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IT network professionals

analysing a network system and making recommendations to optimise performance and efficiencies, defining parameters for installation of networking equipment and identifying network problems and assessing data for disaster recovery purposes. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

This job is splitting in two: setting up user accounts for system access is work AI now does quickly and cheaply, and completing cabling tasks, including coaxial, copper and fibre installations is work it can't touch.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Which half fills your week decides your exposure. That is more in your control than it sounds.

Your week, as this page understands it

IT network professionals design, set up and maintain computer networks, support the network users and fix problems which arise. The job title says “it network professionals”. The real job is the part underneath: completing cabling tasks, including coaxial, copper and fibre installations. 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 it network professionals is not one task. It is 55 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is completing cabling tasks, including coaxial, copper and fibre installations, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI
51%
changing shape
36%
staying human
13%

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

Whole-job exposure score 61 out of 100 (55–67 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, across 55 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 it network professionals 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 2026-08-05. 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.

Shifting to AI

28 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.

  • Analysing network data to determine network usage

    This is reading one thing and writing another: network data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Analyse network data to determine network usage.” (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: Working out who is using the network and how much is straightforward analysis of data already collected.

    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.

  • Assessing LAN or WAN performance data to ensure network availability

    This is reading one thing and writing another: LAN in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Assess LAN or WAN performance data to ensure network availability and speed.” (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: Software reads performance data well, though judging whether the network is healthy still needs an engineer's eye.

    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.

  • Configuring networking software and operating system software

    This is reading one thing and writing another: software in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Configure networking software and operating system software.” (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: Configuration files are highly automatable, though getting them right for a specific environment takes local knowledge.

    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.

  • Configuring security settings and access permissions for specific groups or individuals

    This is reading one thing and writing another: security settings in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Configure security settings and access permissions for specific groups or individuals.” (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: Permission settings follow clear rules and are applied at a screen, so most of the work can be generated.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

20 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.

  • Analysing a network system and making recommendations to optimise performance and efficiencies

    The software now makes the first pass at a network system, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 90 · 2137/00
    Source: “Analyse a network system and make recommendations to optimise performance and efficiencies.” (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: Network performance data is easy for software to analyse, though some checks mean being near the equipment.

    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.

  • Diagnosing network or connectivity problems for users or user groups

    The software now makes the first pass at network, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 90 · 2137/00
    Source: “Diagnose network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.” (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: Connectivity faults are diagnosed largely from remote data, though some need someone at the desk or cabinet.

    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 the system configuration for the networking environment

    The software now makes the first pass at the system configuration, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Design the system configuration for the networking environment.” (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 sketch a network design, but the choices that matter need an engineer who knows the site.

    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

7 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.

  • Testing computer hardware, networking software and operating system software

    This work happens in the physical world: computer hardware, networking software and operating system software, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Test computer hardware, networking software, and operating system software.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Software testing runs on a screen, but hardware testing means plugging things in and swapping parts by hand.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Designing and implementing new solutions to enhance operational efficiency

    This work happens in the physical world: new solutions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Design and implement new solutions to enhance operational efficiency.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (17–31 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: An improvement can be designed at a desk, but putting it into practice happens in the lab.

    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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Installing and configuring network connections for homes and businesses

    This work happens in the physical world: network connections, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Install and configure network connections for homes and businesses.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Installing connections means running cable and fitting equipment in the building.

    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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 45 tasks

  • Setting up user accounts for system access

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: user accounts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Set up user accounts for system access.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 100 out of 100 (96–100 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: Creating user accounts is a repeatable, fully documented process that software already handles start to finish.

    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 4/4.

  • Monitoring industry websites and publications for updates on patches

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: industry websites in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 2137/00
    Source: “Monitor industry websites and publications for updates on patches, releases, and virus alerts.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 100 out of 100 (96–100 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: Patch notices and security alerts are published openly, and watching those feeds is something software does continuously.

    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 4/4.

  • Gathering and prioritising information to report network operational status

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Gather and prioritise information to report network operational status.” (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: Pulling status information together into a report is routine data work software handles reliably.

    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.

  • Maintaining logs related to network functions to ensure system integrity and performance

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: logs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Maintain logs related to network functions to ensure system integrity and performance.” (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: Network logs are generated and maintained by the systems themselves with very little human input.

    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.

  • Updating technical documentation for network installations to reflect changes or new installations

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: technical documentation in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Update technical documentation for network installations to reflect changes or new installations.” (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: Updating technical documentation from change records is exactly the kind of writing software does well.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Generating monthly network reports

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: network reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 2137/00
    Source: “Generate monthly network reports.” (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: Monthly reports are produced from data the network already collects.

    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.

  • Recording help desk requests and resolutions

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: help desk requests in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 2137/00
    Source: “Record help desk requests and resolutions.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Logging requests and how they were fixed is structured record-keeping that software does accurately.

    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.

  • Recording network support activities

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: network support activities in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 2137/00
    Source: “Record network support activities.” (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: Recording support activity is routine data entry that systems increasingly do by themselves.

    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.

  • Revising user manuals to clarify operational procedures

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: user manuals in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 2137/00
    Source: “Revise user manuals to clarify operational procedures.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (86–100 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: Rewriting a manual for clarity is a writing job software does quickly and consistently.

    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.

  • Defining parameters for installation of networking equipment

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: parameters in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Define parameters for installation of networking equipment.” (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: Installation parameters follow documented standards that software can set out for an engineer to approve.

    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.

  • Identifying network problems and assessing data for disaster recovery purposes

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: network problems in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Identify network problems and assess data for disaster recovery purposes.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Fault patterns and recovery data are well recorded, so software can spot problems and summarise the risks.

    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.

  • Planning upgrades and security backups of hardware and software systems

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: upgrades in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Plan upgrades and security backups of hardware and software systems.” (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: Upgrade and backup schedules are planning work 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.

  • Testing and evaluating security products

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: security products in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Test and evaluate security 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: Running products through tests and writing up the comparison is documented desk work software handles well.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Interpreting requirements and technical specifications for network systems

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: requirements in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Interpret requirements and technical specifications for network systems.” (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: Reading requirements and specifications and explaining what they mean is document work AI is strong at.

    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.

  • Managing database access permissions based on user roles and security requirements

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: database access permissions in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Manage database access permissions based on user roles and security requirements.” (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: Access rules based on job roles are written down, so applying them is largely a screen-based, repeatable job.

    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 logical records in line with organisational policy when carrying out network tasks

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: accurate logical records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 2137/00
    Source: “Maintain accurate logical records in line with organisational policy when carrying out network tasks.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Recording what was done on the network is routine writing, though it depends on work someone actually carried out.

    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.

  • Auditing IP addressing and hosted devices within data centres

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: IP in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Audit IP addressing and hosted devices within data centres.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (62–76 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: Comparing address records against connected devices is data work, though data centre checks sometimes mean going in.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Securing network systems by establishing policies and monitoring access

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: network systems in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Secure network systems by establishing policies and monitoring access.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Security policies and access monitoring are well documented and largely automated, with an engineer accountable.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Supporting and administering firewall environments in line with IT security policy

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: firewall environments in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Support and administer firewall environments in line with IT security policy.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Firewall rules follow documented policy, so software can draft and check them for an engineer to apply.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Ensuring systems comply

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: systems in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Ensure systems comply with technical, security, and data standards.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Checking systems against written technical and security standards is detailed, rule-based work software gets through quickly.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Reporting and analysing computer network security breaches or attempts

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: computer network security breaches in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Report and analyse computer network security breaches or attempts.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Sifting logs for signs of a breach and writing it up is exactly the sort of pattern work 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 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Defining, documenting and enforcing networking system standards

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: system standards in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Define, document, and enforce networking system standards.” (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: Standards documents are drafted easily by software, though getting people to follow them takes an engineer.

    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.

  • Providing telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: telephone support in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.” (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: Most connectivity questions follow known patterns that a good support system can answer.

    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.

  • Installing and configuring firewalls to protect network

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: firewalls in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Install and configure firewalls to protect network.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 62 out of 100 (55–69 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: Firewall settings are heavily documented and mostly configured in software, with occasional hands-on work.

    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 4/4.

  • Configuring routing and switching equipment to ensure efficient network traffic flow

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at equipment, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Configure routing and switching equipment to ensure efficient network traffic flow.” (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: Router and switch configurations follow well-documented patterns that software can write accurately.

    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.

  • Identifying the causes of networking problems using diagnostic testing software and equipment

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at the causes of networking problems, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Identify the causes of networking problems using diagnostic testing software and equipment.” (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: Reading logs and test results to find the cause of a fault is something software is now very good at.

    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.

  • Monitoring network performance and troubleshooting problems and outages

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at network performance, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Monitor network performance and troubleshoot problems and outages.” (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: Monitoring tools flag problems automatically, but restoring service sometimes needs someone on site.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Investigating data network faults in local and wide area environments using information from multiple sources

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at data network faults, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Investigate data network faults in local and wide area environments using information from multiple sources.” (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: Pulling together evidence from several systems to find a network fault is something software does quickly.

    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.

  • Maintaining networks by performing regular backups to ensure data security

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at networks, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Maintain networks by performing regular backups to ensure data security.” (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: Backups largely run themselves, but network maintenance still involves the equipment.

    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.

  • Managing capacity within data centres

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at capacity within data centres, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 70 · 2137/00
    Source: “Manage capacity within data centres.” (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: Capacity planning uses recorded usage figures, which software analyses and projects 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.

  • Providing remote support to on-site engineers and end users/customers during installation

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at remote support, 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 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Provide remote support to on-site engineers and end users/customers during installation.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 53 out of 100 (46–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Remote troubleshooting advice suits software well, though engineers on site want a colleague on the line.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Scheduling network upgrades in collaboration with network architects to optimise performance

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at network upgrades, 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 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Schedule network upgrades in collaboration with network architects to optimise performance.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 53 out of 100 (46–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Scheduling upgrades is planning and coordination work software can draft for the team to agree.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Speaking to customers via email and phone for initial requirement capture

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at customers via email, 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 70 · 2137/00
    Source: “Speak to customers via email and phone for initial requirement capture.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 53 out of 100 (46–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Emails can be drafted automatically, but customers explaining what they need usually want to talk to 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 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Improving resilience of the current environment through strategic planning

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at resilience of the current environment, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Improve resilience of the current environment through strategic planning.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Software can suggest resilience improvements, but the plan that works depends on knowing this organisation.

    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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Migrating systems from on-premise storage onto the cloud using AWS

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at systems, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Migrate systems from on-premise storage onto the cloud using AWS.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Cloud migration steps are thoroughly documented, but moving real systems still needs careful engineering work.

    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 4/4.

  • Applying strategic practice to technology solutions development

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at strategic practice, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 70 · 2137/00
    Source: “Apply strategic practice to technology solutions development.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Strategy can be drafted, but applying it to a particular organisation needs inside 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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Configuring hosted IP voice services for optimal communication

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at hosted IP voice services, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 85 · 2137/00
    Source: “Configure hosted IP voice services for optimal communication.” (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: Voice service settings follow documented patterns, so software can produce most of the configuration.

    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.

  • Providing technical assistance to staff for resolving technical issues

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at technical assistance, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Provide technical assistance to staff for resolving technical issues.” (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: Many technical problems can be diagnosed and fixed remotely, though some need someone at the machine.

    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.

  • Upgrading data network equipment to the latest stable firmware releases

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at data network equipment, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Upgrade data network equipment to the latest stable firmware releases.” (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: Firmware upgrades are partly scripted, but applying and proving them still needs an engineer on the kit.

    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.

  • Applying change management to technology solutions development

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at change management, 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 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Apply change management to technology solutions development.” (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: Change management is about carrying people with you, which tools support with materials rather than perform.

    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.

  • Managing projects related to network operations

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at projects, 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 70 · 2137/00
    Source: “Manage projects related to network operations.” (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: Project administration can be automated; keeping a network project moving depends on people.

    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.

  • Conducting training for users on procedures for using network applications software

    staying human

    The value here is that a specific person handles users and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.

    importance 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Conduct training for users on procedures for using network applications software.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (32–46 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Training material is easy to produce, but running a session for users is done by a person.

    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 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Upgrading existing computer hardware, software and network systems

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: computer hardware, software and network systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Upgrade existing computer hardware, software, and network systems.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Software upgrades can be automated, but hardware and network kit must be physically changed.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Communicating effectively with a range of stakeholders

    staying human

    The value here is that a specific person handles a range of stakeholders and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.

    importance 75 · 2137/00
    Source: “Communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, both technical and non-technical, across all levels of influence and responsibility.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (14–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Communicating well with people at all levels depends on relationships and reading the room.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Completing cabling tasks, including coaxial, copper and fibre installations

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: tasks, including coaxial, copper and fibre installations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 2137/00
    Source: “Complete cabling tasks, including coaxial, copper, and fibre installations.” (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: Pulling and terminating cable is physical installation work done inside the building.

    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.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay
£48,900a 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
33,500in 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: user accounts in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: setting up user accounts for system access and analysing network data to determine network usage. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where tasks, including coaxial, copper and fibre installations 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

The exposed part of your job is the biggest part, and I am not going to dress that up: setting up user accounts for system access is work today's tools do quickly and cheaply, and that is not coming back.

So, given all that: 51% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 36% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 13% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 55 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

What you have that the software does not is completing cabling tasks, including coaxial, copper and fibre installations, plus the years of knowing when something looks wrong before you can say why. That is the raw material for everything below.

This week: one thing

Sit on the machine's side of the desk. Pick one real piece of user accounts you would normally do yourself, let whatever software you already have take the first pass at it, and then go through what it produced and write down every single thing it got wrong. One evening this week. Do not fix anything yet. Just catch it.

What you end up holding
a written list of the machine’s mistakes, in your handwriting
How long it takes
an evening, or an hour if you pick one job rather than one client

If you can’t run software on your employer’s or your clients’ data: Do the same hunt on paper. Take one printed piece of user accounts, work through it the way you always do, and mark every point where you made a call rather than followed a rule. Same evening, same list, nothing to log into and nobody to ask permission from. That list is the same artifact: it is the judgment written down.

Over the next 90 days

Change one sentence about what you do. Not on a CV. Out loud, to whoever pays you. From “my job is setting up user accounts for system access” to “I check what the software does and tell you what it means.” Your error list from this week is what makes that sentence true instead of a claim, so use it: show it once, to one person, inside the next ninety days. Same skills, priced as judgment rather than as typing.

Over the next 12 months

Walk toward the end of this job that answers for things, and get it recognised. Pick the one part of completing cabling tasks, including coaxial, copper and fibre installations you are already best at, and spend the year making it formal: a qualification, a named responsibility, a specialism people ask for by name. Price it honestly: that is evenings, it is months rather than weeks, and the seats are competitive because everyone in your position is looking at the same door. 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 IT network professionals (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was IT technicians: only about 13% of its durable work is work you already do, it is under the same pressure this job is and it pays 27.9% less. I am not going to pretend that is comfortable news: 51% of your own task list is already in the top exposure band. But the answer on this evidence is not a sideways jump into a job with the same problem. It is to walk toward the end of this one that answers for things. “analyse a network system and make recommendations to optimise performance and efficiencies” is the part that stays with a person, and spending a year getting formally recognised for it beats a standing start somewhere else.

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.

  • IT 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: “communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, both technical and non-technical, across all levels of influence…”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 13% of the work in that job the software is not taking.

    Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 13% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. I will not move you off one melting floe onto another: 60% of its own task list already scores in the top exposure band (61/100 in this release), so the same software is eating it. It is a pay cut, in those words: £35,259 against your £48,907, 27.9% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Computer system and equipment installers and servicers

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “upgrade existing computer hardware, software, and network systems”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 12% of the work in that job the software is not taking.

    Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 12% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. It is a pay cut, in those words: £34,237 against your £48,907, 30.0% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • IT user support 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: “communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, both technical and non-technical, across all levels of influence…”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 11% of the work in that job the software is not taking.

    Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 11% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. It is a pay cut, in those words: £35,128 against your £48,907, 28.2% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.

    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: 51% of its task weight, across 55 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.

  • “It’s too late for me to become something else”

    You are not starting from zero, and the page shows why: completing cabling tasks, including coaxial, copper and fibre installations is work the software cannot do and you already do it. The move above is a repricing of what you know, not a new career. Nobody who has just left college has that.

  • “I should learn to code”

    Almost certainly not. The value in your job is moving toward checking, deciding and answering for the output, not toward writing the software. A weekend of Python will not change your position; the error list from this week will.

  • 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 Computer Network Support Specialists 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 Computer Network Support Specialists and Computer Network Architects. 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.

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for it network professionals, 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 51% 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 it network professionals. 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 it network professionals launches. Nothing else.

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No Space for it network professionals 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 it network professionals existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

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Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace IT network professionals?
Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 55 official task statements scored for IT network professionals (United Kingdom, SOC 2137), 51% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 61 out of 100 (range 55–67, band: high). 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 “IT network professionals” can AI already do?
The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Set up user accounts for system access” (100/100, very high); “Monitor industry websites and publications for updates on patches, releases, and virus alerts” (100/100, very high); “Analyse network data to determine network usage” (93/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “IT network professionals” stay human?
About 13% 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: “Complete cabling tasks, including coaxial, copper, and fibre installations” (0/100, minimal); “Install and configure network connections for homes and businesses” (9/100, minimal); “Communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, both technical and non-technical, across all levels of influence and responsibility” (18/100, 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 “IT network professionals” do about AI?
Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 51% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 13% 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 IT network professionals 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 55 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.
  • 22 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.

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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 . 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.