Jobs safe from AI
Not every industry will be affected the same way, with some jobs less vulnerable to being replicated by AI. Those that require complex human emotions, communication skills and creative thinking are more likely to resist full automation. These include roles in the healthcare industry, as well as skilled tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers. Read on to discover a full list of jobs AI won’t replace moving forward.
What makes a job AI-proof?
Although AI is rapidly developing, there are certain qualities to a job that make it extremely resistant to being taken over by machines. While AI is effective at automating straightforward, data-driven tasks, it struggles with jobs that require human qualities, such as empathy, creativity and emotional intelligence. The following are some of the key traits of an AI-proof job:
Emotional intelligence and empathy
AI can’t feel or exhibit empathy like humans, making it unsuitable for certain jobs that require emotional intelligence or caring attributes.
Creativity
Although AI can replicate some creative tasks such as writing or designing, it struggles with developing original ideas or solving complex problems.
Physicality and hands-on work
While AI can thrive in straightforward, heavily structured environments, such as a warehouse, it can struggle with unpredictable hands-on work.
Leadership and judgement
The successful management of teams and leadership requires emotional intelligence and high-level skills in communication that AI lacks.
14 jobs safe from AI
Healthcare professionals
Healthcare professionals exhibit skills that AI machines lack. To be successful as a doctor, nurse, surgeon or therapist, you will need deeply human qualities, such as empathy, complex decision-making and sound judgement. While AI may support administrative tasks or record-keeping, it is highly unlikely to replace healthcare roles in the future.
SWTAFE offers a wide range of courses within the healthcare industry, such as the Diploma of Nursing, where you can learn to provide quality nursing care.
Skilled tradespeople
Industries that perform complex, hands-on work will be difficult for AI machines to replace, as they lack the physical dexterity and problem-solving skills of tradespeople. A variety of careers can be put in this category, such as plumbers, electricians, construction workers, automotive technicians and bricklayers, among many others. Work will often need to be completed in unpredictable situations, with practical skills and adaptability that make them more resilient against the growth of AI.
To join one of the most AI-proof industries in Australia, there are a range of qualifications and apprenticeships available. For example, if you're looking to become an electrician, consider a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (Apprenticeship) to develop all the necessary skills.
Hospitality
One of the most uniquely human industries, hospitality is built on direct personal interactions. To give the best service possible, hospitality staff must tailor their interactions to suit any customer, with quick thinking, adaptability and skills in multitasking. If problems occur, humans are highly resilient and can quickly find solutions that AI machines can’t.
A Certificate III in Hospitality (workplace-based) can be the perfect way to develop and establish a variety of skills for front-of-house hospitality.
Farming and agriculture
Working as a farmer, or within agriculture, often takes place in unpredictable environments where people must adapt to changing weather conditions, animal behaviour and economic pressures. While AI can be a great tool for farmers, especially for automating various tasks and computing real-time data, it struggles to carry out hands-on problem-solving and decisions that require human intervention.
For those who love the idea of working outside and doing practical work, the agricultural sector could be the perfect choice, and by completing a Certificate II in Agriculture, you can hit the ground running with the necessary skills and experience.
Teachers
The development of AI has changed the way we view the classroom, with fresh ways to learn and gather information. However, great teachers can do much more than just convey information; they help to motivate and create meaningful connections within each student, while adapting their teaching methods to suit the individual. These are tasks that still rely heavily on human teachers. As such, there will continue to be strong demand for educators going forward, with a 9.4 per cent growth in the next five years.
Teaching remains one of the most valuable professions, with qualifications such as the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, helping to ensure teachers have all the necessary skills and experience to deliver a quality education to students.
Social workers
Social workers, along with mental health professionals and counsellors, are responsible for supporting people as they work through the different challenges in their lives. Whether it's a person with a disability, someone struggling with addiction, or children, the work can be emotionally charged. To give proper care, social workers must have strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate difficult environments and complex human interactions successfully. These are all traits that AI can’t achieve.
For those looking for a career as a support worker, we recommend a Certificate IV in Community Services, which provides a solid foundation for the core skills needed to work successfully in the field.
Creatives
Professionals in creative industries such as music, art, writing and design draw from their own imagination and human emotions to tell stories and produce original content. These jobs require fresh ideas and creative problem-solving that can remain a deeply human quality. Although AI-generated content is expanding, it has been shown to produce formulaic results that lack both the originality and personality of human input. While it can definitely be used as a supportive tool for creative professionals, the ability to draw from human experience and imagination is something that machines cannot replicate. View the Art courses offered by SWTAFE here.
Physiotherapists and personal trainers
Complex physical work is a difficult task for AI. Because the everyday duties of physiotherapists and personal trainers are all geared toward hands-on work, they are unlikely to be replaced by AI moving forward. There is also the equally-important human side of the role, through forming emotional connections and trust with different clients. These relationships are formed with strong communication skills and emotional intelligence, which is something that AI can’t reproduce.
Veterinarians
Veterinarians are responsible for the health and well-being of animals, such as pets and livestock. In order to be successful, vets will need a high-level understanding of animal welfare, including how to diagnose and treat different diseases and conditions. Like other careers, vets require empathy, which they use to help guide pet owners through difficult situations. Veterinarians are one of the most AI-resistant jobs due to the strong human qualities needed to be successful.
Software engineering
Software engineers are responsible for all phases of the software development process, such as coding apps and websites, troubleshooting any errors, and carrying out new updates. While AI has the ability to write short sections of code, it struggles with many complex, large-scale problems that require a team of engineers to solve. Particularly with the growth of AI, there will be a demand for experienced software engineers who can successfully create and implement different forms of AI into modern technology.
Psychologists
Psychology is deeply rooted in science and data that AI can support; it is underpinned by genuine human connections and the navigation of complex emotions. Much like those in healthcare, psychologists must form trust with their clients using strong emotional intelligence. The relationship between a psychologist and their client, formed with trust, mutual respect and communication, is something machines can’t replicate.
Hair and beauty
Hairdressers and people in the beauty industry use a combination of creativity and hands-on expertise. These are both qualities that AI struggles to replicate, making these careers extremely future-proof. With treatments changing depending on customer preferences, people in the beauty industry also need to be adaptable and read emotional cues to ensure everyone feels relaxed and has their needs met.
If you're passionate about beauty and looking to kickstart your career, view the courses offered by SWTAFE.
Lawyers
Lawyers are unlikely to be replaced by AI anytime soon, because the role requires a deep understanding of human behaviour and the legal system. Each case will present its own unique challenges in which lawyers must balance complex laws while building strong, trusting relationships with clients. No two cases are alike, with nuanced arguments in court that require complex human judgement. This also extends to the entire Australian court system, where members of the jury, judges and associates must all make deeply human decisions.
Leadership and management
Successful leaders and managers must have the ability to guide and motivate employees, which requires high-level skills in human interaction. Although AI can help assess performance levels and manage priorities, it can’t inspire and connect with a group of people. Leaders must have nuanced emotional intelligence to make complex judgement calls and solve multifaceted problems that require human judgement. The most successful managers and leaders can build a workplace culture through their words and actions, helping to steer a workforce through uncertain circumstances and competing stakeholders. Especially with the uncertainty AI brings, businesses will continue to need high-quality leadership.
If you're looking for the skills needed to manage teams, lead projects, and take on more responsibility, consider a Diploma of Leadership and Management.
High-growth industries
With the job market rapidly changing, you may be curious about which industries or markets will have the most new jobs going forward.
Healthcare will remain one of the fastest-growing sectors within Australia. Jobs such as nursing, for example, are expected to experience exceptionally strong growth with a 24.5 per cent increase in the next five years.
Construction and other skilled trades will experience a steady growth rate. Construction, in particular, is in high demand, as new infrastructure projects and housing are being built, and demand for skilled workers increases. Between 2023 and 2033, employment is expected to rise by 9.5 per cent in the construction industry alone.
Teaching and education are experiencing strong demand for new workers, from primary schools to universities. For example, early childhood education has a projected growth rate of 9 per cent by 2034.
Although the future of many industries is uncertain, the roles highlighted represent the human qualities that remain difficult for AI to replicate. For more information on how you can future-proof your career, please visit the SWTAFE website for support.