Will AI replace Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 53 official task statements scored for Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c. (United Kingdom, SOC 3119), 37% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 40 out of 100 (range 36–46, band: partial). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

What should someone working in “Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 37% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 52% 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 Science, engineering and production technicians 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 53 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

Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

collecting equipment for practical lessons, managing stock control, including records, procurement and collating and formatting experimental data or visualisations for publication. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

This job is splitting in two: collating and formatting experimental data or visualisations for publication is work AI now does quickly and cheaply, and collecting equipment for practical lessons is work it can't touch.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 37%
changing shape: 11%
staying human: 52%

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

Whole-job exposure score 40 out of 100 (36–46 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, across 53 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 science, engineering and production technicians 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.

Which half fills your week decides your exposure. The ledger below shows which rows you can move toward.

Your week, as this page understands it

Job holders in this unit group perform a variety of technical support functions not elsewhere classified in minor group 311: Science, engineering and production technicians. The job title says “science”, “engineering” or “production technicians n.e.c.”: officially one job, several names. The real job is the part underneath: collecting equipment for practical lessons. 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 science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c. is not one task. It is 53 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is collecting equipment for practical lessons, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 37%
changing shape: 11%
staying human: 52%

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.

18 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

20 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.

Collating data, documentation and resources to support teaching and learning activities
This is reading one thing and writing another: data, documentation and resources in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 3119/01
Source: “Collate data, documentation, and resources to support teaching and learning activities.” (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: Gathering and organising teaching materials and data is desk work software is good at.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Advising on resources and techniques to enhance students' or researchers' understanding in their higher education discipline
This is reading one thing and writing another: resources in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 3119/01
Source: “Advise on resources and techniques to enhance students' or researchers' understanding in their higher education discipline.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Suggesting resources and techniques for a subject is well documented advice software can produce.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Analysing production costs for sustainable designs using statistical studies
This is reading one thing and writing another: production costs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 3119/02
Source: “Analyse production costs for sustainable designs using statistical studies.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Costing designs with statistics is number work using figures the business already holds, which software does reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring stock levels and ordering supplies
This is reading one thing and writing another: stock levels in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 3119/01
Source: “Monitor stock levels and order supplies as necessary.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Stock data sits in the system and reordering follows set rules, so this is routine work software does at least as well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

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.

Determining appropriate materials and production techniques based on product specifications
The software now makes the first pass at appropriate materials, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 3119/02
Source: “Determine appropriate materials and production techniques based on product specifications.” (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: Matching materials and production methods to a specification is a documented engineering choice software can make.
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.
Ensuring equipment undergoes quality control for consistent results
The software now makes the first pass at equipment undergoes quality control, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Ensure equipment undergoes quality control for consistent results.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (45–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Quality control schedules and results are documented and tracked in systems, so software can manage the checks and flag gaps.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring and reviewing manufacturing standards and parameters to maintain product quality
The software now makes the first pass at standards, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Monitor and review manufacturing standards and parameters to maintain product quality.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (45–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Manufacturing parameters are recorded digitally, so watching them for drift suits software well, with occasional checks on the line.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

27 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.

Collecting equipment for practical lessons
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3119/01
Source: “Collect equipment for practical lessons.” (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: Fetching and carrying equipment for a lesson 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.
Putting away equipment after lessons
This work happens in the physical world: away equipment after lessons, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3119/01
Source: “Put away equipment after lessons.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Clearing equipment away afterwards is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Preparing the teaching, learning or researching environment for specific activities, including introductory sessions for new students
This work happens in the physical world: the teaching, learning or researching environment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3119/01
Source: “Prepare the teaching, learning, or research environment for specific activities, including introductory sessions for new students.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 12 out of 100 (5–19 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 plan can be written out, but setting a room up for the session is physical preparation.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 43 tasks

Collating and formatting experimental data or visualisations for publication
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: experimental data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Collate and format experimental data or visualisations for publication.” (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: Turning experimental data into tidy tables and charts for publication is what software is best at.
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.
Collating map and monitoring data from research
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: map in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Collate, map, and monitor data from research.” (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: Bringing research data together and tracking it is structured data work software does very well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing graphs or charts to document experimental results
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: graphs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.” (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: Turning experiment data into clear graphs is something software does quickly and to a high standard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Generating inventory reports to manage stock levels
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: inventory reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Generate inventory reports to manage stock levels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Pulling stock figures into a report is exactly what till and stock systems already do automatically.
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.
Preparing reports on operations and system productivity or efficiency
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Prepare reports on operations and system productivity or efficiency.” (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: Productivity and efficiency reports are built from system data, which software can assemble and write up.
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.
Selecting and using suitable IT and digital solutions
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: suitable IT in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Select and use suitable IT and digital solutions for teaching, learning, and research activities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (76–90 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Choosing and setting up digital tools for teaching and research is well documented territory for software.
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 4/4.
Compiling laboratory test results for analysis
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: laboratory test results in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Compile laboratory test results for analysis.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Test results already sit in laboratory systems, so pulling them together into an analysable set is routine work for software.
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 3/4.
Compiling manufacturing batch records for product tracking
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: batch records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Compile manufacturing batch records for product tracking.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Assembling batch records for traceability is structured documentation, though a qualified person signs them off.
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 3/4.
Managing budgets to ensure efficient use of resources
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: budgets in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Manage budgets to ensure efficient use of resources.” (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: Managing a budget against actual spend is standard finance system work.
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.
Writing technical reports on equipment maintenance to ensure operational efficiency
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: technical reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Write technical reports on equipment maintenance to ensure operational efficiency.” (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: Maintenance reports follow a set shape and software drafts them well from the service records.
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.
Adjusting production schedules as required for optimal output
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: production schedules in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Adjust production schedules as required for optimal output.” (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: Reshuffling a schedule around orders, staff and machine time is a planning problem software solves 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 corrective actions for product failures
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: corrective actions in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3119/02
Source: “Recommend corrective actions for product failures.” (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: Once a failure is understood, recommending the fix draws on well-documented repair practice.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Interpreting compiled test results
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: compiled test results in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Interpret compiled test results.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading a compiled set of test results against documented criteria is desk work software does well before a colleague confirms.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring accurate costing of materials and adherence to production budget
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: accurate costing of materials in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 3119/02
Source: “Ensure accurate costing of materials and adherence to production budget.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Costing materials against a budget is spreadsheet work software handles quickly and accurately.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Establishing standard operating procedures to ensure quality and consistency
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: standard operating procedures in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Establish standard operating procedures to ensure quality and consistency.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Standard operating procedures follow well documented formats, so software drafts a solid version for someone to check and approve.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supporting the development of new teaching and learning techniques
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the development of new teaching and learning techniques in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Support the development of new teaching and learning techniques.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Researching and drafting new teaching approaches is written work software supports strongly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying opportunities to enhance the efficiency of robotic assembly line equipment
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at opportunities, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3119/02
Source: “Identify opportunities to enhance the efficiency of robotic assembly line 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: Spotting efficiency gains from production line data is analysis 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.
Developing production, inventory or quality assurance programmes
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at production, inventory or quality assurance programmes, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Develop production, inventory, or quality assurance programmes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Draft programmes can be produced automatically, but they have to be shaped around this plant's realities.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Innovating to minimise raw material use in manufacturing
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at minimise raw material, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3119/02
Source: “Innovate to minimise raw material use in manufacturing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can model where material is wasted, but proving a leaner method works happens on the line.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing stock control, including records, procurement, inventory and the safe handling and storage of goods
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stock control, including records, procurement, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 3119/01
Source: “Manage stock control, including records, procurement, inventory, and the safe handling and storage of goods.” (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: Stock records and ordering are natural software tasks, though goods still have to be handled and stored.
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.
Solving materials production problems with experiential or innovative solutions
staying human
The ratings behind this row put materials production problems well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 60 · 3119/02
Source: “Solve materials production problems with experiential or innovative solutions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software offers options, but solving awkward production problems leans on experience of that specific process.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Monitoring product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: product quality, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 33 out of 100 (26–40 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: Quality data is easy for software to track and flag, though checking product on the line still needs someone physically present.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Offering design solutions and modifications for academic and researching equipment
staying human
The ratings behind this row put design solutions well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Offer design solutions and modifications for academic and research equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can propose design options, but modifying research kit depends on knowing that particular equipment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Monitoring processes and procedures supporting good housekeeping practices
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: processes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Monitor processes and procedures supporting good housekeeping practices.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checklists can be automated, but keeping a working area in order means walking it and looking.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Establishing standard production rate or improving efficiency by studying time
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: standard production rate, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Establish standard production rate or improve efficiency by studying time, motion, methods, and speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The calculations are easy, but timing and studying how work is actually done means standing on the shop floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Teaching students about skills, techniques and methodologies associated with a process, equipment or artistic/creative technique
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: students, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3119/01
Source: “Teach students about skills, techniques, and methodologies associated with a process, equipment, or artistic/creative technique.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Explanations are easy to write, but teaching a practical technique works by demonstrating it beside the student.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring worker performance to ensure equipment operation meets quality standards
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: worker performance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3119/02
Source: “Monitor worker performance to ensure equipment operation meets quality standards.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 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: Watching how people run equipment on the floor means being there.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Developing technologies to reduce waste in manufacturing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: technologies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3119/02
Source: “Develop technologies to reduce waste in manufacturing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (9–23 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting manufacturing waste through new technology needs trials on real production lines, not just analysis.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Developing technologies to replace toxic materials with non-toxic alternatives in manufacturing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: technologies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3119/02
Source: “Develop technologies to replace toxic materials with non-toxic alternatives in manufacturing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (9–23 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Replacing toxic materials means laboratory and production trials to prove the alternative actually works.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Developing manufacturing infrastructure to integrate or deploy new manufacturing processes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: infrastructure, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3119/02
Source: “Develop manufacturing infrastructure to integrate or deploy new manufacturing processes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Putting new manufacturing capability in place means building and commissioning real equipment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Managing technical staff working within a team
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles technical staff working within a team and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 3119/01
Source: “Manage technical staff working within a team.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (9–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Managing technical staff works through day-to-day relationships.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Subjecting equipment to a defined inspection and maintenance regime to ensure safety
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3119/01
Source: “Subject equipment to a defined inspection and maintenance regime to ensure safety.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The inspection schedule is easy to run, but the safety checks need someone handling the equipment.
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 components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Inspect components produced.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Inspecting components means physically handling and measuring them, so software helps mainly with recording and analysing results.
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.
Testing products to ensure they meet specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Test products to ensure they meet specifications.” (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: Testing a product means physically handling it on the bench, so software can only help with the paperwork and the numbers afterwards.
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.
Working in full compliance with health
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: full compliance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Work in full compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.” (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: The regulations are documented, but working in compliance with them is about what the technician does on the shop floor.
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.
Assisting engineers in testing prototypes or new products
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: engineers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3119/02
Source: “Assist engineers in testing prototypes or new products, processes, or procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (3–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Helping test a prototype means being in the workshop with 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 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Assisting students during academic lessons and extracurricular activities
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: students during academic lessons, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3119/01
Source: “Assist students during academic lessons and extracurricular activities.” (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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Helping pupils during lessons and activities means being alongside 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 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Maintaining and repairing educational equipment and teaching aids to ensure functionality
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: educational equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3119/01
Source: “Maintain and repair educational equipment and teaching aids to ensure 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: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Repairing teaching equipment means having it on the bench 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 2/4.
Maintaining and repairing laboratory equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: laboratory equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3119/01
Source: “Maintain and repair laboratory 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: Repairing apparatus needs hands and tools on 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.
Servicing and maintaining school equipment to ensure educational readiness
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: school equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3119/01
Source: “Service and maintain school equipment to ensure educational readiness.” (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: Servicing school equipment is hands-on maintenance.
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 assembling equipment for academic research or teaching in disciplines like sciences
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: and assembling equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 3119/01
Source: “Set up and assemble equipment for academic research or teaching in disciplines like sciences, medicine, engineering, or arts.” (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: Assembling apparatus for teaching or research is physical work at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cleaning laboratory instruments or equipment to maintain operational efficiency
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: laboratory instruments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3119/01
Source: “Clean laboratory instruments or equipment to maintain operational efficiency.” (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 instruments means physically handling them at the bench, which software cannot do.
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 production equipment in accordance with current good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: and operating production equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3119/02
Source: “Set up and operate production equipment in accordance with current good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Setting up and running production equipment happens with hands on the plant.
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.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £36,100a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
People doing this job: 38,000in 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: experimental data in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: collating and formatting experimental data or visualisations for publication and collating data, documentation and resources to support teaching and learning activities. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where equipment gets done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

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

Your week is splitting in two, and which half fills it is the whole question. Collating and formatting experimental data or visualisations for publication is going; collecting equipment for practical lessons is not.

So, given all that: 37% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 11% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 52% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 53 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

The occupation is an average and you are not, so the first job below is finding out where your own week actually sits.

This week: one thing

Print the task ledger above and put your own hours next to each row. Roughly, in pen, in one sitting. Then look at which group your hours actually pile up in. Twenty minutes, this week.

What you end up holding: your own week, on one page, sorted into what is shifting and what is not
How long it takes: about twenty minutes

If printing it isn’t practical: Read the rows off this page and write the same list on the back of an envelope. Same twenty minutes, same page, and it works just as well said out loud to someone who knows the job. The point is your hours next to the rows, not the paper it is on.

Over the next 90 days

Volunteer toward the durable end, visibly. Over the next ninety days put your hand up for the work in the bottom group (collecting equipment for practical lessons) and let people see you doing it. Not a new project: the same job, with your mix deliberately tilted. The point is that when the rota or the reorganisation comes, the version of you people picture is the one doing the part that stays.

Over the next 12 months

Claim a specialism at the durable end and let the other end go. Over a year, deliberately become the person who handles collecting equipment for practical lessons, and deliberately stop being the first choice for the rows in the top group. That trade costs something, because the exposed work is often the comfortable work. Decide it on purpose rather than by drift. 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 science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c. (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was production managers and directors in manufacturing: only about 13% of its durable work is work you already do. Your own job splits about 37/63: that share of the list sits in the top exposure band and the rest does not. On this evidence the honest move is inside the job rather than out of it. Become the person who owns “collect equipment for practical lessons”, and let the exposed end go.

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.

Production managers and directors in manufacturing
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 13% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 13% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Chemical and related process operatives
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already clean laboratory instruments or equipment to maintain operational efficiency, and their equivalent is to clean machines or equipment to maintain their efficiency. Across both published task lists that is about 7% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 7% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Production and process engineers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “assist engineers in testing prototypes or new products, processes, or procedures”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 7% 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 7% 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: 37% of its task weight, across 53 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The whole-job doom story
Nothing on this page says this job ends. It says the mix inside it moves. Half the rows above are unchanged or changing shape, and the plan is about which half your week sits in. That is a very different problem, and a solvable one.
Panic-buying a course
Do the twenty-minute sorting exercise first. Most people who buy a course before they have done it buy the wrong one, and the free services listed below will tell you the same thing without charging for it.
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 Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians 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 Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Calibration Technologists and Technicians, Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, Hydrologic Technicians, Nuclear Technicians, Forensic Science Technicians, Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other, First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers, Fire Inspectors and Investigators, Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists and Traffic Technicians. 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 science / engineering / production technicians 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 37% 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 science / engineering / production technicians 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 science / engineering / production technicians n.e.c. launches. Nothing else.

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No Space for science / engineering / production technicians 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 science / engineering / production technicians 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 science / engineering / production technicians 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 Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 53 official task statements scored for Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c. (United Kingdom, SOC 3119), 37% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 40 out of 100 (range 36–46, band: partial). 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 “Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Collate and format experimental data or visualisations for publication” (93/100, very high); “Collate, map, and monitor data from research” (93/100, very high); “Prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results” (93/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.” stay human?: About 52% 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: “Set up and operate production equipment in accordance with current good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures” (0/100, minimal); “Clean laboratory instruments or equipment to maintain operational efficiency” (0/100, minimal); “Set up and assemble equipment for academic research or teaching in disciplines like sciences, medicine, engineering, or arts” (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 “Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 37% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 52% 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 Science, engineering and production technicians 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 53 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
18 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

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

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

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

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

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

Plain text

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

BibTeX

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

Permalink

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

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