After working full time in a wide variety of tech since 1983 (embedded systems work on medical equipment and commercial fire alarm systems, hotel reservation systems, ramp and fuel delivery systems in aviation, multiple startups in Silicon Valley, etc, ad naseum) I’m currently taking a break and working as a pin setter mechanic at a couple of local bowling alleys. The work is physical (running up and down the back of the 40 and 64 lane alleys, climbing up on the machines) and challenging in its own way: the machines were designed in the 50s and are a complex assortment of pulleys, belts, gears, cams, levers, etc. There is even a mechanical “computer” that acts as a state machine directing the operations of the machine. I still get to use my problem solving skills but in a much more tactile way. Also, no pointless meetings, conference calls. Downside: the pay is terrible. Fortunately I’m in a position in my life where that is not nearly as important as it used to be.
On the job training. Entry level pin setter mechanic training is fairly basic (Lock out tag out procedures, basic machine operations, simple trouble call resolutions (ball returns, re-spotting pins, that sort of thing)). Usually you'll be working with a full mechanic, learning how to do various repairs and preventive maintenance on the machines.
I have this cover on my wall too. I believe it was from extra copies that FIG or Forth Dimensions had. I see it every day. There was another version I'd seen that had a bit more color and stars in the background. Not sure whose that was.
