Will AI replace Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 97 official task statements scored for Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations (United Kingdom, SOC 5212), 1% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 7 out of 100 (range 5–11, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

What should someone working in “Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 1% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 92% 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.

UK dataswitch to US

Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations

checking the horse's legs, feet and hooves for problems, mixing specified amounts of sand, verifying dimensions of completed patterns and manufacturing tools for themselves and other crafts. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: operating the furnaces that melt metal 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: 1%
changing shape: 7%
staying human: 92%

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

Whole-job exposure score 7 out of 100 (5–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 97 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 plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations 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 sketching initial design ideas: the overhead at the edges, not the middle you trained for.

Your week, as this page understands it

Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations mark off, drill, shape, position, rivet and seal metal plates and girders to form structures and frameworks operate power hammers and presses to shape heated metal to requirements and to make and repair a variety of metal articles and make moulds and cores for casting metal and pour or inject molten metal into dies. The job title says “metal plate workers”, “smiths”, “moulders” or “related occupations”: officially one job, several names. The real job is the part underneath: operating the furnaces that melt metal. 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 plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations is not one task. It is 97 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is operating the furnaces that melt metal, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 1%
changing shape: 7%
staying human: 92%

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

How we know this

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

2 rows are marked low confidence, so treat them as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
34 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

1 task

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.

Sketching initial design ideas
This is reading one thing and writing another: initial design ideas in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 5212/04
Source: “Sketch initial design ideas.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 62 out of 100 (58–66 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: Initial idea sketches are quick to generate in quantity, which is exactly what this stage needs.
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.

Changing shape

7 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

Designing templates, patterns or coreboxes based on work orders and sampling parts
The software now makes the first pass at templates, patterns or coreboxes, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 5212/03
Source: “Design templates, patterns, or coreboxes based on work orders and sample parts.” (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: Design software can produce a workable first pattern or corebox from a work order, but a maker still refines it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining material dimensions, required equipment and operations sequences by studying blueprints, drawings and sketches
The software now makes the first pass at material dimensions, required equipment and operations sequences, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences by studying blueprints, drawings, and sketches.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (52–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading a drawing to work out sizes, tools and the order of work is analysis software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reading engineering drawings, illustrations or specifications to determine layouts
The software now makes the first pass at drawings, illustrations or specifications, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Read engineering drawings, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading drawings to work out layout and order of operations is interpretation software is increasingly capable of.
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.
Selecting pattern materials, wood, resin and fibreglass
The software now makes the first pass at pattern materials, wood, resin and fibreglass, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Select pattern materials such as wood, resin, and fibreglass.” (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: Material properties are well documented, so a sensible shortlist can be drafted, but the casting decides the final choice.
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.
Generating computer models using specialist software to create precise mould designs
The software now makes the first pass at computer models, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 5212/03
Source: “Generate computer models using specialist software to create precise mould designs.” (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: Modelling work happens entirely at a screen, though precise mould geometry still needs an experienced hand to correct it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

89 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.

Operating the furnaces that melt metal
This work happens in the physical world: the furnaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/01, 5212/03, 5212/04
Source: “Operate the furnaces that melt metal.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Running a melting furnace means being on the foundry floor operating it, not sitting at a screen.
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.
Pouring metal into melting pots
This work happens in the physical world: metal, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/01, 5212/03
Source: “Pour metal into melting pots, furnaces, moulds, or hoppers using shovels, ladles, or machines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Pouring molten metal is physical work at the furnace.
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.
Checking the horse's legs, feet and hooves for problems
This work happens in the physical world: the horse's legs, feet and hooves, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5212/02
Source: “Check the horse's legs, feet and hooves for problems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking a horse’s legs and hooves means handling the animal and feeling for problems.
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.
Forging horseshoes by hand or using a machine
This work happens in the physical world: horseshoes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5212/02
Source: “Forge horseshoes by hand or using a machine.” (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: Forging a horseshoe means hot metal, hammer and anvil.
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.

Show the other 87 tasks

Keeping records documenting animal health
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at records documenting animal health, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 5212/02
Source: “Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behaviour.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (52–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Keeping health, diet and behaviour records is form-filling software handles well once the observations are made.
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.
Reading job sheets to determine instructions and specifications for machine set-up
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at job sheets, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 5212/04
Source: “Read job sheets to determine instructions and specifications for machine set-up.” (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 set-up instructions out of a job sheet is exactly the kind of reading and extraction software handles 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.
Understanding various diagnostic techniques used by veterinary surgeons in equine welfare and know when to refer to specialists
staying human
The ratings behind this row put various diagnostic techniques well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 70 · 5212/02
Source: “Understand various diagnostic techniques used by veterinary surgeons in equine welfare and know when to refer to specialists.” (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: Knowing what vets test for and when to refer is documented knowledge, though applying it to the animal present is experience.
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.
Identifying different equine breeds and types for breed identification purposes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: different equine breeds, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5212/02
Source: “Identify different equine breeds and types for breed identification purposes.” (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: Breeds and types are well documented and recognisable from images, though the farrier normally stands beside the horse.
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.
Selecting and handling materials used in blacksmithing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/04
Source: “Select and handle materials used in blacksmithing, considering their properties and effects of heat and environment on metalwork.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Written knowledge about metals and heat is easy to summarise, but choosing and handling the stock happens at the forge.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Producing a thorough foot care plan based on the individual equine's requirements
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for a thorough foot care plan, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 5212/02
Source: “Produce a thorough foot care plan based on the individual equine's requirements, breed, and type.” (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: someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: A written foot-care plan can be drafted from notes, but a registered farrier’s own hands-on findings decide it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Discussing required work with the horse owner
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles required work and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 85 · 5212/02
Source: “Discuss required work with the horse owner.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 21 out of 100 (14–28 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Agreeing the work with an owner rests on a trusted, long-running relationship, even though notes can be drafted.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Monitoring air and temperature gauges or metal colour and fluidity to assess process conditions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: air, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/01
Source: “Monitor air and temperature gauges or metal colour and fluidity to assess process conditions.” (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: Sensors can watch some readings, but judging metal colour and flow means standing at the furnace.
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.
Communicating effectively verbally with clients
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles this work and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 80 · 5212/02
Source: “Communicate effectively verbally with clients, colleagues, and the public.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (9–17 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: Speaking well with clients and the public is a live human exchange, not a document.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Joining a farriery practice to work as part of a team or practice as an individual
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: a farriery practice, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/02
Source: “Join a farriery practice to work as part of a team or practice as an individual.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (0–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, low confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Working within a farriery practice is about being there and doing the work alongside colleagues.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Selecting, using, maintaining and storing equipment, tools and materials appropriately
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, tools and materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/02
Source: “Select, use, maintain, and store equipment, tools, and materials appropriately.” (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: Choosing, using and looking after tools is physical craft work at the forge and bench.
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.
Identifying and dealing with potential health and safety hazards in accordance with company policies
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: potential health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/02
Source: “Identify and deal with potential health and safety hazards in accordance with company policies.” (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: Company policy can be written out, but spotting and clearing a hazard happens in the workshop.
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.
Adhering to health and safety practices in the workshop to ensure a safe working environment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/04
Source: “Adhere to health and safety practices in the workshop to ensure a safe working environment.” (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: Written safety practice is easy to produce, but a safe workshop depends on how people behave in 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.
Measuring and inspecting machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machined parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/04
Source: “Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Measuring finished parts against the spec means holding gauges on the actual metal.
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.
Selling goods directly to customers or stockists from a studio
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: goods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5212/04
Source: “Sell goods directly to customers or stockists from a studio, shop, or gallery.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Selling in a shop or gallery means being there with the customer and the work.
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 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining own and others' safety at work
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: own, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/02
Source: “Maintain own and others' safety at work.” (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: Keeping yourself and others safe at work is about what you do physically on the day.
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.
Examining moulds to ensure they are clean
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: moulds, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/01
Source: “Examine moulds to ensure they are clean, smooth, and properly coated.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Judging whether a mould is clean and properly coated means looking at and touching the actual mould.
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.
Assessing equines and their gait using observational skills and knowledge of equine biomechanics
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5212/02
Source: “Assess equines and their gait using observational skills and knowledge of equine biomechanics.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Assessing how a horse moves means watching the animal in front of you, though video helps a little.
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.
Discussing the condition of equines and their hooves with owners and other professionals
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the condition of equines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/02
Source: “Discuss the condition of equines and their hooves with owners and other professionals, including veterinary surgeons.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: The horse has to be in front of you, and owners rely on a trusted farrier explaining what they are seeing.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Designing and creating bespoke architectural ironwork
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: bespoke architectural ironwork, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5212/04
Source: “Design and create bespoke architectural ironwork, such as public art sculptures, gates, and railings, using hot forging and other metalworking processes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Ideas for bespoke ironwork can be sketched digitally, but the piece itself is forged by hand at the anvil.
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 2/4.
Executing tasks according to customer instructions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tasks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/04
Source: “Execute tasks according to customer instructions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–19 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, low confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Carrying out what the customer asked for means doing the metalwork itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Signaling workers to sample metal for analysis
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5212/01
Source: “Signal workers to sample metal for analysis.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (0–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Signalling the right moment to take a sample depends on watching the melt in person.
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 1/4.
Collaborating with other craftspeople to create mixed media pieces by combining forged metals with other materials like wood
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: other craftspeople, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/04
Source: “Collaborate with other craftspeople to create mixed media pieces by combining forged metals with other materials like wood, stone, or plastic.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 4 out of 100 (0–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Making a mixed-media piece with other craftspeople is hands-on studio work built on working side by side.
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 2/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Providing treatment to sick or injured animals
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: treatment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5212/02
Source: “Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact vets to secure treatment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 2 out of 100 (0–6 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Treating a sick or injured animal is hands-on and, in law, is work for a veterinary surgeon rather than a farrier.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Adding metal to moulds to compensate for shrinkage
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metal, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/01
Source: “Add metal to moulds to compensate for shrinkage.” (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: Topping moulds up with molten metal is done by hand at the furnace.
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.
Loading specified amounts of metal into furnaces or clay crucibles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: specified amounts of metal, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/01
Source: “Load specified amounts of metal into furnaces or clay crucibles.” (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: Charging a furnace with weighed metal means lifting and loading it 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 2/4.
Assembling and embeding cores in casting frames using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cores, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/01
Source: “Assemble and embed cores in casting frames 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 cores into casting frames is hands-on work with tools at the moulding bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Collecting material samples for quality control
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: material samples, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/01
Source: “Collect material samples for quality control.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Taking a physical sample of hot metal needs someone standing at the furnace with a ladle.
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 metal ingots or cores from moulds using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metal ingots, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/01
Source: “Remove metal ingots or cores from moulds using hand tools, cranes, and chain hoists.” (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 ingots and cores out of moulds with hoists and hand tools is entirely physical.
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.
Skimming dross, slag or impurities from molten metal, using ladles, rakes, hoes, spatulas or spoons
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: dross, slag or impurities, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/01
Source: “Skim dross, slag, or impurities from molten metal, using ladles, rakes, hoes, spatulas, or spoons.” (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: Skimming impurities off molten metal is done by hand with a rake or ladle.
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 equipment, ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles or crucibles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles or crucibles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/01
Source: “Position equipment such as ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles, or crucibles.” (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: Moving ladles, grinding wheels and crucibles into position is heavy physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Removing solidified steel or slag from pouring nozzles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: solidified steel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/01
Source: “Remove solidified steel or slag from pouring nozzles, using long bars or oxygen burners.” (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: Clearing set steel from a pouring nozzle needs bars or a burner in someone’s hands.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Spraying water on filled moulds to cool and solidify metal
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: water, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/01
Source: “Spray water on filled moulds to cool and solidify metal.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Spraying water over filled moulds happens at the mould with a hose.
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 and maintaining metal forms and equipment using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metal forms, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5212/01
Source: “Repair and maintain metal forms and equipment using hand tools, sledgehammers, and bars.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Repairing metal forms and equipment is done with hammers and hand tools on the shop floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Pulling levers to lift ladle stoppers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: levers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5212/01
Source: “Pull levers to lift ladle stoppers.” (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 a lever to lift a ladle stopper is a physical action 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.
Signaling other workers to position equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: other workers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5212/01
Source: “Signal other workers to position equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Signalling workers to position equipment is done on site in view of 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 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Turning valves to direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: valves, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5212/01
Source: “Turn valves to direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.” (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: Turning a valve is a physical act 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.
Stenciling identifying information on equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: information, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 5212/01
Source: “Stencil identifying information on equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Stencilling markings onto equipment is done by hand on the item itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Forging fabricate and modifying all shoes required by an equine, using modern materials
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fabricate, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5212/02
Source: “Forge, fabricate, and modify all shoes required by an equine, using modern materials as needed.” (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 and adjusting shoes for a particular horse is forge work done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Preparing and trimming the hoof wall for both unshod horses and those that require shoes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the hoof wall, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5212/02
Source: “Prepare and trim the hoof wall for both unshod horses and those that require shoes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Trimming a hoof needs the farrier holding the foot and using a knife and rasp.
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.
Shoeing horses
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: horses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5212/02
Source: “Shoe horses.” (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 shoes to a live horse is entirely hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Trimming hooves
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: hooves, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5212/02
Source: “Trim hooves.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Trimming hooves is done with tools in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Nailing heel and toe cleats onto shoes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: heel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5212/02
Source: “Nail heel and toe cleats onto shoes.” (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: Nailing cleats onto a shoe is a manual forge task.
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.
Clipping animals' nails or claws
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: animals' nails, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5212/02
Source: “Clip animals' nails or claws.” (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: Clipping claws needs steady hands on the animal.
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.
Cutting sprue holes into moulds for casting processes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: sprue holes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5212/03
Source: “Cut sprue holes into moulds for casting processes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting sprue holes into a mould is done by hand at the moulding bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Making moulds from heat resistant materials
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: moulds, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5212/03
Source: “Make moulds from heat resistant materials.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Making a mould from heat-resistant material is physical shaping 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.
Removing moulded patterns
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: moulded patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5212/03
Source: “Remove moulded patterns.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Taking moulded patterns out 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.
Clamping moulds around areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: moulds around areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/03
Source: “Clamp moulds around areas to be repaired.” (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: Clamping a mould around a repair 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.
Creating wax replicas of moulds for investment casting processes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: wax replicas of moulds, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/03
Source: “Create wax replicas of moulds for investment casting processes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Making wax patterns for investment casting is hands-on craft 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.
Forming slab cores around patterns using hand tools and glue
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: slab cores around patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/03
Source: “Form slab cores around patterns using hand tools and glue.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Forming slab cores round a pattern with glue and hand tools 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 1/4.
Lifting upper mould sections from lower sections
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: upper mould sections, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/03
Source: “Lift upper mould sections from lower sections.” (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 the top half of a mould off the bottom is a physical lift.
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.
Mixing specified amounts of sand
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: specified amounts of sand, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/03
Source: “Mix specified amounts of sand, clay, mortar powder, and water to form refractory clay or mortar using shovels or mixing machines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Mixing sand, clay and mortar 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 3/4.
Positioning cores into lower sections of moulds
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cores, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/03
Source: “Position cores into lower sections of moulds.” (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: Placing cores into the bottom of a mould is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Reassembling moulds for pouring
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: moulds, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/03
Source: “Reassemble moulds for pouring.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Putting a mould back together before pouring is physical assembly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Shaping moulds to specified contours
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: moulds, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/03
Source: “Shape moulds to specified contours, using sand, and trowels and related tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Shaping sand moulds with trowels is skilled handwork at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Assembling pattern sections using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pattern sections, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Assemble pattern sections using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Bolting, riveting and welding pattern sections together is physical assembly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Cleaning and finishing patterns or templates
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.” (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 and finishing patterns with files and grinders 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 1/4.
Injecting resin into sand to create shell moulds
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: resin, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Inject resin into sand to create shell moulds.” (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: Injecting resin into sand to form shell moulds is 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.
Laying out patterns onto material using measuring instruments
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Lay out patterns onto material using 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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Marking out onto the material is physical bench work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Operating machines to bond cope and drag together
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Operate machines to bond cope and drag together, forming completed shell moulds.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Operating the machine that bonds mould halves together needs someone 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.
Positioning wire in mould sections to reinforce moulds
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: wire, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Position wire in mould sections to reinforce moulds.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Setting reinforcing wire inside a mould is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Repairing and reworking templates and patterns for mould making
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: templates, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Repair and rework templates and patterns for mould making.” (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: Reworking a physical pattern or template means cutting and filling the item itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Smoothing inner surfaces of moulds
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: inner surfaces of moulds, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Smooth inner surfaces of moulds using brushes, scrapers, air hoses, or grinding wheels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Smoothing the inside of a mould is done by hand with brushes and grinders.
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.
Verifying dimensions of completed patterns
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: dimensions of completed patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/03
Source: “Verify dimensions of completed patterns using templates, straightedges, callipers, or protractors.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking a pattern with callipers and straightedges means measuring the part itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Constructing platforms, fixtures and jigs for holding and placing patterns
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: platforms, fixtures and jigs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/03
Source: “Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Building jigs and platforms to hold patterns is physical construction.
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.
Drawing or scribing patterns onto material
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/03
Source: “Draw or scribe patterns onto material using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other 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: Scribing a pattern onto material is marking out done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Labelling identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: identification numbers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/03
Source: “Label identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.” (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: Marking numbers onto a pattern is done physically on the item.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Operating ovens to bake cores
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: ovens, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/03
Source: “Operate ovens to bake cores.” (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: Baking cores means loading and running an oven in the foundry.
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.
Rotating sweep boards around spindles to make symmetrical moulds for convex impressions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: sweep boards around spindles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/03
Source: “Rotate sweep boards around spindles to make symmetrical moulds for convex impressions.” (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: Sweeping a board around a spindle to form a mould is manual shaping.
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.
Sprinkling or spraying parting agents onto patterns and mould sections to ease removal of patterns from moulds
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: agents, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/03
Source: “Sprinkle or spray parting agents onto patterns and mould sections to ease removal of patterns from moulds.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Spraying parting agent onto patterns is done by hand at the mould.
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.
Bonding silica gel with ceramic powders to produce castings
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: silica gel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/03
Source: “Bond silica gel with ceramic powders to produce castings.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Bonding silica gel with ceramic powders to make castings is hands-on process 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.
Operating small cranes to transport or position large parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: small cranes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/03
Source: “Operate small cranes to transport or position large 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: Operating a crane means being at the controls.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Setting up and operating metalworking machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: and operating metalworking machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/03
Source: “Set up and operate metalworking machines, such as milling or grinding machines, to shape or fabricate 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: Setting up and running milling or grinding machines needs someone standing 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.
Shaping metals into desired forms
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5212/04
Source: “Shape metals into desired forms using hammers, punches, and anvils.” (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: Hammering and forming metal is physical craft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Applying appropriate finishing treatments and coatings
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: appropriate finishing treatments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/04
Source: “Apply appropriate finishing treatments and coatings to metalwork, such as polishing, waxing, painting, or sub-contract finishes like hot dip galvanising.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Polishing, waxing or painting metalwork is done by hand on the finished piece.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Applying finishes to metal objects for protection
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: finishes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/04
Source: “Apply finishes to metal objects for protection.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Applying a protective finish means physically coating the object.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Joining metal parts together using riveting and welding methods
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metal parts together, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/04
Source: “Join metal parts together using riveting and welding methods.” (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: Riveting and welding parts together is hands-on metalwork.
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.
Producing domestic decorative and functional objects
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: domestic decorative, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5212/04
Source: “Produce domestic decorative and functional objects, including furniture, fireplace tools, and mirror frames, by shaping and joining metal components.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Making decorative and functional metal objects means shaping and joining metal by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Manufacturing tools for themselves and other crafts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5212/04
Source: “Manufacture tools for themselves and other crafts, such as tongs for the forge and wood turning tools for carpenters, using appropriate forging techniques.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Forging tongs and turning tools is forge work at the fire.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Installing, adjusting and removing dies, synchronising cams, forging hammers and stop guides using overhead cranes and hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: dies, synchronising cams, forging hammers and stop guides, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/04
Source: “Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronising cams, forging hammers, and stop guides using overhead cranes and hand tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Changing dies and hammer parts with cranes and hand tools is heavy physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Operating presses and foging machines to shape metal sheets and components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: presses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/04
Source: “Operate presses and foging machines to shape metal sheets and components.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Operating presses and forging machines means being at the machine feeding metal through.
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.
Positioning and moving metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies to form die impressions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metal wires, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5212/04
Source: “Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies to form die impressions.” (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: Feeding wire through dies is hands-on work at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Positioning align and securing workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: align, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/04
Source: “Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.” (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 clamping a workpiece is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Repairing, maintaining and replacing parts on dies
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/04
Source: “Repair, maintain, and replace parts on dies.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Repairing and replacing die parts is done with tools on the press.
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.
Sharpening tools, saws, picks, spades, screwdrivers and scoops
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tools, saws, picks, spades, screwdrivers and scoops, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/04
Source: “Sharpen tools such as saws, picks, spades, screwdrivers, and scoops, either manually or by using bench grinders and emery wheels.” (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: Sharpening tools is done at the grinder.
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.
Trimming and compressing finished forgings to meet specified tolerances
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: finished forgings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/04
Source: “Trim and compress finished forgings to meet specified tolerances.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Trimming and pressing forgings to tolerance happens 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.
Using lathes to shape metal materials for forging
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: lathes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5212/04
Source: “Use lathes to shape metal materials for forging.” (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: Turning metal on a lathe needs an operator 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.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £37,100a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
People doing this job: 10,700in 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: initial design ideas in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: sketching initial design ideas and designing templates, patterns or coreboxes based on work orders and sampling parts. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where the furnaces get done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

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

Start with what does not change: operating the furnaces that melt metal is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 1% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 7% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 92% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 97 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. Sketching initial design ideas 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 initial design ideas, 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 the furnaces are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near designing templates, patterns or coreboxes based on work orders and sampling parts. 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 plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was sheet metal workers: only about 6% of its durable work is work you already do and it pays 13.1% less. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 7/100 here, with only 1% of the task list in the top band, and “check the horse's legs, feet and hooves for problems” 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.

Sheet metal workers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “shape metals into desired forms using hammers, punches, and anvils”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 6% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 6% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: £32,207 against your £37,058, 13.1% 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: “clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 5% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Welding trades
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “read engineering drawings, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships…”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 3% 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 3% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 1% of its task weight, across 97 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 operating the furnaces that melt metal 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 nearest United States equivalent is Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons. It is a close match rather than an identical one: the two countries draw the boundary of the job in slightly different places.

Switch to the United States page →close match

The other groups this work is counted across:

Foundry Mold and Coremakers

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

Why there is no community here

Collab365, who build this site, run paid Spaces for a small number of subjects, and none of them is built for this job. We are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

So the free services listed on this page are the whole answer, and it is the same answer we would give a friend.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for metal plate workers / smiths / moulders / related occupations launches. Nothing else.

That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.

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No Space for metal plate workers / smiths / moulders / related occupations 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 metal plate workers / smiths / moulders / related occupations existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

Your email

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for metal plate workers / smiths / moulders / related occupations launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

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

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 97 official task statements scored for Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations (United Kingdom, SOC 5212), 1% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 7 out of 100 (range 5–11, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Sketch initial design ideas” (62/100, high); “Generate computer models using specialist software to create precise mould designs” (58/100, partial); “Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behaviour” (56/100, partial). 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 plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations” stay human?: About 92% 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: “Use lathes to shape metal materials for forging” (0/100, minimal); “Trim and compress finished forgings to meet specified tolerances” (0/100, minimal); “Sharpen tools such as saws, picks, spades, screwdrivers, and scoops, either manually or by using bench grinders and emery wheels” (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 plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 1% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 92% 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 plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations 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 97 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
2 rows are marked low confidence, so treat them as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
34 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.