Will AI replace Metal machining setters and setter-operators?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 54 official task statements scored for Metal machining setters and setter-operators (United Kingdom, SOC 5221), 5% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 21 out of 100 (range 17–27, band: low). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

Which tasks in “Metal machining setters and setter-operators” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Review and monitor work to ensure it meets technical standards” (93/100, very high); “Calculate machine speed and feed ratios for optimal operation” (75/100, high); “Complete standard operational procedures documentation for machining” (66/100, 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 “Metal machining setters and setter-operators” stay human?

About 76% 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: “Return tools and unused materials to a clean, safe condition upon work completion” (0/100, minimal); “Repair or replace worn or defective machine parts” (0/100, minimal); “Maintain and restore the machining work area through housekeeping and waste management” (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 “Metal machining setters and setter-operators” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 5% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 76% 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 Metal machining setters and setter-operators 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 54 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

Metal machining setters and setter-operators

programming computers to operate machinery for precision manufacturing, adjusting machine feed and speed when automatic programming is faulty or machines malfunction and operating machines according to technical specifications. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: setting and operating computer-controlled machinery 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: 5%
changing shape: 19%
staying human: 76%

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

Whole-job exposure score 21 out of 100 (17–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, across 54 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 metal machining setters and setter-operators 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 reviewing and monitoring work to ensure it meets technical standards: the overhead at the edges, not the middle you trained for.

Your week, as this page understands it

Metal machining setters and setter-operators operate machines to drill, bore, grind, cut, mill or otherwise shape metal workpieces. The job title says “metal machining setters” or “setter-operators”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: setting and operating computer-controlled machinery. 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 metal machining setters and setter-operators is not one task. It is 54 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is setting and operating computer-controlled machinery, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 5%
changing shape: 19%
staying human: 76%

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.

21 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

3 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.

Calculating machine speed and feed ratios for optimal operation
This is reading one thing and writing another: machine in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Calculate machine speed and feed ratios for optimal operation.” (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: Speeds and feeds come from published tables and formulas, so software calculates them 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.
Reviewing and monitoring work to ensure it meets technical standards
This is reading one thing and writing another: work in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Review and monitor work to ensure it meets technical standards.” (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: Checking work against written technical standards is exactly the kind of comparison software does thoroughly.
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.
Completing standard operational procedures documentation for machining
This is reading one thing and writing another: standard operational procedures documentation in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 5221/01
Source: “Complete standard operational procedures documentation for machining.” (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: Writing up standard procedures is document work software drafts well, with an engineer checking before use.
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.

Changing shape

10 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.

Programming computers to operate machinery for precision manufacturing
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 90 · 5221/01
Source: “Programme computers to operate machinery for precision manufacturing.” (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: Software can draft machine programmes, but making them cut a real part safely still needs the setter's checking.
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.
Writing programmes for computer numerical control
The software now makes the first pass at programmes, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 90 · 5221/01
Source: “Write programmes for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.” (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: Code for cutting a part can be drafted automatically, though proving it on the actual machine remains the setter's job.
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.
Reviewing blueprints to determine finished workpiece dimensions and numerical control sequences
The software now makes the first pass at blueprints, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Review blueprints to determine finished workpiece dimensions and numerical control sequences.” (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 read a drawing and suggest dimensions and sequences, though complex parts still need an experienced check.
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.
Transferring commands from servers to computer numerical control
The software now makes the first pass at commands, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.” (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: Sending programmes from a server to a machine over the network is ordinary computer plumbing.
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.

Staying human

41 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.

Entering codes and instructions to program computer-controlled machinery
This work happens in the physical world: codes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5221/01
Source: “Enter codes and instructions to program computer-controlled machinery.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The code itself can be drafted, but it is usually typed in at the machine's own control panel.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Setting and operating computer-controlled machinery
This work happens in the physical world: computer-controlled machinery, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5221/01
Source: “Set and operate computer-controlled machinery.” (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: Setting up and running machines means loading and adjusting them in 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 3/4.
Reviewing programme specifications to set machine operations and sequencing
This work happens in the physical world: programme specifications, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Review programme specifications to set machine operations and sequencing.” (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: Working out the operations from a specification is partly desk work and partly setting things at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 44 tasks

Determining the most efficient sequence for machining tasks
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the most efficient sequence, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Determine the most efficient sequence for machining tasks.” (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: Working out the most efficient machining order is a planning calculation 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.
Identifying and reporting issues internally throughout the production process
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at issues internally throughout the production process, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Identify and report issues internally throughout the production process, which affect quality and meeting deadlines.” (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: Flagging quality and deadline issues is reporting work, though it depends on noticing them in production.
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.
Informing stakeholders, including customers and colleagues, about machining work
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at stakeholders, including customers and colleagues, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 5221/01
Source: “Inform stakeholders, including customers and colleagues, about machining work.” (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: Keeping customers and colleagues updated about the work is written and spoken communication software can largely prepare.
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.
Selecting the appropriate tools for each stage of the manufacturing process
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the appropriate tools, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Select the appropriate tools for each stage of the manufacturing process.” (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: Tool catalogues are well documented, so software can suggest tooling, but shop experience decides the final pick.
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.
Determining the size and position of cuts for precision
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the size, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Determine the size and position of cuts for precision.” (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: Working out cut sizes and positions is calculation software can do, though the setter checks it against the job.
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.
Planning and preparing sequence for the machining activities
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at sequence, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Plan and prepare sequence for the machining activities.” (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: Sequencing machining steps can be drafted by software, though the shop's tooling and fixtures shape the answer.
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.
Modifying cutting programmes to account for operational problems
staying human
The ratings behind this row put programmes well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Modify cutting programmes to account for operational problems.” (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: Editing a programme is screen work, but the problem being fixed is specific to that machine and job.
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.
Obtaining approval to continue production in consultation with supervisors or programmers
staying human
The ratings behind this row put approval well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Obtain approval to continue production in consultation with supervisors or programmers.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Getting the go-ahead to continue is a short conversation and record, though the decision rests with a supervisor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Setting specific cutting speeds and tolerance levels for manufacturing machinery
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: specific cutting speeds, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Set specific cutting speeds and tolerance levels for manufacturing machinery.” (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: The numbers can be worked out at a screen, but they are dialled in and proved at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supporting continuous improvement activity within the organisation
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles continuous improvement activity within the organisation and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Support continuous improvement activity within the organisation.” (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: Improvement ideas can be drafted, but making them stick depends on colleagues taking them up.
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.
Resolving system malfunctions by consulting with engineers or other personnel
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: system malfunctions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Resolve system malfunctions by consulting with engineers or other personnel.” (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: Sorting out a machine fault usually means standing at it and talking it through with colleagues.
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.
Resolving production problems in consultation with supervisors or engineers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: production problems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Resolve production problems in consultation with supervisors or engineers.” (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: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Talking a production problem through with engineers depends on what people can see and hear at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Checking materials conform to the specified grades
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials conform, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Check materials conform to the specified grades, dimensions, thicknesses and diameters.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Grades and sizes are on the paperwork software can check, but confirming the actual bar in the rack means measuring it.
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 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inputting initial part dimensions into machine control panels
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: initial part dimensions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (12–26 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Typing part dimensions into a control panel is trivial data entry, but the panel is on the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reading dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: dials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (12–26 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Interpreting readings is well documented, but the dials have to be watched at the vehicle.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Loading control media, such as tapes, cards or discs, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: control media, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Load control media, such as tapes, cards, or discs, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal 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: Loading programme media means being at the controller, although networked transfer already replaces much of it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring CNC machine operations to detect malfunctions and ensure precision
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: CNC machine operations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Monitor CNC machine operations to detect malfunctions and ensure precision.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Watching for a machining problem relies on the operator's eyes and ears at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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.
Ensuring correct tooling, work holding and materials are used for machining tasks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: correct tooling, work holding and materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Ensure correct tooling, work holding, and materials are used for machining tasks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Confirming the right tools, clamping and material are fitted means physically checking the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining CNC machinery to ensure precision and efficiency
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: CNC machinery, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Maintain CNC machinery to ensure precision and efficiency.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Keeping a machine tool in good order means physically servicing and adjusting it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Setting tooling and equipment according to specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Set tooling and equipment according to specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting tooling and equipment to specification is hands-on setting work at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Setting up, operate and adjusting conventional or CNC machining equipment settings and programmes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: up, operate and adjusting conventional or CNC, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Set up, operate, and adjust conventional or CNC machining equipment settings and programmes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Setting up and adjusting machining equipment is physical work done at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Starting CNC machines by engaging controls to begin production processes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: CNC machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Start CNC machines by engaging controls to begin production processes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Starting a machine means being at it and engaging the controls.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inspecting components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Inspect components produced.” (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: Inspecting parts means handling them with gauges and measuring instruments.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Performing scheduled daily inspection and machine shut down or safe isolation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: scheduled daily inspection, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Perform scheduled daily inspection and machine shut down or safe isolation.” (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: Daily inspection and safe isolation must be carried out physically at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Adjusting machine feed and speed when automatic programming is faulty or machines malfunction
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machine, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Adjust machine feed and speed when automatic programming is faulty or machines malfunction.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Correcting a misbehaving machine means standing at it, listening and adjusting the controls.
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.
Checking that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workpieces are properly, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Check that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking coolant and lubrication means looking at the running machine.
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.
Maintaining equipment to ensure proper working condition
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Maintain equipment to ensure proper working condition.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Keeping machines running is hands-on work with tools, even though the servicing schedules behind it can be planned by software.
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.
Resolving problems by adjusting machine controls
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: problems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Resolve problems by adjusting machine controls.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fixing a problem by adjusting the controls means being at the machine while it runs.
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.
Operating machines according to technical specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Operate machines according to technical specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (2–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Running a machine to specification is physical operation on the shop floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Machining high-quality complex components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: high-quality complex components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Machine high-quality complex components using processes such as thread cutting, under cutting, and forming profiles.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 4 out of 100 (0–8 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 a complex part is skilled hands-on machine work that software cannot perform.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · 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.
Ensuring machines are safe after operation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machines are safe after operation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Ensure machines are safe after operation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Making a machine safe after use is done by hand at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting assembled or finished products to ensure conformance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: assembled, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5221/01
Source: “Inspect assembled or finished products to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.” (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: Measuring finished products with precision instruments requires handling 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.
Attaching and adjusting guides, stops, clamps, chucks or feed mechanisms, using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: guides, stops, clamps, chucks or feed mechanisms, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Attach and adjust guides, stops, clamps, chucks, or feed mechanisms, 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 clamps, chucks and guides with hand tools is manual work at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Checking equipment to ensure that it is operating and functioning correctly
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Check equipment to ensure that it is operating and functioning correctly.” (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: Checking a machine works properly means switching it on and looking at it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Observing and listening to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machinery operation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Hearing a machine running badly means being on the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Positioning, securing and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: align cutting tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines 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: Positioning and aligning cutting tools by hand is manual work at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Removing and replacing blunt cutting tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: blunt cutting tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Remove and replace blunt cutting 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: Swapping a blunt tool is a manual job done at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Setting up future jobs while machines are operating
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: future jobs while machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Set up future jobs while machines are operating.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Preparing the next job's tooling and fixtures while a machine runs is hands-on setup 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.
Stopping machines to remove completed components using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5221/01
Source: “Stop machines to remove completed components 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: Stopping the machine and taking the finished part out is manual handling.
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 machines, tooling or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machines, tooling or parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.” (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 machines and parts with solvent and rags is manual work at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Lifting workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workpieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.” (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: Lifting workpieces onto a machine by hand, hoist or crane is physical handling.
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.
Maintaining and restoring the machining work area through housekeeping and waste management
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the machining work area, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Maintain and restore the machining work area through housekeeping and waste management.” (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: Housekeeping and waste handling in the work area is manual 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 or replacing worn or defective machine parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: worn, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Repair or replace worn or defective machine parts.” (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: Replacing worn machine parts is physical fitting 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.
Returning tools and unused materials to a clean
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5221/01
Source: “Return tools and unused materials to a clean, safe condition upon work completion.” (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: Tidying tools and materials away is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £35,700a 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: 40,400in 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: work in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: reviewing and monitoring work to ensure it meets technical standards and calculating machine speed and feed ratios for optimal operation. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where computer-controlled machinery gets done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Start with what does not change: setting and operating computer-controlled machinery is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 5% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 19% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 76% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 54 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. Reviewing and monitoring work to ensure it meets technical standards 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 work, 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 computer-controlled machinery is in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near programming computers to operate machinery for precision manufacturing. 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 metal machining setters and setter-operators (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was metal working machine operatives: only about 11% of its durable work is work you already do and it pays 11.8% less. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 21/100 here, with only 5% of the task list in the top band, and “enter codes and instructions to program computer-controlled machinery” 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.

Metal working machine operatives
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “repair or replace worn or defective machine parts”. 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: £31,500 against your £35,718, 11.8% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “set up, operate, and adjust conventional or CNC machining equipment settings and programmes”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 9% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 9% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. And it is a narrow door: about 8,600 of those jobs against 40,400 of yours (ONS via Nomis), 21% as many seats.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Textile process operatives
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “set up, operate, and adjust conventional or CNC machining equipment settings and programmes”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 9% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 9% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: £27,915 against your £35,718, 21.8% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice. And it is a narrow door: about 9,600 of those jobs against 40,400 of yours (ONS via Nomis), 24% as many seats.
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: 5% of its task weight, across 54 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 setting and operating computer-controlled machinery 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 Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 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 Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Machinists, Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other and Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. 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 metal machining setters / setter-operators, 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 5% 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 metal machining setters / setter-operators. 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 metal machining setters / setter-operators launches. Nothing else.

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No Space for metal machining setters / setter-operators 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

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Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Metal machining setters and setter-operators?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 54 official task statements scored for Metal machining setters and setter-operators (United Kingdom, SOC 5221), 5% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 21 out of 100 (range 17–27, band: low). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Metal machining setters and setter-operators” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Review and monitor work to ensure it meets technical standards” (93/100, very high); “Calculate machine speed and feed ratios for optimal operation” (75/100, high); “Complete standard operational procedures documentation for machining” (66/100, 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 “Metal machining setters and setter-operators” stay human?: About 76% 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: “Return tools and unused materials to a clean, safe condition upon work completion” (0/100, minimal); “Repair or replace worn or defective machine parts” (0/100, minimal); “Maintain and restore the machining work area through housekeeping and waste management” (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 “Metal machining setters and setter-operators” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 5% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 76% 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 Metal machining setters and setter-operators 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 54 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.
21 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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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.