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🇬🇧 UKSOC 5249· Skilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades

Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c.

Job holders in this group perform a variety of electrical and electronic occupations not elsewhere classified in minor group 524: Electrical and electronic trades.

Communication engineerElectronics engineerField engineerLinesman
£48,171
median salary
£37,692 – £56,456
20,938
currently employed
19,769
projected 2035
Declining
7 tasks scored3 AI Assists4 Human-Led

Task Bundle Breakdown

How AI interacts with this occupation's task bundle

43%
57%
0%
AI automates
43%
AI assists
57%
Human-led

Task-by-Task Breakdown

Every task scored individually — sorted highest to lowest AI exposure

56

examines drawings, wiring diagrams and specifications to determine appropriate methods and sequence of operations

AI Assists

AI tools like Copilot or specialised CAD/electrical software can parse and interpret technical drawings and specifications, flagging sequencing issues, but a skilled tradesperson must apply contextual judgment on-site.

56

connects cables to test equipment and tests for balance, resistance, insulation and any defects

AI Assists

AI-powered diagnostic platforms and smart test equipment can automatically interpret resistance, insulation, and balance readings, flagging anomalies faster, but a technician must set up tests and act on results.

44

locates and repairs faults to lines and ancillary equipment

AI Assists

AI fault-diagnosis tools and predictive maintenance systems (e.g. Siemens MindSphere) can help narrow down fault locations using historical data, but physical inspection and repair remain firmly human tasks.

22

places prepared parts and sub-assemblies in position, checks their alignment and secures with hand tools to install x-ray and medical equipment, aircraft instruments and other electronic equipment

Human-Led

Physical placement, alignment, and securing of sensitive equipment requires hands-on dexterity and spatial judgment that current robotics and AI cannot reliably replicate in varied real-world settings.

22

connects and installs transformers, fuse gear, lightning arrestors, aircraft warning lights, cable boxes and other equipment

Human-Led

Physical installation of transformers and ancillary equipment is hands-on work, though AI-assisted planning tools could help sequence installation steps or flag compliance requirements.

11

removes protective sheath from wires and cables and connects by brazing, soldering or crimping and applies conductor insulation and protective coverings

Human-Led

Stripping, brazing, soldering, and crimping are precise manual operations requiring tactile feedback and fine motor control that AI-driven robotics cannot yet perform in the diverse conditions tradespeople encounter.

11

assists with the erection of wood poles or steel towers to carry overhead lines

Human-Led

Erecting poles and towers is physically demanding outdoor work requiring situational awareness, teamwork, and safety judgment that AI has virtually no role in performing directly.

ROI Calculator

Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c.

7.5hrs
saved per week
360hrs
per year ≈ 9.6 weeks
£9,634
salary-equivalent capacity freed per year

This is not a pay rise — it's 360 hours of productive capacity that AI could return to you, valued at your current rate.

£20,645
value at risk — 43% of role exposed to AI

The portion of your current salary tied to tasks AI can automate or augment. Not a prediction of job loss — a signal of where your role is changing fastest.

How is this calculated?▾

Task weights — each task is weighted by its O*NET frequency rating. Where frequency data is absent, equal weighting is applied.

AI time reduction — tasks scored as "AI Automates" assume 80% time saving; "AI Assists" assumes 40%; "Human-Led" assumes 5%.

Salary equivalent — annual hours saved × (salary ÷ 1,800 working hours/year).

Value at risk — salary × share of role time in AI-automate or AI-assist tasks.

Figures are indicative estimates for planning purposes, not guarantees of productivity gain or job loss risk.