If you "cannot switch" (hard to believe) then I would suggest going above and beyond your job description to create value for your employer. This will help displace downtime and make your job more interesting. Being passive about your situation isn't going to do anything for you though.
That's quite a myopic view of things. Going above and beyond may not offer an immediate pay increase, promotion or more break time, but it will afford him an opportunity to learn new things, show that he is fit for more responsibility, and in the process he'll stand out to all those working around him. All this will increase his chances later down the road of getting where he wants to be. Most importantly, it will address his immediate problem of boredom!
His alternative: Do what his job description says, surf the internet, watch the paint dry... sounds like a real recipe for motivation, excitement, and success.
1. You may get paid more. Going above and beyond might be what makes you the next person promoted when an opening comes.
2. You may open up more opportunities down the road. Going beyond what is required may get you noticed by coworkers that may prove to be in important positions to help you many years down the road.
3. You almost certainly will learn that way. By going outside what what is required you will put yourself in new positions and face challenges you wouldn't otherwise. This can be one of the best ways to learn.
If nothing else, it can help you be less bored then just doing the minimum required for a boring job.
