Will AI replace Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 104 official task statements scored for Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. (United Kingdom, SOC 8139), 6% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 11 out of 100 (range 9–15, 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 “Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Maintain equipment logs that record test results for quality assurance” (93/100, very high); “Review work orders” (88/100, very high); “Determine installation procedures by studying blueprints, schematics, manuals, or other specifications” (75/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.

Which tasks in “Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.” 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: “Remove copper from circuit boards” (0/100, minimal); “Operate balers in recycling processing to process materials” (0/100, minimal); “Follow procedures for the dismantling and processing of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), including the safe removal of hazardous components…” (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 “Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 6% 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 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. 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 104 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

Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.

installing and fixing aerials or satellite dishes, calibrating products, such as surgical lasers and fitting gears. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: climbing poles and ladders to access equipment 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: 6%
changing shape: 5%
staying human: 88%

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

Whole-job exposure score 11 out of 100 (9–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 104 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 plant and machine operatives n.e.c. 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 determining installation procedures by studying blueprints: the overhead at the edges, not the middle you trained for.

Your week, as this page understands it

Job holders in this unit group operate a variety of plant and machinery not elsewhere classified in minor group 813: Plant and machine operatives. The job title says “plant” or “machine operatives n.e.c.”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: climbing poles and ladders to access equipment. 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 plant and machine operatives n.e.c. is not one task. It is 104 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is climbing poles and ladders to access equipment, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 6%
changing shape: 5%
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 row is marked low confidence, so treat it as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
45 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

8 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.

Determining installation procedures by studying blueprints
This is reading one thing and writing another: installation procedures in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 8139/01
Source: “Determine installation procedures by studying blueprints, schematics, manuals, or other specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading blueprints and manuals to plan an installation is document work software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Analysing test data to diagnose malfunctions in systems
This is reading one thing and writing another: test data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 8139/01
Source: “Analyse test data to diagnose malfunctions in systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading test data to work out what has failed is pattern analysis over numbers, which software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Calculating or recording specific data from photonic tests
This is reading one thing and writing another: specific data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 8139/03
Source: “Calculate or record specific data from photonic tests.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (62–76 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out and logging test figures is calculation and record-keeping software does automatically.
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.
Reviewing work orders
This is reading one thing and writing another: work orders in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 8139/01
Source: “Review work orders.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading work orders and pulling out what matters is straightforward document handling that software does reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.

Changing shape

6 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.

Interpreting design sketches, specifications or drawings to manufacture precision springs
The software now makes the first pass at design sketches, specifications or drawings, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 90 · 8139/04
Source: “Interpret design sketches, specifications, or drawings to manufacture precision springs.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading a drawing to work out what to make is interpretation software does reliably.
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.
Designing and planning layout of aerial equipment to ensure optimal signal reception
The software now makes the first pass at layout of aerial equipment, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 8139/01
Source: “Design and plan layout of aerial equipment to ensure optimal signal reception.” (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: Planning where equipment goes for best reception is calculation and mapping 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.
Interpreting job orders for tooling instructions and operational planning
The software now makes the first pass at job orders, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 8139/04
Source: “Interpret job orders for tooling instructions and operational planning.” (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: Turning a job order into tooling and planning instructions is reading and organising work 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.

Staying human

90 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.

Climbing poles and ladders to access equipment
This work happens in the physical world: poles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8139/01, 8139/02
Source: “Climb poles and ladders to access 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: Climbing poles and ladders 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.
Calibrating testing instruments
This work happens in the physical world: instruments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8139/01, 8139/03
Source: “Calibrate testing instruments.” (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: Calibrating an instrument means handling it and adjusting it against a reference.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Adjusting alignment of installed components using measuring instruments
This work happens in the physical world: alignment of installed components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/01, 8139/04
Source: “Adjust alignment of installed components 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: Adjusting installed components means physically moving 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.

Show the other 94 tasks

Maintaining equipment logs that record test results for quality assurance
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: equipment logs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 8139/01
Source: “Maintain equipment logs that record test results for quality assurance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Keeping equipment logs of test results up to date is record-keeping done on a computer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing specifications for equipment and tools to ensure effective aerial installations
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: specifications in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 8139/01
Source: “Develop specifications for equipment and tools to ensure effective aerial installations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing a specification for the equipment and tools needed is document work with plenty of published reference material.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reviewing blueprints and work orders to identify specific tasks required for project completion
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: blueprints in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 8139/01
Source: “Review blueprints and work orders to identify specific tasks required for project completion.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading drawings and work orders to list what needs doing is document interpretation software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recommending improved materials to lower costs or increase production
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: improved materials in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 8139/03
Source: “Recommend improved materials to lower costs or increase production.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 68 out of 100 (61–75 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Material options are documented, but the decision turns on what this particular process and equipment can handle.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Reading job sheets to determine required processes
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 60 · 8139/01
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.
Monitoring radio range stations to detect transmission flaws
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at radio range stations, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 8139/01
Source: “Monitor radio range stations to detect transmission flaws.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Monitoring for transmission faults is mostly reading data that already arrives at a screen.
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.
Allocating and prioritising team tasks to ensure uninterrupted workflow
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at team tasks, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 8139/02
Source: “Allocate and prioritise team tasks to ensure uninterrupted workflow.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Allocating and prioritising tasks against the programme is scheduling work 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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Investigating equipment failures to diagnose faulty operation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment failures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/01
Source: “Investigate equipment failures to diagnose faulty operation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Investigating why equipment failed is structured analysis, though evidence comes from the machine itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Applying knowledge of workshop maths and layout techniques
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: knowledge of workshop maths, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8139/04
Source: “Apply knowledge of workshop maths and layout techniques.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The maths is easy to automate, but marking the work out happens at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Weighing and recording scrap metal collections
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: scrap metal collections, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8139/05
Source: “Weigh and record scrap metal collections.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The recording is automatic, but the scrap still has to be put on the scales.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Providing excellent customer service, responding to inquiries and addressing any concerns or issues
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: excellent customer service, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/05
Source: “Provide excellent customer service, responding to inquiries and addressing any concerns or issues.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 26 out of 100 (19–33 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the 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: Routine enquiries answer well automatically, though an unhappy customer at reception usually wants a person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Testing equipment functions like signal strength and quality using oscilloscopes and circuit analysers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment functions like signal strength, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/01
Source: “Test equipment functions like signal strength and quality using oscilloscopes and circuit analysers.” (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: The readings can be interpreted automatically, but someone has to connect the instrument to the equipment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring spring manufacturing operations to detect malfunctions and maintain product standards
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: operations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/04
Source: “Monitor spring manufacturing operations to detect malfunctions and maintain product standards.” (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 catch some faults, but watching the machine run is done from beside it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
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 60 · 8139/04
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.
Adjusting controls to correct aerial transmission flaws
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: controls, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8139/01
Source: “Adjust controls to correct aerial transmission flaws.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (1–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, low confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Some tuning is automatic, but correcting a fault usually means adjusting the equipment where it stands.
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.
Testing operation of tower transmission components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: operation of tower transmission components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/01
Source: “Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Test software reads the results, but the sweep gear has to be connected at the tower.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Utilising analytical or metrological tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: analytical, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8139/03
Source: “Utilise analytical or metrological tools such as microscopy, profilometry, or ellipsometry devices to carry out diagnostic analyses of processing steps.” (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: Software reads the results, but the samples have to be prepared and put under the instrument.
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.
Adhering to established safe working practices
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: established safe working practices, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8139/02
Source: “Adhere to established safe working practices.” (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: Working safely is something done with your hands and attention on the job, even though the rules are written down.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Adhering to health and safety requirements in the workplace
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8139/05
Source: “Adhere to health and safety requirements in the workplace.” (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: Meeting safety requirements is shown through how the job is physically done, even though the rules are written down.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Inspecting power lines and auxiliary equipment to identify problems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: power lines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/02
Source: “Inspect power lines and auxiliary equipment to identify problems.” (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: Spotting faults on power lines and fittings means getting to them and inspecting them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inspecting lines for freedom from obstruction and adequacy of insulation using various modes of transport
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: lines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 8139/02
Source: “Inspect lines for freedom from obstruction and adequacy of insulation using various modes of transport.” (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: Checking lines for obstructions and insulation condition means travelling the route and looking at them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Diagnosing malfunctions in faulty equipment using test equipment and knowledge of electronic systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: malfunctions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/01
Source: “Diagnose malfunctions in faulty equipment using test equipment and knowledge of electronic systems.” (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: Diagnosis here means connecting test gear to the equipment itself, even if the reasoning can be supported.
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.
Determining functionality of photonics systems or components through testing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: functionality of photonics systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/03
Source: “Determine functionality of photonics systems or components through testing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Functionality is proved by putting the hardware on a bench and measuring 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 2/4.
Operating prototype or testing apparatus
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: prototype, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/03
Source: “Operate prototype or test apparatus including control consoles and recording equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Running test rigs and recording equipment means being at the console and the apparatus.
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.
Optimising photonic process parameters by making prototype or production devices
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: photonic process parameters, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/03
Source: “Optimise photonic process parameters by making prototype or production devices.” (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: Optimising by building prototypes means making and measuring physical devices.
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.
Inspecting workpieces for defects to ensure spring functionality
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workpieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8139/04
Source: “Inspect workpieces for defects to ensure spring functionality.” (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 spring is sound means handling and gauging the part.
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.
Demonstrating and explaining the functioning of equipment to customers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the functioning of equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/01
Source: “Demonstrate and explain the functioning of equipment to customers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Showing a customer how equipment works means demonstrating it in front of them.
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 2/4.
Installing and fixing aerials or satellite dishes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aerials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 100 · 8139/01
Source: “Install and fix aerials or satellite dishes.” (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 an aerial or dish means getting on the roof with tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Calibrating aerial equipment to ensure signal accuracy
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aerial equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 8139/01
Source: “Calibrate aerial equipment to ensure signal accuracy.” (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: Calibration is done by adjusting the real equipment while watching the signal.
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 completed work to ensure all hardware is tight and aerials are level
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: completed work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 8139/01
Source: “Inspect completed work to ensure all hardware is tight and aerials are level.” (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 that fixings are tight and the aerial is level means being there to feel and see it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Installing all necessary transmission equipment components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: all necessary transmission equipment components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 8139/01
Source: “Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including aerials or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).” (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: Mounting aerials, arrestors and cabling on a tower is physical work at height.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Checking and adjusting aerial positioning to meet specified azimuths or mechanical tilts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aerial, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8139/01
Source: “Check and adjust aerial positioning to meet specified azimuths or mechanical tilts.” (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 an aerial position means physically climbing to it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inserting plugs into sockets to connect equipment to power sources
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: plugs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8139/01
Source: “Insert plugs into sockets to connect equipment to power sources.” (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: Plugging equipment in requires hands on the plug.
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.
Adjusting receivers for maximum sensitivity by turning setscrews
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: receivers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8139/01
Source: “Adjust receivers for maximum sensitivity by turning setscrews.” (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 setscrews to peak a receiver is done with a screwdriver on the unit.
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.
Laying appropriate power, earth or coaxial cables
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: appropriate power, earth or coaxial cables, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8139/01
Source: “Lay appropriate power, earth, or coaxial cables.” (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 power, earth and coaxial cable is physical work through buildings and ducts.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Repairing, maintaining and adjusting equipment using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8139/01
Source: “Repair, maintain, and adjust equipment using hand tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Repairing and adjusting equipment 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.
Fastening parts with nuts, bolts or screws using power tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/01
Source: “Fasten parts with nuts, bolts, or screws using power tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Doing up nuts and bolts needs hands and a power tool.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Performing regular checks and maintenance on equipment to ensure operational functionality
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: regular checks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/01
Source: “Perform regular checks and maintenance on equipment to ensure operational functionality.” (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 and maintaining equipment means physically working on it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Repairing equipment quickly and efficiently
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/01
Source: “Repair equipment quickly and efficiently.” (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 equipment is hands-on work with tools; no amount of software gets the machine running again.
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.
Testing equipment to ensure proper operation in installation or maintenance tasks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/01
Source: “Test equipment to ensure proper operation in installation or maintenance tasks.” (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: Testing that equipment works means operating it and checking the result in front of you.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Repairing or adjusting equipment, replacing worn parts, gaskets or seals
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, replacing worn parts, gaskets or seals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8139/01
Source: “Repair or adjust equipment, replacing worn parts such as gaskets or seals.” (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 gaskets and seals is done with the equipment stripped down on 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.
Installing, connecting or testing underground or aboveground earthing systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: underground, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/01, 8139/02
Source: “Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground earthing systems.” (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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Installing and connecting earthing systems is physical work with rods, cable and ground.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Making repairs to peripheral equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: repairs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/01
Source: “Make repairs to peripheral equipment, including replacement of defective 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: Repairing equipment and swapping defective parts 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.
Repairing circuits and wiring using soldering irons and hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: circuits, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/01
Source: “Repair circuits and wiring using soldering irons 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: Soldering circuits and wiring is fine hand work with an iron.
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 equipment as part of preventive maintenance tasks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/01
Source: “Clean equipment as part of preventive maintenance tasks.” (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 equipment is physical work on the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Driving vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: vehicles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/01, 8139/02
Source: “Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Driving tools and materials to site is physical work behind the wheel.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing electrical distribution and transmission systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: electrical distribution, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8139/02
Source: “Install electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits and cables.” (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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Installing distribution cabling and conduit is physical work, and network connections need an authorised person to carry them out.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Laying underground cable directly in trenches
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: underground cable, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8139/02
Source: “Lay underground cable directly in trenches.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Laying cable in a trench is manual and machine work on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
String cables between structures and lines from poles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cables, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8139/02
Source: “String cables between structures and lines from poles, towers, or trenches.” (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: Stringing cables between poles and towers is physical work in the field.
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.
Attaching cross-arms, insulators and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cross-arms, insulators and auxiliary equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/02
Source: “Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.” (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 cross-arms and insulators to poles is manual 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.
Excavating trenches for underground wires or cables
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: trenches, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/02
Source: “Excavate trenches for underground wires or cables.” (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: Digging cable trenches is physical ground 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.
Installing watt-hour meters and connecting service drops between power lines and consumers' premises
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: watt-hour meters, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/02
Source: “Install watt-hour meters and connect service drops between power lines and consumers' premises.” (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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Fitting meters and connecting service cables is physical work, and only an authorised meter operative may make the connection.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Replacing damaged poles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: damaged poles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/02
Source: “Replace damaged poles.” (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 out a damaged pole and setting a new one is heavy physical work with lifting plant.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cutting and peeling lead sheathing and insulation from cables and conduits before splicing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: lead, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8139/02
Source: “Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from cables and conduits before splicing.” (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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Cutting and peeling lead sheathing off cable before jointing is hands-on work with knives and tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing poles using cranes and power equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: poles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8139/02
Source: “Install poles using cranes and power 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: Setting poles with cranes and power equipment is heavy physical work on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Pulling cable through ducts by hand or with winches
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cable, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8139/02
Source: “Pull cable through ducts by hand or with winches.” (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 cable through ducts needs hands or a winch at the duct.
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.
Testing conductors according to electrical diagrams and specifications to prevent incorrect connections
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: conductors, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8139/02
Source: “Test conductors according to electrical diagrams and specifications to prevent incorrect connections.” (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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Testing conductors means putting instruments onto the actual cables to confirm the connections.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Excavating holes using augers for pole installation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: holes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/02
Source: “Excavate holes using augers for pole installation.” (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: Augering holes for poles is machine work on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Placing insulation over conductors for protection
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: insulation over conductors, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/02
Source: “Place insulation over conductors 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: Placing insulation over conductors 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.
Splicing cables using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cables, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/02
Source: “Splice cables using hand tools, epoxy, or mechanical 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: Splicing cable is done with tools in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Soldering cables to overhead transmission lines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cables, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 8139/02
Source: “Solder cables to overhead transmission lines, customer service lines, or street light lines using hand tools, epoxies, or specialised 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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Soldering cables onto overhead lines is skilled hands-on work, and live network jointing needs an authorised person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Joining corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by connecting ends with metal clamps and soldering connections
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: conductors, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/02
Source: “Join corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by connecting ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.” (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: Joining conductors by twisting, clamping and soldering 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.
Opening switches to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: switches, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/02
Source: “Open switches to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines.” (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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Opening switches to make a fallen line safe is physical switching that only an authorised person may carry out.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Conducting laser seam welding operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: laser seam welding operations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8139/03
Source: “Conduct laser seam welding operations.” (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 laser welder means loading parts and operating the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Setting up assembly or processing equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: assembly or processing equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8139/03
Source: “Set up assembly or processing equipment such as lasers, cameras, and die bonders.” (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 precision assembly equipment is done with 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.
Calibrating products, such as surgical lasers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/03
Source: “Calibrate products, such as surgical lasers.” (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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Calibrating a surgical laser means adjusting the actual device against test equipment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Maintaining and calibrating optical equipment and tools according to supplier guidelines and industry standards
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: optical equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/03
Source: “Maintain and calibrate optical equipment and tools according to supplier guidelines and industry standards.” (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 calibrating optics is careful hand work on the instrument.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Repairing products, such as surgical lasers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/03
Source: “Repair products, such as surgical lasers.” (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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Repairing a laser means opening it up and replacing parts.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Laying out reference lines and machining locations on work using layout tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: reference lines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/03
Source: “Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work using layout 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: Marking reference lines on a workpiece is done by hand with layout 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.
Maintaining clean working environments, according to clean room standards
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: clean working environments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8139/03
Source: “Maintain clean working environments, according to clean room standards.” (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: Keeping a clean room to standard means physically cleaning and gowning in it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Fitting gears, cams or templates in machines to set feed rates, cutting speeds, depths and angles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: gears, cams or templates, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/04
Source: “Fit gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates, cutting speeds, depths, and angles.” (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 gears and cams to set a machine up is done by hand inside 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.
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 75 · 8139/04
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.
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 70 · 8139/04
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.
Setting up and operating auxiliary machines to make metallic and plastic workpieces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: and operating auxiliary machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/04
Source: “Set up and operate auxiliary machines to make metallic and plastic workpieces.” (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 machines needs an operator 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.
Aligning layout marks accurately with dies or blades for precision cutting
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: layout marks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/04
Source: “Align layout marks accurately with dies or blades for precision cutting.” (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: Lining marks up with the blade is done by eye and 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.
Lifting and positioning metal stock or workpieces in machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metal stock, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/04
Source: “Lift and position metal stock or workpieces in machines, securing them with fasteners and hand tools, manually or using 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 and securing metal stock 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 2/4.
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 60 · 8139/04
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.
Setting up and operating drills to make metallic and plastic workpieces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: and operating drills, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/04
Source: “Set up and operate drills to make metallic and plastic workpieces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Drilling parts requires someone loading and running 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.
Locating and marking dimensions and reference lines on parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: dimensions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8139/04
Source: “Locate and mark dimensions and reference lines on parts using templates, scribes, compasses, and steel rules.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Marking reference lines onto parts is done with instruments on 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.
Pressing workpieces against cutting, boring or shaping mechanisms
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workpieces against cutting, boring or shaping mechanisms, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8139/04
Source: “Press workpieces against cutting, boring, or shaping mechanisms.” (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 work against a cutter is hands-on machine 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 distance points between rolls
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: distance points, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8139/04
Source: “Set distance points between rolls, guides, metres, and stops, according to 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: Setting stops and guides to a specification is adjusted by hand on the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Setting up and operating grinders to make metallic and plastic workpieces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: and operating grinders, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8139/04
Source: “Set up and operate grinders to make metallic and plastic workpieces.” (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: Grinding parts to size requires 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 2/4.
Dismantling wrecked vehicles, remove parts and sorting them into containers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: wrecked vehicles, remove parts and sorting them, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8139/05
Source: “Dismantle wrecked vehicles, remove parts, and sort them into containers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Stripping wrecked vehicles apart is hands-on work in the yard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cutting discarded products into small pieces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: discarded products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/05
Source: “Cut discarded products into small pieces using saws, blow torches, or other tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting products up with saws and torches is done standing at the material.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Performing the depollution process on end-of-life vehicles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the depollution process, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8139/05
Source: “Perform the depollution process on end-of-life vehicles, ensuring compliance with regulations and safe removal of hazardous 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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Draining fluids and stripping hazardous parts from scrap vehicles is hands-on work at a permitted treatment facility.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Cleaning, inspecting or lubricate recycling collection equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: lubricate recycling collection equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/05
Source: “Clean, inspect, or lubricate recycling collection 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: Cleaning and lubricating equipment is done with tools in the depot.
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.
Extracting chemicals from discarded appliances
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: chemicals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8139/05
Source: “Extract chemicals from discarded appliances, such as air conditioners or fridges, using specialised machinery, such as refrigerant recovery 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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Recovering refrigerant from fridges and air conditioners is hands-on work, and the law requires certified handlers to do it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Cleaning recycling yard by sweeping and raking
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: yard, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/05
Source: “Clean recycling yard by sweeping and raking.” (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 and raking a yard is done with a brush 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.
Driving lorries to collect or deliver recycled metal
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: lorries, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/05
Source: “Drive lorries to collect or deliver recycled 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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Driving a lorry to collect scrap metal is physical work at the wheel on public roads.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Operating a crane-mounted magnet to recover metals
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: a crane-mounted magnet, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/05
Source: “Operate a crane-mounted magnet to recover metals.” (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: Working a crane-mounted magnet to lift scrap is physical machine operation in the yard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Recovering, cleaning and maintaining equipment for reuse
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8139/05
Source: “Recover, clean, and maintain equipment for reuse.” (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: Recovering and cleaning equipment for reuse is physical work at the equipment 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.
Following procedures for the dismantling and processing of WEEE
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: procedures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8139/05
Source: “Follow procedures for the dismantling and processing of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), including the safe removal of hazardous components and proper storage.” (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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Stripping down electrical waste and separating hazardous parts is hands-on work at the processing line.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Operating balers in recycling processing to process materials
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: balers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8139/05
Source: “Operate balers in recycling processing to process 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: Running a baler means standing at the machine feeding it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Removing copper from circuit boards
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: copper, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8139/05
Source: “Remove copper from circuit boards.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Stripping copper from boards is a physical process handled by hand and machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £29,300a 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: 22,500in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.

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

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: installation procedures in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: determining installation procedures by studying blueprints and analysing test data to diagnose malfunctions in systems. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where poles 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: climbing poles and ladders to access equipment is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 6% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 5% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 88% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 104 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. Determining installation procedures by studying blueprints 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 installation procedures, 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 poles 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 interpreting design sketches, specifications or drawings to manufacture precision springs. 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 plant and machine operatives n.e.c. (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was electrical and electronic trades n.e.c.: only about 14% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 11/100 here, with only 6% of the task list in the top band, and “install and fix aerials or satellite dishes” 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.

Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c.
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them”. 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 →
Telecoms and related network installers and repairers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “lay underground cable directly in trenches”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 6% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 6% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Electrical and electronics technicians
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “repair circuits and wiring using soldering irons and hand tools”. 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 →

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: 6% of its task weight, across 104 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 climbing poles and ladders to access equipment 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 Bicycle Repairers 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 Bicycle Repairers, Semiconductor Processing Technicians, Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders and Conveyor Operators and Tenders. 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 plant / machine operatives n.e.c., 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 6% 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 plant / machine operatives n.e.c.. 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 plant / machine operatives n.e.c. 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 plant / machine operatives n.e.c. 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 plant / machine operatives n.e.c. 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 plant / machine operatives n.e.c. 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 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 104 official task statements scored for Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. (United Kingdom, SOC 8139), 6% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 11 out of 100 (range 9–15, 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 “Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Maintain equipment logs that record test results for quality assurance” (93/100, very high); “Review work orders” (88/100, very high); “Determine installation procedures by studying blueprints, schematics, manuals, or other specifications” (75/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.” 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: “Remove copper from circuit boards” (0/100, minimal); “Operate balers in recycling processing to process materials” (0/100, minimal); “Follow procedures for the dismantling and processing of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), including the safe removal of hazardous components…” (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 “Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 6% 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 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. 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 104 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 row is marked low confidence, so treat it as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
45 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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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.