UK dataswitch to US
Electrical and electronics technicians
inspecting and testing electrical or electronic systems to diagnose malfunctions using oscilloscopes and voltmeters, assembling mechanical, electrical and electronic components into models or prototypes and testing or maintaining equipment to ensure correct performance. If that's your week, this page is about your job.
The honest answer
AI is already taking a real slice of the routine work here: logging maintenance and repairing work performed on equipment. That is a slice of tasks, not of you.
That slice is not coming back; the core of the job, connecting components to instruments, magnetos, inverters and in-flight refuelling systems using hand tools and soldering irons, stays yours. New tools, same person answering for it.
Your week, as this page understands it
Electrical and electronics technicians perform a variety of miscellaneous technical support functions to assist with the design, development, installation, operation and maintenance of electrical and electronic systems. The job title says “electrical” or “electronics technicians”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: connecting components to instruments, magnetos, inverters and in-flight refuelling systems using hand tools and soldering irons. That is the thing someone has to be right about.
The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But electrical and electronics technicians is not one task. It is 41 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is connecting components to instruments, magnetos, inverters and in-flight refuelling systems using hand tools and soldering irons, and the ledger below shows exactly why.
Where the work sits, by task weight
- shifting to AI
- 16%
- changing shape
- 14%
- staying human
- 70%
These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.
Whole-job exposure score 26 out of 100 (21–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, across 41 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.
How we know this
What is measured: Every published task statement for electrical and electronics technicians is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.
How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.
Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.
Your job, task by task
These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.
- One row is marked low confidence, so treat it as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
- 12 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
Shifting to AI
7 tasksTasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.
Logging maintenance and repairing work performed on equipment
This is reading one thing and writing another: maintenance in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 3112/01Source: “Log maintenance and repair work performed on equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Logging what maintenance was done is plain record-keeping.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Interpreting flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems
This is reading one thing and writing another: flight test data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 3112/01Source: “Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Flight test data is numerical and well structured, so software can spot the pattern behind a fault before an engineer confirms it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Utilising aircraft publications for information and documentation purposes
This is reading one thing and writing another: aircraft publications in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 3112/01Source: “Utilise aircraft publications for information and documentation purposes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Finding the right information in aircraft manuals is what search tools do well, within strict document control.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Operating computer-assisted engineering or designing software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks
This is reading one thing and writing another: computer-assisted in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3112/01Source: “Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Design software is increasingly automated, and routine drawing and simulation tasks are well within reach.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Changing shape
6 tasksTasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.
Performing tasks quickly and accurately under time pressure
The software now makes the first pass at tasks, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 3112/01Source: “Perform tasks quickly and accurately under time pressure.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (46–70 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, low confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Speed and accuracy are software strengths, though what is actually being done under pressure is left unstated here.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Operating computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements
The software now makes the first pass at computer systems, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 3112/01Source: “Operate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Running the computer systems for a test is screen work against well-defined requirements.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recording and interpreting test data on parts
The software now makes the first pass at test data, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 3112/01Source: “Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Recording and reading test data is routine documented work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Staying human
28 tasksTasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.
Inspecting and testing electrical or electronic systems to diagnose malfunctions using oscilloscopes and voltmeters
This work happens in the physical world: electrical or electronic systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3112/01Source: “Inspect and test electrical or electronic systems to diagnose malfunctions using oscilloscopes and voltmeters.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Reading a scope trace is well documented, but the probes have to be connected by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Connecting components to instruments, magnetos, inverters and in-flight refuelling systems using hand tools and soldering irons
This work happens in the physical world: components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3112/01Source: “Connect components to instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refuelling systems using hand tools and soldering irons.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Soldering and connecting components is hand work with tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Performing routine maintenance and inspections on aircraft using specialized tools and equipment
This work happens in the physical world: routine maintenance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3112/01Source: “Perform routine maintenance and inspections on aircraft using specialized tools and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Aircraft maintenance and inspection is hands-on work certified by a licensed engineer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Show the other 31 tasks
Recording personal engineering experience and training to provide evidence of competence
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: personal engineering experience in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3112/01Source: “Record personal engineering experience and training to provide evidence of competence as required.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (74–88 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Compiling a personal record of experience and training from job records is simple documentation work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Verifying that all paperwork is accurately
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: all paperwork in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3112/01Source: “Verify that all paperwork is accurately completed.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Checking paperwork for completeness against a checklist is document work software handles well, before the formal sign-off happens elsewhere.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recording a detailed handover of any work in progress
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: a detailed handover of any work in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3112/01Source: “Record a detailed handover of any work in progress.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 61 out of 100 (54–68 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing a clear handover of work in progress is straightforward written record-keeping.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring compliance with regulations and procedures related to aircraft handling operations
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at compliance, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 3112/01Source: “Ensure compliance with regulations and procedures related to aircraft handling operations, including payload utilization, weight and balance, and documentation systems/processes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Weight, balance and documentation compliance is calculation and paperwork against published rules, owned by an accountable person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring and maintaining records of daily facility operations
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at records of daily facility operations, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3112/01Source: “Monitor and maintain records of daily facility operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Operational records are largely automatic once data is collected, though some checks are made around the site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Designing data acquisition plans to support avionics systems and performance analysis
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at data acquisition plans, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 3112/01Source: “Design data acquisition plans to support avionics systems and performance analysis.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Planning what data to capture is documented engineering work, though an approved engineer stands behind it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Carrying out, assist and recording task and dynamic risk assessments for themselves and others in the environment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: out, assist and recording task and dynamic risk, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3112/01Source: “Carry out, assist, and record task and dynamic risk assessments for themselves and others in the environment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 33 out of 100 (26–40 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Risk assessment paperwork is easy to draft, but dynamic assessments are made by the person standing in the situation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Understanding and following standard operating procedures for aircraft maintenance
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: standard operating procedures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3112/01Source: “Understand and follow standard operating procedures for aircraft maintenance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 31 out of 100 (24–38 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Maintenance procedures are fully written down so guidance is easy, but following them means doing the work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Testing experimental models under simulated conditions for development and designing feasibility
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: experimental models under simulated conditions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3112/01Source: “Test experimental models under simulated conditions for development and design feasibility.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Simulation and analysis are well supported, but experimental models are built and run physically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Liaising with engineers, contractors and supervisors to ensure aircraft or component airworthiness
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for engineers, contractors and supervisors, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 75 · 3112/01Source: “Liaise with engineers, contractors, and supervisors to ensure aircraft or component airworthiness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (16–30 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Airworthiness rules are documented, but the decisions are agreed between people who carry the responsibility.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reporting and recording physical, psychological or emotional limitations or injuries of oneself or team members
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles physical, psychological or emotional limitations or injuries and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 50 · 3112/01Source: “Report and record physical, psychological, or emotional limitations or injuries of oneself or team members.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (16–30 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Reporting limitations or injuries needs a person to notice and judge how they or a colleague are actually doing.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Laying out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems following blueprints
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: installation of aircraft assemblies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3112/01Source: “Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems following blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (15–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Working out an installation from drawings and manuals is document work, but it is done against the real airframe under approved data.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Effectivelying communicate with customers
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: communicate, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3112/01Source: “Effectively communicate with customers, flight and cabin crew, and other parties in the event of disruption, keeping them informed of progress, actions, and results.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Updates can be drafted and sent automatically, but reassuring people during disruption works better face to face.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying and immediately reporting any incidents and defects with the aircraft
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: reporting any incidents, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3112/01Source: “Identify and immediately report any incidents and defects with the aircraft, tooling or test equipment to the relevant authority.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Spotting a defect means being at the aircraft, and aviation rules expect the report to come from authorised maintenance staff.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring that the staff working under their supervision and others in their environment comply with Health and Safety and Environmental regulations
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: the staff working under their supervision, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3112/01Source: “Ensure that the staff working under their supervision and others in their environment comply with Health and Safety and Environmental regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 12 out of 100 (5–19 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Making sure a team follows safety rules depends on being present and on the supervisor’s standing with them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Locating circuit and component faults using resistance meters and oscilloscopes
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: circuit, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3112/01Source: “Locate circuit and component faults using resistance meters and oscilloscopes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Meters and oscilloscopes have to be put on the actual circuit, even though the readings are easy to interpret.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Setting up and operating specialised or standard test equipment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: and operating specialised or standard test equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3112/01Source: “Set up and operate specialised or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyse the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Test equipment is set up and operated physically, though analysing the results is well supported by software.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Performing pre-operational checkouts to establish design parameters
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: pre-operational checkouts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3112/01Source: “Perform pre-operational checkouts to establish design parameters.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Pre-operational checks are carried out on the equipment itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting quality assurance checks and rectify or reporting issues
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: quality assurance checks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3112/01Source: “Conduct quality assurance checks and rectify or report issues.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Quality checks and putting faults right happen at the bench with the product in front of you.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Constructing and maintaining test facilities for aircraft parts and systems
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: test facilities, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3112/01Source: “Construct and maintain test facilities for aircraft parts and systems, according to specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (3–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Building and maintaining a test rig is physical work with real hardware, though the design and specification can be drafted on screen.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Ensuring a safe working environment in the workplace
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: a safe working environment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3112/01Source: “Ensure a safe working environment in the workplace.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Keeping a workplace safe means people acting in it, not just documenting it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning and conducting scheduled maintenance and inspections within allotted times to ensure aircraft safety and integrity
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: scheduled maintenance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3112/01Source: “Plan and conduct scheduled maintenance and inspections within allotted times to ensure aircraft safety and integrity.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (2–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Aircraft maintenance is hands-on, and UK rules require a licensed aircraft engineer to carry out and release the work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Assembling circuitry or electronic components according to engineering instructions using hand or power tools
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: circuitry, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3112/01Source: “Assemble circuitry or electronic components according to engineering instructions using hand or power tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Assembling circuitry by hand with tools is physical work that has to happen at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Repairing circuits and wiring using soldering irons and hand tools
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: circuits, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3112/01Source: “Repair circuits and wiring using soldering irons and hand tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Soldering circuits and wiring is fine hand work with an iron.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Adjusting testing, electrical and mechanical equipment for proper operation
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: electrical and mechanical equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3112/01Source: “Adjust testing, electrical, and mechanical equipment for proper operation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Adjusting electrical and mechanical equipment is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Assembling mechanical, electrical and electronic components into models or prototypes
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: mechanical, electrical and electronic components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3112/01Source: “Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Assembling components into a model with hand and power tools is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Selecting and safely using hand and mechanical tools and equipment for aircraft maintenance
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: using hand, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3112/01Source: “Select and safely use hand and mechanical tools and equipment for aircraft maintenance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Choosing and safely using tools on an aircraft is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Testing or maintaining equipment to ensure correct performance
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3112/01Source: “Test or maintain equipment to ensure correct performance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking and maintaining equipment means physically handling it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Setting up equipment to conform to these specifications
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3112/01Source: “Set up equipment to conform to these specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Setting equipment to a specification is hands-on.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Manufacturing components for testing or operational purposes
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3112/01Source: “Manufacture components for testing or operational purposes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Making components is workshop work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing instrumentation in vehicles
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: instrumentation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 3112/01Source: “Install instrumentation in vehicles.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting instrumentation into vehicles is hands-on installation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
What this job pays, and how many people do it
- Median pay
- £35,100a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
- People doing this job
- 20,300in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.
Why this is shifting
The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: flight test data in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: logging maintenance and repairing work performed on equipment and interpreting flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems. What it cannot do is be answerable: components need a named person the rules will accept, and software cannot be that person. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.
Your move
Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend
Start with what does not change: connecting components to instruments, magnetos, inverters and in-flight refuelling systems using hand tools and soldering irons is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.
So, given all that: 16% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 14% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 70% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 41 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.
So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Logging maintenance and repairing work performed on equipment is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.
This week: one thing
Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to flight test data, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.
- What you end up holding
- a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
- How long it takes
- ten minutes
If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether electrical or electronic systems are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.
Over the next 90 days
Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near performing tasks quickly and accurately under time pressure. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.
Over the next 12 months
On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.
The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them
I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.
I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to electrical and electronics technicians (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was aircraft maintenance and related trades: only about 14% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 26/100 here, with only 16% of the task list in the top band, and “connect components to instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refuelling systems using hand…” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.
How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.
3 moves I checked and rejected
These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.
Aircraft maintenance and related trades
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “perform routine maintenance and inspections on aircraft using specialized tools and equipment”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 14% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 14% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “inspect and test electrical or electronic systems to diagnose malfunctions using oscilloscopes and voltmeters”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 11% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 11% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Tv, video and audio servicers and repairers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “repair circuits and wiring using soldering irons and hand tools”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 8% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 8% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.
What I’d stop worrying about
A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.
The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 16% of its task weight, across 41 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The headlines about your trade disappearing
They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like connecting components to instruments, magnetos, inverters and in-flight refuelling systems using hand tools and soldering irons arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.
Retraining out of a job that is holding up
On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.
You are reading the United Kingdom figures
The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.
Switch to the United States page →partial match
The other groups this work is counted across:
In US official statistics this job is counted as Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians and Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.
Your route through this
Where to go next, and what it costs
Free, and complete
The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.
In England:
A free hour with a government-funded careers adviser is worth more than another evening of reading. In England that's the National Careers Service.
Free, government-funded
In England:
National Careers Service - Find a course
Search what's actually running near you before you spend anything.
Free to search; individual courses vary
In England:
Free courses for jobs (Level 3 qualifications)
A free Level 3 qualification you already qualify for beats a paid course you don't need.
Free for eligible adults
In England:
Free, up to 16 weeks, and you get a job interview at the end. In England these are Skills Bootcamps - search what's running near you.
Free for eligible adults in England
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
In Wales:
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland it's the Careers Service on nidirect.
Free, Department for the Economy-funded
No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it
Nothing Collab365 runs is built for electrical / electronics technicians, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.
There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 16% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.
7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.
The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for electrical / electronics technicians. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.
Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for electrical / electronics technicians launches. Nothing else.
That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.
We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.
No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.
Questions people ask about this job
- Will AI replace Electrical and electronics technicians?
- Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 41 official task statements scored for Electrical and electronics technicians (United Kingdom, SOC 3112), 16% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 26 out of 100 (range 21–32, band: low). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
- Which tasks in “Electrical and electronics technicians” can AI already do?
- The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Log maintenance and repair work performed on equipment” (93/100, very high); “Record personal engineering experience and training to provide evidence of competence as required” (81/100, very high); “Utilise aircraft publications for information and documentation purposes” (75/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
- Which tasks in “Electrical and electronics technicians” stay human?
- About 70% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Install instrumentation in vehicles” (0/100, minimal); “Manufacture components for testing or operational purposes” (0/100, minimal); “Set up equipment to conform to these specifications” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
- What should someone working in “Electrical and electronics technicians” do about AI?
- Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 16% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 70% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
- How is the AI exposure score for Electrical and electronics technicians calculated?
- Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 41 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.
Where these numbers come from
About the data on this page
- Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
- This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
- One row is marked low confidence, so treat it as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
- The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
- 12 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
- Task statements
- gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
- Task weights
- gaisi-index (relatedness)
- Scores
- Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
- Pay and employment
- ashe-t14 (ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025))nomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))
Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.
The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.
The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.
Using these figures?
Cite this
Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.
Plain text
Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).
BibTeX
@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
title = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
author = {{Collab365}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
note = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published . Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.