Will AI replace Metal working machine operatives?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 47 official task statements scored for Metal working machine operatives (United Kingdom, SOC 8120), 5% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 9 out of 100 (range 8–14, 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 working machine operatives” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Read production schedules to identify specifications for materials, cutting lines, and tolerances” (69/100, high); “Maintain production records detailing quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced” (69/100, high); “Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed” (69/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.

Which tasks in “Metal working machine operatives” stay human?

About 88% 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: “Transport materials, products, or samples to processing, shipping, or storage areas, manually or using conveyors, pumps, or sack trucks” (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); “Lubricate workpieces with oil” (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 working machine operatives” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 5% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 88% 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 working machine operatives 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 47 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

UK dataswitch to US

Metal working machine operatives

monitoring press operations to detect malfunctions and maintain production quality, determining the sequence of machine operations for shaping workpieces and reading specifications, such as blueprints, charts or schematics. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: adjusting ram strokes of presses to specified lengths is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 5%
changing shape: 6%
staying human: 88%

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

Whole-job exposure score 9 out of 100 (8–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 47 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 working machine operatives 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 reading production schedules to identify specifications. This page scores what today's tools actually do, not headlines.

Your week, as this page understands it

Metal working machine operatives operate machines to cut, shape, abrade and otherwise machine metal, use hand and power tools to remove surplus metal and rough surfaces from castings, forgings or other metal parts, and clean, smooth and polish metal workpieces. The job title says “metal working machine operatives”. The real job is the part underneath: adjusting ram strokes of presses to specified lengths. 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 working machine operatives is not one task. It is 47 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is adjusting ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 5%
changing shape: 6%
staying human: 88%

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.

One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
30 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Shifting to AI

3 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

Reading production schedules to identify specifications
This is reading one thing and writing another: production schedules in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 8120/01
Source: “Read production schedules to identify specifications for materials, cutting lines, and tolerances.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading a schedule for materials, cut lines and tolerances is straightforward information work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining production records detailing quantities
This is reading one thing and writing another: production records detailing quantities in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 8120/01
Source: “Maintain production records detailing quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Production records are structured data entry that software handles quickly and accurately.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recording production and operational data
This is reading one thing and writing another: production in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 8120/01
Source: “Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Logging output and material used is simple data entry, often captured by the machine already.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

3 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.

Determining the sequence of machine operations for shaping workpieces
The software now makes the first pass at the sequence of machine operations, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 8120/01
Source: “Determine the sequence of machine operations for shaping workpieces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out the order of operations from a drawing is planning work covered by well documented practice.
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 specifications, such as blueprints, charts or schematics, to determine machine settings or adjustments
The software now makes the first pass at specifications, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 8120/01
Source: “Read specifications, such as blueprints, charts, or schematics, to determine machine settings or adjustments.” (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 schematics and charts to find the right settings is information work, usually done at the machine.
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.
Reading job sheets to determine required processes
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 · 8120/01
Source: “Read job sheets to determine required processes, techniques, materials, or equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out from a job sheet what materials and methods are needed is paperwork reading that 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.

Staying human

41 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

Monitoring press operations to detect malfunctions and maintain production quality
This work happens in the physical world: press operations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 8120/01
Source: “Monitor press operations to detect malfunctions and maintain production quality.” (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: Spotting a press running wrong depends on being there, hearing and seeing 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.
Adjusting ram strokes of presses to specified lengths
This work happens in the physical world: ram strokes of presses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 8120/01
Source: “Adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, 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: Adjusting a press with hand tools 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.
Monitoring machine operations and observing lights and gauges to detect malfunctions
This work happens in the physical world: machine operations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8120/01
Source: “Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sensors can flag many faults, but watching the machine run and reacting still happens on the floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Activating machinery and equipment by pressing control buttons
This work happens in the physical world: machinery, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8120/01
Source: “Activate machinery and equipment by pressing control buttons.” (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: Pressing the controls to start machinery requires 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.

Show the other 37 tasks

Selecting jigs, holding fixtures, guides or stops for machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: jigs, holding fixtures, guides or stops, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8120/01
Source: “Select jigs, holding fixtures, guides, or stops for machines.” (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: Choosing fixtures is partly a lookup, but it depends on what is in the shop and fitting it.
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 installing machine components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machine components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8120/01
Source: “Select and install machine components, such as dies, moulds, and cutters, according to specifications, using hand tools and measuring devices.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Choosing the right die can be looked up, but fitting it is done with hand tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Synchronising speeds of sections of machines when producing products involving several steps or processes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: speeds of sections of machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8120/01
Source: “Synchronise speeds of sections of machines when producing products involving several steps or processes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Balancing machine speeds is done at the controls while watching the line run.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Setting up machines for processing metal or plastic material
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8120/01
Source: “Set up machines for processing metal or plastic material.” (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: Machine setup means fitting tooling and trialling parts at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
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 90 · 8120/01
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 or replacing faulty press or stamping parts to maintain production quality
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: faulty press, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8120/01
Source: “Repair or replace faulty press or stamp parts to maintain production quality.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Replacing broken press parts is hands-on repair work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Setting up and operating shears to form and assembling metal components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: and operating shears, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8120/01
Source: “Set up and operate shears to form and assemble 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: Operating shears is machine 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 2/4.
Adjusting machine components to control amounts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machine components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8120/01
Source: “Adjust machine components to control amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials or ingredients.” (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: Adjusting machine components 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 2/4.
Clearing machine blockages using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machine blockages, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8120/01
Source: “Clear machine blockages 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: Clearing a blockage with hand tools is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Measuring, grading and feed raw materials into production machinery
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: feed raw materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8120/01
Source: “Measure, grade, and feed raw materials into production machinery.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Measuring and feeding material into a machine is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Positioning and feeding materials into processing machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8120/01
Source: “Position and feed materials into processing machines, by hand or by using automated 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: Feeding materials into the machine is manual loading 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.
Regulating machine pressure, temperature, speed and feed rates by turning valves and dials
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machine pressure, temperature, speed and feed rates, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8120/01
Source: “Regulate machine pressure, temperature, speed, and feed rates by turning valves and dials.” (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 valves and dials requires hands on the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Starting machines, monitor operations and making adjustments
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machines, monitor operations and making adjustments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8120/01
Source: “Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments 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: Starting a machine and adjusting it while it runs 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 2/4.
Adjusting machine settings, speed or tension to produce products that meet specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machine settings, speed or tension, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8120/01
Source: “Adjust machine settings such as speed or tension to produce products that meet specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Changing machine speed and tension settings 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.
Loading workpieces, plastic material or chemical solutions into machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workpieces, plastic material or chemical solutions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8120/01
Source: “Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into 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: Loading material into a machine 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.
Operating controls to set cutting speeds
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: controls, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8120/01
Source: “Operate controls to set cutting speeds, depths, and feed rates.” (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 speeds, depths and feed rates is done at the machine 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 1/4.
Positioning cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other using controls
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8120/01
Source: “Position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other using controls.” (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 tool and workpiece positions is done at the controls beside 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.
Repairing or replacing worn or defective machine parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: worn, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8120/01
Source: “Repair or replace worn or defective machine parts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Replacing worn machine parts is physical fitting work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Setting stops on machine beds for multiple or successive passes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stops, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8120/01
Source: “Set stops on machine beds for multiple or successive passes.” (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 stops on a machine bed 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.
Tending cutting or slicing machines during operation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machines during operation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8120/01
Source: “Tend cutting or slicing machines during operation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Tending a running machine means being present at it throughout.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cleaning and lubricating equipment as part of machine maintenance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8120/01
Source: “Clean and lubricate equipment as part of machine maintenance.” (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 lubricating a machine is hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Inspecting products to ensure they meet specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8120/01
Source: “Inspect products to ensure they meet specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking that delivered products match the specification means physically examining them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Removing materials and products from machines and equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8120/01
Source: “Remove materials and products from machines and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Taking materials and products off machines is physical handling.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · 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.
Stacking finished workpieces for storage or shipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: finished workpieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8120/01
Source: “Stack finished workpieces for storage or shipment.” (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: Stacking finished workpieces is manual handling done on the floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Changing dies on extruding machines according to production line changes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: dies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8120/01
Source: “Change dies on extruding machines according to production line changes.” (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 is a physical changeover at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting assembled or finished products to ensure conformance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: assembled, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8120/01
Source: “Inspect assembled or finished products to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Measuring finished products with precision instruments requires handling them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Removing defective or substandard materials or products
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: defective, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8120/01
Source: “Remove defective or substandard materials or products.” (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 faulty products off the line is physical work done on the spot.
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.
Replacing worn tools using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: worn tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8120/01
Source: “Replace worn tools 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: Swapping worn tools is done with hand tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Sorting defective workpieces according to types of flaws
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: defective workpieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8120/01
Source: “Sort defective workpieces according to types of flaws.” (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: Sorting faulty parts means handling them at the line.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · 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.
Weighing or measuring materials or products to ensure specification conformance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8120/01
Source: “Weigh or measure materials or products to ensure specification conformance.” (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: Weighing and measuring products requires hands on the goods and the scales.
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.
Finishing workpieces using tools like table saws and anvils
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workpieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8120/01
Source: “Finish workpieces using tools like table saws 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: Finishing parts with saws and anvils is manual work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Scoring reference lines on workpieces as guides for cutting operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: reference lines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8120/01
Source: “Score reference lines on workpieces as guides for cutting operations, according to blueprints, templates, sample parts, or specifications.” (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: Scoring lines onto metal is done by hand at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
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 · 8120/01
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.
Cleaning and tidying work areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: work areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8120/01
Source: “Clean and tidy work 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: Cleaning and tidying a work area is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Lubricating workpieces with oil
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workpieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8120/01
Source: “Lubricate workpieces with oil.” (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: Oiling workpieces 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.
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 50 · 8120/01
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.
Transporting materials, products or samples to processing, shipping or storage areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, products or samples, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8120/01
Source: “Transport materials, products, or samples to processing, shipping, or storage areas, manually or using conveyors, pumps, or sack trucks.” (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 goods to processing, despatch or storage is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £31,500a 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: 28,100in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: production schedules in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: reading production schedules to identify specifications and maintaining production records detailing quantities. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where ram strokes of presses 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: adjusting ram strokes of presses to specified lengths is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 5% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 6% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 88% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 47 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. Reading production schedules to identify specifications 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 production schedules, 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 ram strokes of presses 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 determining the sequence of machine operations for shaping workpieces. 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 working machine operatives (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was packers, bottlers, canners and fillers: only about 23% of its durable work is work you already do and it pays 17.0% less. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 9/100 here, with only 5% of the task list in the top band, and “adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, using hand tools” 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.

Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “stack finished workpieces for storage or shipment”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 23% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 23% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. It is a pay cut, in those words: £26,152 against your £31,500, 17.0% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Paper and wood machine operatives
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “clear machine blockages using hand tools”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 16% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 16% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Metal machining setters and setter-operators
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “repair or replace worn or defective machine parts”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 14% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 14% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

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

The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 5% of its task weight, across 47 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 adjusting ram strokes of presses to specified lengths arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.
Retraining out of a job that is holding up
On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United Kingdom figures

The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United States page →partial match

The other groups this work is counted across:

In US official statistics this job is counted as Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Machinists, Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners, Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other, Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand and Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

In England:
National Careers Service
A free hour with a government-funded careers adviser is worth more than another evening of reading. In England that's the National Careers Service.
Free, government-funded
- Discover your skills and careers (the skills assessment)
In England:
National Careers Service - Find a course
Search what's actually running near you before you spend anything.
Free to search; individual courses vary
In England:
Free courses for jobs (Level 3 qualifications)
A free Level 3 qualification you already qualify for beats a paid course you don't need.
Free for eligible adults
In England:
Skills Bootcamps
Free, up to 16 weeks, and you get a job interview at the end. In England these are Skills Bootcamps - search what's running near you.
Free for eligible adults in England
- Skills Bootcamps - what they are and who can do them (DfE, Skills for Careers)
- Skills Bootcamps - JobHelp (DWP)
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
- Skills Development Scotland
In Wales:
Careers Wales
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland it's the Careers Service on nidirect.
Free, Department for the Economy-funded

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

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for metal working machine operatives, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 5% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for metal working machine operatives. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for metal working machine operatives launches. Nothing else.

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

We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.

No Space for metal working machine operatives 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 working machine operatives 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 working machine operatives 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 working machine operatives?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 47 official task statements scored for Metal working machine operatives (United Kingdom, SOC 8120), 5% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 9 out of 100 (range 8–14, 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 working machine operatives” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Read production schedules to identify specifications for materials, cutting lines, and tolerances” (69/100, high); “Maintain production records detailing quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced” (69/100, high); “Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed” (69/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Metal working machine operatives” stay human?: About 88% 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: “Transport materials, products, or samples to processing, shipping, or storage areas, manually or using conveyors, pumps, or sack trucks” (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); “Lubricate workpieces with oil” (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 working machine operatives” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 5% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 88% 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 working machine operatives 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 47 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.
One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
30 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Task statements: gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights: gaisi-index (relatedness)
Scores: Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
Pay and employment: ashe-t14 (ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025))nomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

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

Using these figures?

Cite this

Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

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

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.