Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

Help installation, maintenance, and repair workers in maintenance, parts replacement, and repair of vehicles, industrial machinery, and electrical and electronic equipment. Perform duties such as furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; cleaning work area, machines, and tools; and holding materials or tools for other workers.

The occupation "Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers" has an automation risk of 30.9%, which is close to the base risk of 31.3%. This indicates a moderate likelihood that routine activities within this role may become automated in the near future. The slight reduction from the base risk reflects the presence of certain job tasks that are less susceptible to automation. While many aspects of the work involve repetitive or semi-structured tasks, there are enough duties requiring adaptability and hands-on problem-solving to prevent a higher automation percentage. Therefore, while the job is at some risk, a significant portion of its responsibilities remains reliant on human oversight. The most automatable tasks within this occupation are those that involve routine operations, straightforward manual work, and the application of consistent procedures. For example, installing or replacing machinery, equipment, and parts using tools can often be standardized and carried out by robotic systems or automated equipment. Examining and testing machinery for defects, as well as tending and observing equipment for efficient operation, are also tasks amenable to automation through the use of sensors, diagnostic software, and monitoring systems. These tasks generally require less complex decision-making and can be mapped into repeatable processes, making them prime targets for technology-driven solutions. Conversely, the most automation-resistant tasks require adaptability, physical dexterity, and creativity that are harder to replicate with current technologies. Preparing work stations for use by mechanics and repairers involves understanding immediate contextual needs and ensuring specific tools and components are positioned correctly, reflecting both anticipation and adaptability. Assembling and maintaining physical structures often entails customized approaches, as each repair or assembly may differ in scope or complexity. Lastly, designing, welding, and fabricating parts based on blueprints or mechanical plans are tasks demanding originality and a nuanced understanding of real-world conditions. The low bottleneck skill level of originality (2.0%) suggests some need for creative thinking, although not a dominant requirement, which further moderates the occupation’s overall automation risk.