Will AI replace Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 103 official task statements scored for Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers (United Kingdom, SOC 5442), 10% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 15 out of 100 (range 13–20, band: minimal). 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 “Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Estimate prices for products or services” (93/100, very high); “Research various styles of furniture design” (83/100, very high); “Prepare detailed designs and specifications for projects” (75/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.

Which tasks in “Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers” stay human?

About 79% 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: “Apply filler compound to floors to seal wood” (0/100, minimal); “Sand patch using a sanding tool” (0/100, minimal); “Fit, adjust, and repair window and door frames to ensure proper alignment” (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 “Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 10% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 79% 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 Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers 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 103 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

Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers

applying specialist knowledge and practical techniques to prolong and protecting furniture, drilling or punching holes for attaching hardware and reinforcing joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: attaching parts or subassemblies together to form completed units is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 10%
changing shape: 11%
staying human: 79%

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

Whole-job exposure score 15 out of 100 (13–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 103 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 furniture makers and other craft woodworkers 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.

What shifts is estimating the quantity and type of materials: the paper around the work, not the work.

Your week, as this page understands it

Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers make, repair and restore wooden furniture, decorative objects and other crafted pieces of woodwork. The job title says “furniture makers” or “other craft woodworkers”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: attaching parts or subassemblies together to form completed units. 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 furniture makers and other craft woodworkers is not one task. It is 103 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is attaching parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 10%
changing shape: 11%
staying human: 79%

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.

46 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

13 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.

Setting specifications of items
This is reading one thing and writing another: specifications of items in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Set specifications of items to be constructed or repaired.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing out what an item must be like is document work, though it is usually agreed with the person paying for it.
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.
Estimating the quantity and type of materials
This is reading one thing and writing another: the quantity in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Estimate the quantity and type of materials needed.” (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: Working out how much timber and hardware a job needs is calculation from drawings, which software does 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.
Preparing detailed designs and specifications for projects
This is reading one thing and writing another: detailed designs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 5442/01, 5442/02
Source: “Prepare detailed designs and specifications for projects.” (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: Detailed designs and specifications follow documented conventions tools draft well, with a specialist confirming details.
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.
Providing advice and guidance
This is reading one thing and writing another: advice in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 90 · 5442/03
Source: “Provide advice and guidance to clients, employers or owners on how to care for their restored furniture.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 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: Care advice for restored furniture is standard guidance that can be written out clearly.
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.

Changing shape

15 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.

Planning assembly or building operations based on blueprints or specifications
The software now makes the first pass at or building operations, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Plan assembly or building operations based on blueprints or specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 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: Turning drawings into an assembly sequence is planning work software can draft, though workshop realities still shape it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recommending specific special finishes or treatments for furniture based on customer requirements
The software now makes the first pass at specific special finishes, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Recommend specific special finishes or treatments for furniture based on customer requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 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: Finishes and treatments are well documented, so matching one to a customer’s wishes is mostly a knowledge question.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Designing furniture using computer software
The software now makes the first pass at furniture, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 5442/01, 5442/02
Source: “Design furniture using computer software.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 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: Design software plus AI gives useful starting concepts, but turning them into a buildable drawing still needs the maker.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

75 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.

Attaching parts or subassemblies together to form completed units
This work happens in the physical world: parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.” (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: Fixing parts together with glue, nails and screws is manual assembly 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.
Repairing wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, panelling or other pieces
This work happens in the physical world: wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, panelling or other pieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Repair wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, panelling, or other pieces.” (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 a wooden piece means working on the item itself with tools in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Brushing, spraying or hand-rub finishing ingredients, such as paint or oil, onto and into wood grain
This work happens in the physical world: hand-rub finishing ingredients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5442/02, 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Brush, spray, or hand-rub finishing ingredients, such as paint or oil, onto and into wood grain.” (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: Brushing, spraying or hand-rubbing finish into wood grain is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

Show the other 93 tasks

Estimating prices for products or services
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: prices in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 5442/05
Source: “Estimate prices for products or services.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Pricing a job from quantities and rates is calculation software already does.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Researching various styles of furniture design
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: various styles of furniture design in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 5442/02
Source: “Research various styles of furniture design.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (76–90 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Furniture styles are written about and pictured everywhere, so gathering and summarising them is something software does quickly.
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 4/4.
Developing detailed designs for new systems and products
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: detailed designs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 5442/02
Source: “Develop detailed designs for new systems and products.” (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: Detailed design documents follow well-known patterns that software can draft.
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.
Researching new equipment developments and techniques for furniture restoration
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: new equipment developments in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 5442/03
Source: “Research new equipment developments and techniques for furniture restoration.” (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: Keeping up with new tools and techniques is reading and summarising, which software does quickly.
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 records of clients
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: records of clients in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 5442/03
Source: “Maintain records of clients.” (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: Keeping client records organised and up to date is routine office work that software does reliably.
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 accurate records
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: accurate records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 5442/05
Source: “Maintain accurate records.” (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: Keeping records accurate is routine screen work software does reliably.
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.
Ordering timber or required materials for projects
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: timber in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 5442/06
Source: “Order timber or required materials for projects.” (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: Working out quantities from a drawing and placing the order is calculation and admin software handles.
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.
Providing quotations and cost estimates for required work
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: quotations in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 5442/03
Source: “Provide quotations and cost estimates for required work.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 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: Pricing from a specification and a rate card is calculation and document work.
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.
Preparing cost estimates for clients or employers
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: cost estimates in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 5442/06
Source: “Prepare cost estimates for clients or employers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 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: Cost estimating from a materials list and labour rates is calculation that estimating software already does 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.
Designing entire pieces or specific parts of furniture
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at entire pieces, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 5442/02
Source: “Design entire pieces or specific parts of furniture.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 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: Software can generate plenty of design options, but choosing and refining one into a real piece stays with the maker.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Giving quotes to customers for custom furniture projects
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at quotes, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 5442/02
Source: “Give quotes to customers for custom furniture projects.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 57 out of 100 (50–64 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: Working a quote up from materials, hours and margin is calculation, although customers expect it from a person.
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 2/4.
Programming computers to operate machinery for custom furniture production
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at computers, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 5442/02
Source: “Programme computers to operate machinery for custom furniture production.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing the machine programme is coding work software already does well, with the maker checking it before cutting.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Selecting the appropriate type of wood for a specific product
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the appropriate type of wood, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5442/03
Source: “Select the appropriate type of wood for a specific product.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Which timber suits which product is well documented, so the choice can largely be looked up.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Keeping detailed records of furniture condition and special features
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at detailed records of furniture condition, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 5442/03
Source: “Keep detailed records of furniture condition and special features.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Condition records are standard documentation, though the details come from someone examining the piece.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining material dimensions, required equipment and operations sequences by studying blueprints, drawings and sketches
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at material dimensions, required equipment and operations sequences, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 5442/06
Source: “Determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences by studying blueprints, drawings, and sketches.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (52–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial 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: Reading a drawing to work out sizes, tools and the order of work is analysis software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Estimating cost of restoration work
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at cost of restoration work, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5442/03
Source: “Estimate cost of restoration work.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 51 out of 100 (44–58 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: Costing restoration is calculation from rates and hours, though the hours come from seeing the object.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Estimating timescales for furniture making projects
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at timescales, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 55 · 5442/02
Source: “Estimate timescales for furniture making projects.” (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: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Job timings can be estimated from past records, but how long this workshop actually takes is local knowledge.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Selecting the best combination of materials for specific purposes
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the best combination of materials, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 5442/02
Source: “Select the best combination of materials for specific purposes.” (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: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Timber properties are well published, but choosing the right combination still turns on the grain and stock actually in the shop.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Generating sample designs using sketches
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at sample designs, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 55 · 5442/02
Source: “Generate sample designs using sketches.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Image tools produce usable sample designs quickly, though hand sketching and the maker’s eye still shape the final one.
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 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Interpreting and following detailed technical drawings to guide tasks
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at detailed technical drawings, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 5442/03
Source: “Interpret and follow detailed technical drawings to guide tasks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading drawings is increasingly something software does well, but acting on them on a live project still needs someone present.
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 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Explaining specific treatment processes to relevant stakeholders
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at specific treatment processes, 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 60 · 5442/03
Source: “Explain specific treatment processes to relevant stakeholders.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 40 out of 100 (33–47 allowing for uncertainty): partial 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: Treatment processes can be written up clearly, but owners usually want them explained by the person doing the work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Finding ways to improve furniture items already
staying human
The ratings behind this row put ways well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 60 · 5442/02
Source: “Find ways to improve furniture items already manufactured.” (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: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Ideas for improving a design can be drafted from written feedback, but proving them means working on the actual piece.
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 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Sourcing materials for use in the conservation and restoration process
staying human
The ratings behind this row put materials well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 70 · 5442/03
Source: “Source materials for use in the conservation and restoration process.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Suppliers can be searched online, but judging whether a material is right often means seeing and handling it.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Communicating with manufacturing colleagues to coordinate production processes
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles manufacturing colleagues and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 55 · 5442/02
Source: “Communicate with manufacturing colleagues to coordinate production processes.” (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: Coordinating production with manufacturing colleagues happens through conversation on and around the line.
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.
Coordinating with subcontractors
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles subcontractors and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 50 · 5442/06
Source: “Coordinate with subcontractors.” (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: Programmes and messages can be drafted, but agreeing work with subcontractors runs on working relationships.
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.
Speaking with customers to determine furniture colours or finishes
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles customers and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 5442/04
Source: “Speak with customers to determine furniture colours or finishes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 26 out of 100 (19–33 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Colour and finish choices are settled in conversation, where a customer’s reaction matters as much as the options.
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 2/4.
Assessing the state of a piece of furniture to decide on the best way to restore or conserve it
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the state of a piece of furniture, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Assess the state of a piece of furniture to decide on the best way to restore or conserve it.” (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: Deciding how to restore a piece needs it in front of you, though the reasoning can be written up like any assessment.
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.
Discussing bespoke order designs with clients
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles bespoke order designs and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 60 · 5442/02
Source: “Discuss bespoke order designs with clients.” (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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: A bespoke order is agreed in conversation, and customers commit because they trust the person they are talking to.
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 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Talking to customers to understand their needs
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles customers and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 50 · 5442/02
Source: “Talk to customers to understand their needs.” (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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Understanding what a customer really wants comes from talking with them and earning their confidence.
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 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Developing and testing new furniture products
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: new furniture products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5442/02
Source: “Develop and test new furniture products, collaborating with marketing and technical teams.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (10–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Developing and testing furniture means building and sitting on real pieces, with colleagues, not describing them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Coordinating with craftsmen during furniture construction processes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: craftsmen during furniture construction processes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 5442/02
Source: “Coordinate with craftsmen during furniture construction processes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 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: Coordinating a workshop happens face to face around the work in progress.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · 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.
Checking the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the quality, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking how pieces fit means handling them, although the specification being checked against is written down.
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.
Applying specialist knowledge and practical techniques to prolong and protecting furniture
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: specialist knowledge, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5442/03
Source: “Apply specialist knowledge and practical techniques to prolong and protect furniture.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Protecting furniture means applying treatments to the piece, even though the techniques are documented.
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.
Photographing furniture and components before and after work
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: furniture, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5442/03
Source: “Photograph furniture and components before and after work.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Before-and-after photographs need someone in the room with the piece and a camera.
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.
Matching materials for colour, grain or texture, focusing on wood's knots and features
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Match materials for colour, grain, or texture, focusing on wood's knots and features.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Matching grain and colour relies on an experienced eye and hand on the actual timber.
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 1/4.
Mixing and matching colours of paint
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: colours of paint, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Mix and match colours of paint, stain, or varnish with oil or thinning and drying additives to obtain desired colours and consistencies.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Deciding a mix is a judgement call, but matching colour and consistency happens by hand with real tins.
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 1/4.
Safelying handle and removing hazardous materials according to regulations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: handle, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5442/06
Source: “Safely handle and remove hazardous materials according to regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (0–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Software can classify the waste and produce the paperwork, but carrying solvents and finishes out of the workshop needs a person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · 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.
Assembling components of fitted furniture
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: components of fitted furniture, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Assemble components of fitted furniture.” (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 furniture means physically putting the parts together.
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.
Cutting timber to the right size using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: timber, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Cut timber to the right size using hand tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting timber to size with hand tools is manual work at the bench or 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.
Installing brackets, hinges, handles and locks to assemble furniture
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: brackets, hinges, handles and locks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Install brackets, hinges, handles, and locks to assemble furniture.” (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 brackets, hinges and locks onto furniture is hands-on assembly 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.
Operating machines to cut, mould or shape woodstock or wood substitutes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Operate machines to cut, mould, or shape woodstock or wood substitutes.” (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: Cutting and shaping timber on a machine takes a person feeding and controlling the 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.
Trimming, sanding or scrape surfaces or joints to prepare articles for finishing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: scrape surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Trim, sand, or scrape surfaces or joints to prepare articles for finishing.” (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: Trimming, sanding and scraping a surface is done by hand at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Drilling or punching holes for attaching hardware
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: holes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Drill or punch holes for attaching hardware.” (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: Drilling and punching holes is done with the tool in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Reinforcing joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: joints, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Reinforce joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing.” (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: Driving nails and fasteners into joints is physical 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.
Trimming wood parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: wood parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Trim wood parts according to specifications, using planes, chisels, or wood files or sanders.” (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: Planes, chisels and files have to be worked over the timber by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Applying specific surfacing materials, Masonite, Formica or vinyl to surfaces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: specific surfacing materials, masonite, formica or vinyl, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Apply specific surfacing materials such as Masonite, Formica, or vinyl to surfaces.” (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: Bonding Formica or vinyl onto a surface is hands-on work with adhesive and the sheet.
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.
Laying out patterns on wood stock and drawing outlines of units or mock-ups based on blueprints using marking and measuring devices
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Lay out patterns on wood stock and draw outlines of units or mock-ups based on blueprints using marking and measuring devices.” (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: Marking out patterns on the actual timber is done with measuring tools in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Performing final touch-ups with sandpaper or wiring wool
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: final touch-ups, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5442/01, 5442/02, 5442/03
Source: “Perform final touch-ups with sandpaper or wire wool.” (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: Final touch-ups with sandpaper or wire wool are pure handwork.
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.
Brushing or spraying protective finishes on completed exhibit accessories
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: protective finishes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5442/01, 5442/03
Source: “Brush or spray protective finishes on completed exhibit accessories.” (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: Brushing or spraying a finish onto a piece is hands-on 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.
Crafting furniture from raw materials to finished items using specialised tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: furniture, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5442/02
Source: “Craft furniture from raw materials to finished items using specialised 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: Making furniture from raw timber is craft work done with tools at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Constructing wooden models for parts of products and production tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: wooden models, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5442/02
Source: “Construct wooden models for parts of products and production 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: Building a wooden model means cutting and shaping real material.
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.
Buffing edges of workpieces to be joined for a snug fit using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: edges of workpieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5442/02
Source: “Buff edges of workpieces to be joined for a snug fit using hand tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Buffing edges by hand 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 2/4.
Shaping surfaces to prepare them
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5442/02, 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Shape surfaces to prepare them for finishing, using appropriate 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: Shaping a surface ready for finishing is done with tools in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Restoring antiques to their original condition
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: antiques, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5442/03
Source: “Restore antiques to their original condition.” (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: Restoring an antique is skilled hands-on work with the object.
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.
Applying specialist skills in Boulle work
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: specialist skills, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5442/03
Source: “Apply specialist skills in Boulle work, French polishing, and wood turning for furniture restoration.” (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: Boulle work, French polishing and turning are specialist handwork learned at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Repairing damaged furniture to ensure usability
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: damaged furniture, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Repair damaged furniture to ensure usability.” (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 damaged furniture is hands-on work on the item.
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.
Applying varnishes and paints to surfaces to achieve desired finish and protection
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: varnishes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5442/03
Source: “Apply varnishes and paints to surfaces to achieve desired finish and protection.” (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: Applying varnish or paint to a surface is physical work no software can carry out.
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.
Distressing surfaces with woodworking tools or abrasives before staining to create an antique appearance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Distress surfaces with woodworking tools or abrasives before staining to create an antique appearance.” (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: Distressing a surface convincingly is done by hand with tools and abrasives.
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.
Removing old finishes using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: old finishes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Remove old finishes using hand tools, stripping tools, sandpaper, steel wool, abrasives, solvents, or dip baths.” (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: Stripping old finishes needs tools, abrasives and hands on the surface.
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.
Smoothing surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, wire wool or sanding machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, wire wool, or sanding machines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Smoothing surfaces with abrasives or a sander is entirely 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.
Assembling furniture components to restore original condition
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: furniture components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/03
Source: “Assemble furniture components to restore original condition.” (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 furniture components back together is physical 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.
Filling and smoothing cracks or depressions using plastic or wood filler
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cracks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Fill and smooth cracks or depressions using plastic or wood filler.” (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: Filling and smoothing cracks is done with filler and a blade in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Rubbing surfaces to bring out highlights and shadings
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Rub surfaces to bring out highlights and shadings.” (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: Rubbing a surface to bring out highlights is judged by hand and eye at the piece.
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.
Covering furniture frames with padding and fabric
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: furniture frames, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/03
Source: “Cover furniture frames with padding and fabric, using stitching, staples, tacks or glue.” (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: Padding and covering a frame with fabric is upholstery handwork.
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 conservation tasks using instruments like scalpels
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: conservation tasks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/03
Source: “Perform conservation tasks using instruments like scalpels, cotton buds, and solvents to restore artefacts.” (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: Conservation with scalpels, cotton buds and solvents is delicate handwork on the object.
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.
Shaping materials using hand and machine tools for specific manufacturing processes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5442/03
Source: “Shape materials using hand and machine tools for specific manufacturing processes.” (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: Shaping timber with hand and machine tools is physical craft work that has to be done by a person.
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.
Removing accessories prior to finishing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: accessories prior, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5442/03, 5442/04
Source: “Remove accessories prior to finishing.” (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 accessories off before finishing is hands-on stripping down.
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.
Cleaning structural surfaces and materials to prepare them for bonding
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: structural surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5442/03
Source: “Clean structural surfaces and materials to prepare them for bonding.” (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: Cleaning surfaces ready for bonding is physical preparation 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.
Brushing bleaching agents on wood surfaces to restore natural colour
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: agents, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5442/04
Source: “Brush bleaching agents on wood surfaces to restore natural colour.” (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: Brushing bleach onto wood is hands-on work at the piece.
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.
Treating warped or stained surfaces to restore their original contours and colours
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: warped, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5442/04
Source: “Treat warped or stained surfaces to restore their original contours and colours.” (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: Treating warped or stained timber back to shape and colour is skilled handwork.
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.
Painting metal surfaces electrostatically or using a spray gun or other painting equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metal surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/04
Source: “Paint metal surfaces electrostatically or using a spray gun or other painting 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: Spraying or electrostatically coating metal is done with the gun in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Masking areas not to be exposed to finishing processes or substances
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: areas not, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/04
Source: “Mask areas not to be exposed to finishing processes or substances.” (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: Masking off areas before finishing is done by hand on the item.
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.
Stenciling gild, emboss, mark or painting designs or borders to reproduce the appearance of restored pieces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: gild, emboss, mark or painting designs or borders, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/04
Source: “Stencil, gild, emboss, mark, or paint designs or borders to reproduce the appearance of restored pieces.” (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: Gilding, embossing and painting borders are applied by hand to the piece.
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.
Decorating new pieces with designs or borders
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: new pieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5442/04
Source: “Decorate new pieces with designs or borders.” (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: Decorating a new piece with designs or borders is applied by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Mixing, and applying staining to wood surfaces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: wood surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/05
Source: “Mix and apply stain to wood surfaces.” (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: Mixing and brushing wood stain onto timber is hands-on work at the surface.
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.
Measuring and marking cutting lines on materials
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: lines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5442/05, 5442/06
Source: “Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Measuring and marking material means working on the timber 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 3/4.
Shaping or cutting materials to specified measurements
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5442/05, 5442/06
Source: “Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.” (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: Cutting and shaping material to size is done with tools on the material.
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.
Cleaning equipment and following health and safety rules to prevent workplace accidents
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5442/05, 5442/06
Source: “Clean equipment and follow health and safety rules to prevent workplace accidents.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cleaning equipment and working safely on site are physical actions in the workplace.
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 3/4.
Repairing or replacing damaged sections using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: damaged sections, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5442/05, 5442/06
Source: “Repair or replace damaged sections using hand tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Repairing damaged sections is hands-on work with the material.
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.
Polishing items to maintain cleanliness and appearance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5442/05
Source: “Polish items to maintain cleanliness and appearance.” (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: Polishing items is physical work on the objects themselves.
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.
Collecting all necessary materials required to complete a specific task
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: all necessary materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 5442/05
Source: “Collect all necessary materials required to complete a specific task.” (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: Gathering the materials for a job means walking round the workshop collecting them.
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.
Drilling holes in timber for construction and fitting purposes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: holes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/06
Source: “Drill holes in timber for construction and fitting purposes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Drilling holes in timber is physical work with a tool.
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.
Install subflooring in structures undergoing construction or repair
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: structures undergoing construction, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5442/06
Source: “Install subflooring in structures undergoing construction or repair.” (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: Laying subflooring is physical work fixing boards in place.
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.
Constructing wooden fixtures used in buildings using woodworking machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: wooden fixtures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/06
Source: “Construct wooden fixtures used in buildings using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, or power tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Making wooden fixtures means cutting and shaping material by hand and 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 pre-assembled metal or wood frameworks for windows or doors for glass panel fitting using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pre-assembled metal, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5442/06
Source: “Install pre-assembled metal or wood frameworks for windows or doors for glass panel fitting using hand tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting pre-made window and door frameworks is physical 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.
Installing hardware using carpenters' hand or power tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: hardware, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5442/06
Source: “Install hardware using carpenters' hand or power tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting hinges, handles and other hardware is done by hand 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.
Securelying install structural fixings in construction projects
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: install structural fixings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5442/06
Source: “Securely install structural fixings in construction projects.” (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 structural fixings safely means physically fitting them.
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 frames in commercial or residential premises using hand and power tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: frames, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5442/06
Source: “Install frames in commercial or residential premises using 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: Installing frames in a building means being there 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.
Securing forms and structures in place using various fastening materials
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: forms, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5442/06
Source: “Secure forms and structures in place using various fastening materials.” (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: Fixing forms and structures in place is hands-on site 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.
Checking that rows are straight using a spirit level
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: rows are straight, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5442/06
Source: “Check that rows are straight using a spirit level, laser level or plumb line.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking level and straightness means putting an instrument against the 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.
Fitting, adjusting and repairing window and door frames to ensure proper alignment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: window, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5442/06
Source: “Fit, adjust, and repair window and door frames to ensure proper alignment.” (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 and adjusting frames so they line up is hands-on work with the material.
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.
Sanding patch using a sanding tool
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: patch, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5442/06
Source: “Sand patch using a sanding tool.” (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: Sanding a patch means working on the surface with a tool.
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.
Applying filler compound to floors to seal wood
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: filler compound, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5442/06
Source: “Apply filler compound to floors to seal wood.” (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: Applying filler to seal a wooden floor is hands-on work on the floor.
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: £33,100a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
People doing this job: 36,100in 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: the quantity in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: estimating the quantity and type of materials and setting specifications of items. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where parts get 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: attaching parts or subassemblies together to form completed units is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 10% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 11% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 79% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 103 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. Estimating the quantity and type of materials 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 the quantity, 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 wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, panelling or other pieces are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near planning assembly or building operations based on blueprints or specifications. 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 furniture makers and other craft woodworkers (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was painters and decorators: only about 6% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 15/100 here, with only 10% of the task list in the top band, and “brush, spray, or hand-rub finishing ingredients” 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.

Painters and decorators
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, wire wool, or sanding machines”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 6% 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 6% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Carpenters and joiners
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “assemble components of fitted furniture”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 5% 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 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Vehicle paint technicians
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “apply varnishes and paints to surfaces to achieve desired finish and protection”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 4% 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 4% 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: 10% of its task weight, across 103 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 attaching parts or subassemblies together to form completed units 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 Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters 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 Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters, Furniture Finishers, Model Makers, Wood and Patternmakers, Wood. 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 furniture makers / other craft woodworkers, 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 10% 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 furniture makers / other craft woodworkers. 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 furniture makers / other craft woodworkers 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 furniture makers / other craft woodworkers 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 furniture makers / other craft woodworkers 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 furniture makers / other craft woodworkers 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 Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 103 official task statements scored for Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers (United Kingdom, SOC 5442), 10% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 15 out of 100 (range 13–20, band: minimal). 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 “Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Estimate prices for products or services” (93/100, very high); “Research various styles of furniture design” (83/100, very high); “Prepare detailed designs and specifications for projects” (75/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers” stay human?: About 79% 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: “Apply filler compound to floors to seal wood” (0/100, minimal); “Sand patch using a sanding tool” (0/100, minimal); “Fit, adjust, and repair window and door frames to ensure proper alignment” (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 “Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 10% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 79% 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 Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers 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 103 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.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
46 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.