Will AI replace Engineering technicians?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 85 official task statements scored for Engineering technicians (United Kingdom, SOC 3113), 18% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 23 out of 100 (range 20–29, 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 “Engineering technicians” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Review maintenance records and flight logs to verify timely service, maintenance checks, and overhauls” (81/100, very high); “Maintain detailed maintenance and repair records to support equipment reliability and performance” (81/100, very high); “Generate engineering change requests based on review findings” (81/100, very 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 “Engineering technicians” stay human?

About 75% 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: “Implement electrical equipment and components for industrial use” (0/100, minimal); “Carry out routine maintenance on underground transmission systems” (0/100, minimal); “Prepare work areas for maintenance activities, ensuring safety and efficiency” (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 “Engineering technicians” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 18% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 75% 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 Engineering 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 85 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.

UK dataswitch to US

Engineering technicians

carrying out routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment, inspecting and performing maintenance on appropriate plant and equipment to meet operational requirements and installing, maintaining. 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: utilising critical thinking, analytical and statistical skills to evaluate and interpret complex information and data. That is a slice of tasks, not of you.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 18%
changing shape: 6%
staying human: 75%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 23 out of 100 (20–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, across 85 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 engineering 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.

That slice is not coming back; the core of the job, carrying out essential routine maintenance on equipment, stays yours. The tools change, the responsibility doesn't.

Your week, as this page understands it

Engineering technicians perform a variety of technical support functions to assist engineers with the design, development, operation, installation and maintenance of engineering systems and constructions. The job title says “engineering technicians”. The real job is the part underneath: carrying out essential routine maintenance on equipment. 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 engineering technicians is not one task. It is 85 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is carrying out essential routine maintenance on equipment, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 18%
changing shape: 6%
staying human: 75%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

How we know this

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.

2 tasks scored differently between repeat runs, so their range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
27 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

15 tasks

Tasks 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.

Utilising critical thinking, analytical and statistical skills to evaluate and interpret complex information and data
This is reading one thing and writing another: critical thinking, analytical and statistical skills in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 3113/01, 3113/02
Source: “Utilise critical thinking, analytical, and statistical skills to evaluate and interpret complex information and data.” (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: Analysing and interpreting complex data suits software well, with officers judging what the findings mean locally.
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.
Proposing modifications to test or build plans based on data analysis
This is reading one thing and writing another: modifications in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3113/01, 3113/02
Source: “Propose modifications to test or build plans based on data analysis.” (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: Suggesting changes to test or build plans follows directly from analysing the results already recorded.
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.
Monitoring and validating the quality of test or building data
This is reading one thing and writing another: the quality of test in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 3113/01, 3113/02
Source: “Monitor and validate the quality of test or build data.” (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: Checking test and build data for errors and gaps is well suited to automated validation.
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.
Reviewing maintenance records and flight logs to verify timely service
This is reading one thing and writing another: maintenance records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 3113/01
Source: “Review maintenance records and flight logs to verify timely service, maintenance checks, and overhauls.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Cross-checking maintenance records and flight logs against schedules is exactly the kind of document check software does well.
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.

Changing shape

7 tasks

Tasks 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.

Monitoring flight procedures and techniques for safety and efficiency
The software now makes the first pass at flight procedures, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 3113/01
Source: “Monitor flight procedures and techniques for safety and efficiency.” (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: Flight data monitoring is largely automated pattern-checking against documented procedures.
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.
Communicating with and providing information to various stakeholders in alignment with personal role and responsibilities
The software now makes the first pass at and providing information, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 3113/02
Source: “Communicate with and provide information to various stakeholders in alignment with personal role and responsibilities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 53 out of 100 (46–60 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; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Keeping stakeholders informed is largely written and spoken updates that can be drafted in advance.
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 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Designing manufacturing components using CAD software
The software now makes the first pass at components, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 3113/01
Source: “Design manufacturing components using CAD software.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 50 out of 100 (43–57 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: AI helps with drafting and checking, but detailed component design still needs an engineer driving the software.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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.

Staying human

63 tasks

Tasks 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.

Carrying out essential routine maintenance on equipment
This work happens in the physical world: essential routine maintenance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3113/01, 3113/02
Source: “Carry out essential routine maintenance on 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.
The rating behind it: Routine servicing means working on the equipment itself.
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.
Ensuring the accuracy and quality of measurement results by following specified procedures and methodologies
This work happens in the physical world: the accuracy, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3113/01, 3113/02
Source: “Ensure the accuracy and quality of measurement results by following specified procedures and methodologies.” (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: Measurement procedures are documented and software checks the numbers, but taking the measurements needs someone at the equipment.
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.
Maintaining equipment in good working order
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3113/01, 3113/02
Source: “Maintain equipment in good working order and calibrated where necessary.” (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: Keeping equipment serviceable and calibrated is physical workshop 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 2/4.

Show the other 75 tasks

Maintaining detailed maintenance and repairing records to support equipment reliability and performance
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: detailed maintenance in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3113/01
Source: “Maintain detailed maintenance and repair records to support equipment reliability and performance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Maintenance and repair record-keeping is structured data entry that systems already handle.
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.
Generating engineering change requests based on review findings
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: change requests in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 3113/01
Source: “Generate engineering change requests based on review findings.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: A change request is a structured form written from review findings, which AI produces reliably.
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.
Writing detailed reports on safety plan outcomes
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: detailed reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3113/02
Source: “Write detailed reports on safety plan outcomes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Writing up safety plan outcomes follows a standard structure that AI drafts well from the underlying data.
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.
Reviewing processes and procedures to identify improvements to quality and efficiency
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: processes in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3113/01
Source: “Review processes and procedures to identify improvements to quality and efficiency.” (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: Reviewing processes for improvements is documented analysis AI supports strongly.
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.
Generating and optimising manufacturing paths using CAM software
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: paths in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3113/01
Source: “Generate and optimise manufacturing paths using CAM software.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 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: Generating and improving machining paths is something CAM software already automates well.
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.
Maintaining stock of spare parts
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: stock of spare parts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3113/02
Source: “Maintain stock of spare parts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 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: Stock control and reordering is automated record-keeping, though the shelves have to be checked.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · 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.
Analysing training programmes to ensure competency in operating aircraft equipment
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: programmes in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3113/01
Source: “Analyse training programmes to ensure competency in operating aircraft equipment.” (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: Reviewing training programmes against competency requirements is document analysis that AI does to a usable standard.
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.
Recommending changes in rules, policies, standards and regulations based on operating conditions
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: changes in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3113/01
Source: “Recommend changes in rules, policies, standards, and regulations based on operating conditions.” (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: Drafting proposed changes to rules and standards is writing work AI does to a usable standard.
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.
Defining subsystem validation and verification plans
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: subsystem validation in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 3113/01
Source: “Define subsystem validation and verification plans.” (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: Validation plans follow documented templates and standards, so a good draft can be generated.
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.
Presenting test results for spacecraft and subsystems
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: test results in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 3113/01
Source: “Present test results for spacecraft and subsystems, including space-specific tests such as vibration and thermal vacuum.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (60–68 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: Turning test data into charts and a written presentation is standard reporting work AI handles well.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Completing production documentation and reporting at the appropriate stages of the work activity
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: production documentation in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 3113/01
Source: “Complete production documentation and reporting at the appropriate stages of the work activity.” (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: Production paperwork follows a set format and can largely be generated from the job data.
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.
Planning and preparing for the inspection of spacecraft components and subsystems in controlled environments
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the inspection of spacecraft components, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 3113/01
Source: “Plan and prepare for the inspection of spacecraft components and subsystems in controlled environments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 44 out of 100 (37–51 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Inspection plans follow documented standards, so a solid draft can be produced automatically.
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 2/4.
Addressing missing procedural information in processes being undertaken
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at procedural information, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3113/01
Source: “Address missing procedural information in processes being undertaken.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 44 out of 100 (37–51 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Filling gaps in written procedures is drafting work, though it needs knowledge of how the job is actually done.
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 2/4.
Defining spacecraft integration plans and procedures
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at spacecraft integration plans, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 3113/01
Source: “Define spacecraft integration plans and procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 44 out of 100 (37–51 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Integration procedures are written work, but they depend on specialist know-how that is not widely documented.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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 2/4.
Scheduling in-flight testing programmes with ground crews and air traffic control
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at in-flight testing programmes, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 3113/01
Source: “Schedule in-flight testing programmes with ground crews and air traffic control.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 41 out of 100 (34–48 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Scheduling test flights is a planning task, though it is agreed with crews and controllers.
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 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Monitoring subsystems during comprehensive system testing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: subsystems during comprehensive system, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3113/01
Source: “Monitor subsystems during comprehensive system testing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 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: Watching subsystem data during a test run is well suited to automated monitoring, though staff stay in the facility.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · 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.
Collecting turbine data for testing or researching and analysis
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: turbine data, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3113/02
Source: “Collect turbine data for testing or research and analysis.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (28–48 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.
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: Much turbine data comes off sensors automatically, though fitting instruments for a test still needs a technician.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · 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.
Considering aircraft improvements and other factors when recommending changes
staying human
The ratings behind this row put aircraft improvements well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 70 · 3113/01
Source: “Consider aircraft improvements and other factors when recommending changes.” (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: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: AI can weigh documented options, but recommending aircraft changes rests on engineering judgement and hands-on familiarity.
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 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Communicating effectively with team members and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles team members and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 3113/01, 3113/02
Source: “Communicate effectively with team members and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (23–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Day-to-day coordination with the team happens through conversation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing and testing concept solutions and alternative designs for products or systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: concept solutions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3113/01
Source: “Develop and test concept solutions and alternative designs for products or systems.” (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: Concepts can be generated on screen, but testing alternatives means building and trying them.
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.
Diagnosing problems involving wind turbine generators or controlling systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: problems involving wind turbine generators, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3113/02
Source: “Diagnose problems involving wind turbine generators or control systems.” (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: Turbine data flags most generator and control faults remotely, though confirmation happens at the machine.
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.
Diagnosing mechanical, hydraulic or electrical malfunctions in variable pitch systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: mechanical, hydraulic or electrical malfunctions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3113/02
Source: “Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions in variable pitch systems.” (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: Remote monitoring narrows the fault down, but confirming it means getting to the pitch system.
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.
Identifying and diagnosing faults in wind turbines to maximise energy output
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: faults, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3113/02
Source: “Identify and diagnose faults in wind turbines to maximise energy output.” (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: Remote turbine data narrows the fault well, though confirming it usually means climbing the tower.
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.
Reading, interpreting and work to technical specifications and documentation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3113/02
Source: “Read, interpret, and work to technical specifications and documentation.” (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 the specification is desk work, but working to it means doing the job itself.
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.
Identifying and resolving unexpected component behaviour during activities
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: unexpected component behaviour during activities, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/01
Source: “Identify and resolve unexpected component behaviour during activities.” (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: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Software helps interpret odd readings, though tracking the cause down usually means working on the kit.
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 2/4.
Using prototypes to predict and improve aircraft systems' performance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: prototypes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3113/01
Source: “Use prototypes to predict and improve aircraft systems' performance.” (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: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Simulation covers part of it, but prototypes have to be built and physically run.
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 2/4.
Assessing and testing the performance and condition of plant and equipment to ensure reliability and efficiency
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the performance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/02
Source: “Assess and test the performance and condition of plant and equipment to ensure reliability and efficiency.” (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: Condition data can be analysed on screen, but testing plant means being at the machine with instruments on it.
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.
Locating and diagnosing faults in aerospace equipment to ensure functionality
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: faults, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3113/01
Source: “Locate and diagnose faults in aerospace equipment to ensure functionality.” (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: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Diagnostic data helps narrow the fault, but confirming it usually means opening up the equipment.
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 2/4.
Managing risk and ensuring compliance with health and safety policies and regulations in a propulsion environment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: risk, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3113/01, 3113/02
Source: “Manage risk and ensure compliance with health and safety policies and regulations in a propulsion environment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 21 out of 100 (14–28 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 paperwork is easy to draft, but making a propulsion site safe means being there enforcing it.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Assisting in the design, construction and commissioning of wind farm projects
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the design, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3113/02
Source: “Assist in the design, construction, and commissioning of wind farm projects.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (12–26 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Design and paperwork can be drafted on screen, but building and commissioning a wind farm needs people on site.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Training technicians in wind commissioning and testing procedures
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: technicians, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3113/02
Source: “Train technicians in wind commissioning and testing procedures.” (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: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Technicians learn commissioning by doing it alongside someone experienced.
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 2/4.
Calibrating aerospace equipment to ensure operational accuracy
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aerospace equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3113/01
Source: “Calibrate aerospace equipment to ensure operational accuracy.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 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.
The rating behind it: Calibration means connecting standards to real instruments and adjusting them by hand.
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 3/4.
Performing functional tests of communications subsystems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: functional tests of communications subsystems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3113/01
Source: “Perform functional tests of communications subsystems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 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.
The rating behind it: Functional testing means connecting to and operating real communications hardware.
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 3/4.
Investigating aircraft accidents
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft accidents, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 3113/01
Source: “Investigate aircraft accidents.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium 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: Accident investigation depends on examining wreckage and site evidence, and on formally accountable investigators.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · 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 2/4.
Conducting tests on aircraft components to ensure performance and safety
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tests, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3113/01
Source: “Conduct tests on aircraft components to ensure performance and safety.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 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.
The rating behind it: Running tests on real components requires setting up and handling hardware in a test facility.
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.
Inspecting work of aircraft engineers to ensure maintenance and repairs meet standards
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: work of aircraft engineers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3113/01
Source: “Inspect work of aircraft engineers to ensure maintenance and repairs meet standards.” (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: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Checking another engineer's work means examining the actual aircraft, and aviation rules require an approved person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Following industry health and safety and environmental working practices and regulations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: industry health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3113/02
Source: “Follow industry health and safety and environmental working practices and regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 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.
The rating behind it: Safety and environmental rules are documented, but following them is about how the technician works on site day to day.
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.
Monitoring, testing and fault find in manufacturing plant and equipment, including thermal vacuum chambers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fault find, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3113/01
Source: “Monitor, test, and fault find in manufacturing plant and equipment, including thermal vacuum chambers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fault finding on plant and vacuum chambers means working 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 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Calibrating wind turbine equipment to ensure energy efficiency
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: wind turbine equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3113/02
Source: “Calibrate wind turbine equipment to ensure energy efficiency.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Calibrating turbine equipment means being at the turbine adjusting it.
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.
Diagnosing or repairing issues in converter systems and related components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: issues, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/02
Source: “Diagnose or repair issues in converter systems and related components.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Working on converter systems means being at the cabinet.
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.
Testing wind turbine equipment to determine effects of stress or fatigue
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: wind turbine equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/02
Source: “Test wind turbine equipment to determine effects of stress or fatigue.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Stress and fatigue testing needs the equipment physically loaded and measured.
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 human
This work happens in the physical world: test facilities, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3113/01
Source: “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.
Testing electrical systems to ensure turbine functionality
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: electrical systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3113/02
Source: “Test electrical systems to ensure turbine functionality.” (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: Electrical testing requires connecting instruments to the actual system.
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.
Testing structures according to test plans or in coordination with engineers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: structures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3113/02
Source: “Test structures according to test plans or in coordination with engineers.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Structural testing means physically loading and instrumenting the structure, so software mainly helps with the test plan and the results.
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.
Inspecting airframes for wear or other defects
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: airframes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3113/01
Source: “Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (1–9 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: Inspecting an airframe means eyes and hands on the aircraft, and UK rules require licensed engineers to carry out and certify it.
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 2/4.
Maintaining the safety, integrity and effective operation of various types of plant and equipment found in the national infrastructure engineering sector
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the safety, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 3113/02
Source: “Maintain the safety, integrity, and effective operation of various types of plant and equipment found in the national infrastructure engineering sector.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 3 out of 100 (0–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium 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: Keeping infrastructure plant working is hands-on maintenance, and safety rules require an authorised competent person for the live equipment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Repairing aircraft structures and functional components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft structures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3113/01
Source: “Repair aircraft structures and functional components such as wings and fuselage.” (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: Repairing wings and fuselage is skilled physical work on the aircraft itself.
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 1/4.
Assembling electronic components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: electronic components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/01
Source: “Assemble electronic components.” (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 electronics is manual bench 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 2/4.
Conducting in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: in-flight tests, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/01
Source: “Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: In-flight testing means being aboard and flying the aircraft.
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.
Installing navigation equipment in aircraft to ensure accurate flight operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: navigation equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/01
Source: “Install navigation equipment in aircraft to ensure accurate flight operations.” (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 navigation equipment into an aircraft is hands-on installation 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.
Operating aerospace safety equipment to ensure compliance with safety regulations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aerospace safety equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/01
Source: “Operate aerospace safety equipment to ensure compliance with safety regulations.” (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: Operating the safety equipment is physical work in the hangar or on the pad.
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.
Starting aircraft and monitoring instruments to detect any malfunctions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/01
Source: “Start aircraft and monitor instruments to detect any malfunctions.” (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: Starting an aircraft and watching its instruments means sitting at the controls.
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.
Correcting incorrect fitting of parts in accordance with job responsibilities
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: incorrect fitting of parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3113/01
Source: “Correct incorrect fitting of parts in accordance with job responsibilities.” (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: Refitting parts correctly is done with tools and hands.
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 and ancillary systems for propulsion build or testing and making any necessary modifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3113/01
Source: “Set up equipment and ancillary systems for propulsion build or test and make any necessary modifications.” (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 up propulsion test rigs and modifying them is hands-on engineering.
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.
Conducting thermal cycling and optical alignment of components and systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: thermal, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3113/01
Source: “Conduct thermal cycling and optical alignment of components and systems.” (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: Thermal cycling and optical alignment are performed by hand on the hardware.
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.
Using microscopes to inspect electronics assemblies
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: microscopes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3113/01
Source: “Use microscopes to inspect electronics assemblies.” (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: Inspecting assemblies down a microscope means sitting at the bench with the parts.
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.
Participating in the installation of subsystems within spacecraft
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the installation of subsystems within spacecraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 3113/01
Source: “Participate in the installation of subsystems within spacecraft.” (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: Installing subsystems into a spacecraft is careful hands-on assembly.
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.
Performing helium leak testing of thermal vacuum chambers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: helium leak testing of thermal vacuum chambers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 3113/01
Source: “Perform helium leak testing of thermal vacuum chambers.” (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: Leak testing a vacuum chamber is done with equipment on the chamber.
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.
Carrying out routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: routine maintenance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 3113/02
Source: “Carry out routine maintenance on wind turbine 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.
The rating behind it: Routine turbine maintenance is done up the tower with tools.
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.
Climbing wind turbine towers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: wind turbine towers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3113/02
Source: “Climb wind turbine towers to inspect, maintain, or repair 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.
The rating behind it: Climbing a turbine tower to work on equipment is entirely physical, so there is nothing here software can do instead.
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.
Locating, diagnosing and rectify faults on plant and equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: rectify faults, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3113/02
Source: “Locate, diagnose, and rectify faults on plant 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.
The rating behind it: Putting a fault right means working on the equipment itself.
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.
Testing electrical systems to determine voltages using voltage meters
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: electrical systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3113/02
Source: “Test electrical systems to determine voltages using voltage meters.” (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: Taking voltage readings means holding the meter probes on live equipment.
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 individual wind turbines under supervision
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: individual wind turbines under supervision, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3113/02
Source: “Assemble individual wind turbines under supervision.” (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 a turbine is heavy 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.
Installing turbines for power generation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: turbines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3113/02
Source: “Install turbines for power generation.” (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: Installing turbines is heavy physical construction 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.
Repairing electrical systems in wind turbines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: electrical systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3113/02
Source: “Repair electrical systems in wind turbines.” (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: Repairing turbine electrics means working inside the machine.
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.
Inspecting and performing maintenance on appropriate plant and equipment to meet operational requirements
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: maintenance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/02
Source: “Inspect and perform maintenance on appropriate plant and equipment to meet operational requirements.” (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: Inspecting and maintaining plant is hands-on work at the machine.
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.
Installing, maintaining and repairing mechanical equipment using appropriate tools and techniques
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: mechanical equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/02
Source: “Install, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment using appropriate tools and techniques.” (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: Installing and repairing machinery needs tools and hands on the equipment.
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.
Operating controls to start and shut down plant equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: controls, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3113/02
Source: “Operate controls to start and shut down plant equipment as required.” (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: Starting and stopping plant means operating the controls on site.
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.
Inspecting or repairing fibreglass turbine blades
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fibreglass turbine blades, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3113/02
Source: “Inspect or repair fibreglass turbine blades.” (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: Inspecting or repairing blades means getting to them, usually by rope or platform.
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.
Installing and modifying equipment and systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3113/02
Source: “Install and modify equipment and systems.” (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: Installing and modifying equipment is hands-on 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 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Operating fabrication equipment, machines, hand and power tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fabrication equipment, machines, hand and power tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3113/02
Source: “Operate fabrication equipment including machines, hand, and 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: Running fabrication machines 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.
Installing hydraulic equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: hydraulic equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 3113/02
Source: “Install hydraulic 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.
The rating behind it: Fitting hydraulic equipment is physical installation 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 2/4.
Preparing work areas for maintenance activities
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: work areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 3113/02
Source: “Prepare work areas for maintenance activities, ensuring safety and efficiency.” (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: Preparing and making safe a work area happens on site.
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.
Carrying out routine maintenance on underground transmission systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: routine maintenance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3113/02
Source: “Carry out routine maintenance on underground transmission systems.” (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: Maintaining underground transmission systems means working on site in the ground.
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.
Implementing electrical equipment and components for industrial
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: electrical equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3113/02
Source: “Implement electrical equipment and components for industrial use.” (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: Putting electrical equipment into industrial use 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 0/4 · 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: £44,800a 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: 74,200in 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: critical thinking, analytical and statistical skills in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: utilising critical thinking and proposing modifications to test or build plans based on data analysis. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where essential routine maintenance gets done. 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: carrying out essential routine maintenance on equipment is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 18% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 6% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 75% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 85 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. Utilising critical thinking, analytical and statistical skills to evaluate and interpret complex information and data 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 critical thinking, analytical and statistical skills, 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 essential routine maintenance is 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 monitoring flight procedures and techniques for safety and efficiency. 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 engineering technicians (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was aerospace engineers: only about 9% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 23/100 here, with only 18% of the task list in the top band, and “carry out routine maintenance on wind turbine equipment” 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.

Aerospace engineers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “conduct tests on aircraft components to ensure performance and safety”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 9% 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 9% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
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: “repair aircraft structures and functional components”. 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. And it is a narrow door: about 17,600 of those jobs against 74,200 of yours (ONS via Nomis), 24% as many seats.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Production and process engineers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “operate controls to start and shut down plant equipment as required”. 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.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

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: 18% of its task weight, across 85 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 carrying out essential routine maintenance on equipment 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, Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians, Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Calibration Technologists and Technicians, Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other and Wind Turbine Service 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:
National Careers Service
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
- Discover your skills and careers (the skills assessment)
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:
Skills Bootcamps
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
- Skills Bootcamps - what they are and who can do them (DfE, Skills for Careers)
- Skills Bootcamps - JobHelp (DWP)
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
- Skills Development Scotland
In Wales:
Careers 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 engineering 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 18% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

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 engineering 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 engineering 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 Space for engineering technicians yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for engineering technicians existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

Your email

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for engineering technicians launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

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 Engineering technicians?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 85 official task statements scored for Engineering technicians (United Kingdom, SOC 3113), 18% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 23 out of 100 (range 20–29, 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 “Engineering technicians” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Review maintenance records and flight logs to verify timely service, maintenance checks, and overhauls” (81/100, very high); “Maintain detailed maintenance and repair records to support equipment reliability and performance” (81/100, very high); “Generate engineering change requests based on review findings” (81/100, very 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 “Engineering technicians” stay human?: About 75% 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: “Implement electrical equipment and components for industrial use” (0/100, minimal); “Carry out routine maintenance on underground transmission systems” (0/100, minimal); “Prepare work areas for maintenance activities, ensuring safety and efficiency” (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 “Engineering technicians” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 18% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 75% 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 Engineering 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 85 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.
2 tasks scored differently between repeat runs, so their range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
27 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.

How we score a job Download this release Look up another job

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}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. 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.