9 jobs resilient to AI & automation

A new report has identified nine UK jobs that are ‘resilient’ to artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. It comes as many organizations including Amazon and Nestlé plan significant job cuts as AI-driven automation reshapes work.

MyPerfectCV, a leading UK CV builder, identified nine hands-on jobs that are relatively safe from automation over the next decade. The analysis reflects a broader market reality highlighted by independent research: AI is speeding up information-based tasks, but complex, on-site and interpersonal work still overwhelmingly depends on people.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 1.5 million jobs in England (7.4 percent) face a high risk of automation, particularly roles heavy on routine, rule-based tasks.

Join the PEX Network community

Don't miss any news, updates or insider tips from PEX Network by getting them delivered to your inbox. Sign up to our newsletter and join our community of experts. 

Learn More

9 jobs that are resilient to AI & automation

According to MyPerfectCV, the nine UK jobs that are “automation proof” are:

1. Electrician

Complex fault-finding and safety-critical decisions across varied sites.

2. Plumber

Irregular systems, emergency call-outs, and on-the-spot improvisation.

3. Carpenter/joiner

Precision cutting, fitting, and creative problem-solving on site.

4. Bricklayer

Constant adjustment to site conditions, materials, and weather.

5. Automotive mechanic

Nuanced diagnostics plus hands-on repairs (including EV systems).

6. Roofer

Safety-critical, high-agility work at height with diverse materials.

7. Painter and decorator

Finish quality, client liaison, and on-site adaptability.

8. Gardener and landscaper

Seasonal judgement, plant care, and site-specific design.

9. Hairdresser/barber

High dexterity plus trusted, personal client service.

Register for All Access: AI in PEX 2026!

Why are these jobs resistant to automation?

“Automation changes tasks more than it replaces whole jobs,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectCV. “Roles that combine fine motor skills, problem-solving in unpredictable settings, and real client interaction are proving remarkably durable. For many Britons, that means the trades and other hands-on careers offer stability, mobility and strong earning potential in 2026 and beyond.”

Jobs that are typically resistant to AI and automation are those that require: 

• Physical dexterity and coordination: Fine motor skills and awkward environments (e.g. tight spaces, work at height) remain hard to automate.
• Complex problem-solving: Tradespeople troubleshoot unique faults and legacy systems daily.
• On-site decision-making: Dynamic, messy settings (homes, construction sites, outdoors) defeat rigid automation.
• Interpersonal service: Trust, empathy, and communication drive customer decisions and repeat business.
• Safety and risk management: Human judgement remains essential in safety-critical work.

AI isn’t eliminating the human factor; it’s redefining it

Amazon’s recent decision to cut 14,000 corporate roles, partially driven by AI, is a signal that even the big names are rethinking the realities of automation and post-pandemic scaling, commented Peter Fedoročko, CTO of GoodData. “Many companies overexpanded during a period of cheap capital and rapid digital acceleration. Now, they’re confronting what happens when AI, automation, and market efficiency collide with over hiring.”

The takeaway isn’t necessarily cost-cutting – it’s about system design, he added. “How do we integrate tech? The companies that succeed will be those that use AI in core workflows early, understand which functions can be automated safely, and reallocate human talent toward higher-order problem-solving.”

AI isn’t eliminating the human factor; it’s redefining it, according to Fedoročko. “The value now lies in those who can design, monitor, and collaborate with automated systems – not compete against them. The future belongs to organizations that treat AI not as a headcount reduction tool, but as a tool to benefit the workforce. It’s not humans vs machines, it’s about giving the humans the best chance to succeed using a technology that isn’t going away.”

All Access: OPEX Operational Excellence 2025

Operational excellence is a set of practices that helps organizations to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. In 2025, operational excellence will be more important than ever as organizations look to reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. 

 All Access: OPEX Operational Excellence 2025 from PEX Network will help professionals get an understanding of the latest developments in operational excellence, including how to identify and improve key processes, how to implement operational excellence initiatives, and how to measure the success of operational excellence initiatives.

Register Now