With so much talk about artificial intelligence changing the world of work, it’s natural to wonder which jobs will still need people in the years ahead.
A recent analysis of dozens of professions has picked out the roles with the lowest risk of being replaced by AI, and most of them have one thing in common, as eight of the top ten are in healthcare or social care. These jobs rely on human judgement, hands-on skills and the ability to build trust, which AI simply can’t match, although many of them are likely to use technology to make parts of the work easier.
Some jobs are harder to automate.
AI is very good at handling information, spotting patterns and doing repetitive tasks quickly, which is why jobs built around those skills are most at risk. However, it struggles in situations that change from moment to moment, where someone needs to think on their feet, use their hands or respond to people’s emotions.
That’s why the jobs least likely to be replaced tend to involve caring for people, making difficult decisions and working in unpredictable settings. In many of these roles, AI is far more likely to act as a helpful assistant than to take over completely, freeing up workers to spend more time on the parts of the job that matter most.
Ambulance crews and paramedics
Ambulance technicians and paramedics came out on top of the analysis with almost no risk of being replaced by AI. When they arrive at a car crash, heart attack or other emergency, they have to work out what’s happening, treat patients on the spot and change their plans quickly if a situation suddenly gets worse.
AI could still help with some of the less hands-on parts of the job, such as writing up reports after a shift. In the UK, people can train as paramedics through a university degree or an apprenticeship, while ambulance trusts also recruit emergency care assistants who can work their way up with on-the-job training.
Doctors
Doctors, including GPs and hospital doctors who specialise in general medicine, also scored very low for automation risk. Healthcare is already using AI to help with notes, scans and large amounts of patient information, and this is expected to grow over the coming years.
However, doctors still need to piece together what’s going on with each patient, especially when someone has several health conditions or symptoms that don’t fit a clear pattern. Technology can help them process information faster, but the final decision about how to treat someone still rests with a person who understands the whole picture.
Nurses
Nursing is one of the largest professions in healthcare and one of the least likely to be replaced by machines. Nurses spend their days caring for patients, giving medicines, spotting changes in someone’s condition, comforting families and reacting quickly when something goes wrong.
Advanced nurse practitioners, who can diagnose illnesses and prescribe medicines, also ranked highly and are increasingly in demand in GP surgeries and hospitals. In England, nursing students can apply for extra financial support on top of student loans, and nursing apprenticeships offer another route into the career without the cost of a degree.
Social workers
Social workers who support people with mental health problems or addictions had a very low risk of being replaced, as did those who work with children, families, and schools. Their work often involves helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives, which depends on trust, understanding and careful judgement.
AI could help reduce paperwork and organise case notes, which many social workers would welcome. To become a social worker in the UK, you need an approved degree or postgraduate qualification, and in England, some students can apply for bursaries to help with the cost of training.
Psychologists and therapists
Clinical and counselling psychologists were also near the top of the list, even though more people are now turning to AI chatbots for support with their mental health. Therapy relies on understanding a person’s situation, picking up on small signs and building a trusting relationship over time.
AI may help with note-taking and other admin, but it can’t replace the human connection at the heart of good therapy. Becoming a psychologist involves several years of study and training, while counselling courses offer a shorter route into supporting people with their wellbeing.
Sports coaches
Coaches were the only role in the top ten outside healthcare and social care. AI can already study match footage and player statistics much faster than any person, and many clubs use it to help with tactics and training plans.
However, coaching is about much more than numbers because it involves motivating players, managing different personalities and making quick decisions during a match. In the UK, many sports offer coaching qualifications through their governing bodies, and lots of people start by volunteering at local clubs before turning it into a career.
Getting into a future-proof career
Even the jobs least likely to be replaced will still change, so being comfortable using technology can give you an advantage whichever path you choose. Skills such as communication, problem-solving, kindness and staying calm under pressure are likely to stay valuable for many years to come.
If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare, the NHS Health Careers website explains the different roles available and how to train for them. The National Careers Service also offers free advice on changing careers, finding courses and applying for funding to help you take your next step.
