting in their repair when necessary.

During opening times, fairground workers are responsible for starting and stopping the rides. On side-shows they give prizes for good scores. At all times they must look out for the safety of customers and stop any unruly behaviour.

Arcade workers look after games machines and supervise the public using them. They make sure that customers behave reasonably and do not misuse the equipment. Arcade workers also have to understand the machines and games enough to sort out minor problems, like stuck coins or non-payment of prizes. They may need to check large prize payouts. They are usually responsible for unlocking and locking the arcade and keeping it clean and tidy.

Fairground and arcade workers collect money from customers and give out change or tokens.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You should have a pleasant manner and enjoy working with the public. You must be able to cope with busy periods and noisy conditions. You should be assertive enough to be able to challenge loutish or dangerous behaviour.

You should be reasonably physically fit in order to cope with a lot of standing. In a travelling fair you need to be strong enough to cope with the heavy work of setting up and taking down rides and stalls. Both types of worker need to be able to give the correct change and count money. Honesty is crucial.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Fairground/arcade workers earn in the range of £180 - £200 a week, rising to £250 - £310.

Fairgrounds/arcades are open every day of the week, often until 10:00 or 11:00pm. Shift work, part-time work and weekend-only work are all possible. Those who work with a travelling fair usually live in mobile accommodation, often at the fair.

Most job opportunities are for temporary summer work. Permanent static fairs are sited in seaside and holiday resorts throughout the UK. Other fairs are set up on various sites throughout the country for either short stays of a few days or weeks, or for the whole summer season.

Most amusement arcades (sixty percent of them) - including the larger ones - are situated in seaside and holiday resorts.

Most permanent fairground workers have family connections with the fairs, but some temporary assistant jobs, as well as jobs in amusement arcades, are usually advertised locally, often by word of mouth.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Work within the entertainment industry may be helpful. Any previous practical experience using your hands is useful.

Relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) include those in retail work, customer service, and leisure and tourism.

• 63% of people in fairground/arcade occupations work part-time.
• 31% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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