The Un-automatable Truth: Craftsmanship, AI, and the Future of Work

Why Hands-On Skills Still Matter in an Age of Intelligent Machines

Article link: https://open.substack.com/pub/johanosteyn/p/the-un-automatable-truth-craftsmanship?r=73gqa&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Audio summury: https://youtu.be/YYggZR-gWkc

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence and technology is a topic I frequently explore, delving into its profound implications across business, politics, education, and the future of our children. This article examines how AI is reshaping the job market, particularly highlighting the enduring value of practical skills and human ingenuity in an increasingly automated world.

In a recent interview, Geoffrey Hinton, often hailed as the “Godfather of AI,” offered a provocative piece of advice: “a good bet would be to be a plumber.” This seemingly simple statement, delivered on Steven Bartlett’s ‘Diary of a CEO’ podcast, cuts to the heart of a critical discussion about career resilience in the age of advanced automation. Hinton’s point isn’t a literal call for everyone to embrace pipework; rather, it’s a powerful metaphor for the kinds of jobs that AI currently struggles to replicate – those demanding dexterity, real-time problem-solving in unpredictable environments, and a uniquely human touch.

CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

AI excels at “mundane intellectual labour” – tasks that are digital, repetitive, and easily verifiable, such as data entry, analysis, and routine administrative functions. These are the roles most susceptible to automation and where headcount compression will be felt most acutely. Conversely, jobs requiring complex physical manipulation, adaptability to unstructured spaces, and high-trust human interaction remain largely outside AI’s current capabilities.

Think of a plumber navigating a cramped ceiling to fix a unique leak, a nurse providing empathetic care, or a construction worker adapting to ever-changing site conditions. These professions demand human judgment, intuition, and the ability to respond creatively to unforeseen challenges – qualities that AI, despite its advancements, still lacks. The “missing middle” in job safety, as some experts suggest, includes any role that is purely digital, repetitive, and easy to verify, making them prime candidates for AI disruption.

INSIGHT AND ANALYSIS

The deeper takeaway from Hinton’s observation is not to dismiss intellectual pursuits, but to recognise a fundamental shift in what constitutes “future-proof” work. Career resilience now hinges on skills that combine physical reality, human trust, and situational complexity.

This is why I personally believe that for my own eleven-year-old son, a formal university degree might not be the sole or even primary path to a secure future. Instead, fostering practical skills and a “working with your hands in a smart way” approach could be far more beneficial. Vocational trades, often overlooked in favour of academic routes, are experiencing a resurgence in demand, with many offering stable and growing career opportunities. These roles are not merely about manual labour; they increasingly involve working alongside AI-powered tools, requiring a blend of traditional craftsmanship and technological literacy.

The global workforce faces a digital skills gap, and investing in lifelong learning and vocational training is crucial to navigating this transition effectively. The emphasis is shifting towards adaptability, domain depth, and comfort with AI as a collaborative tool, rather than solely relying on traditional academic qualifications.

IMPLICATIONS

For the future of our country, embracing and elevating skilled trades is paramount. As AI automates routine tasks, a robust workforce in embodied, problem-solving professions will be essential for maintaining infrastructure, providing essential services, and fostering local economies. This shift also has profound implications for the future of our children. We must equip them with hybrid skill sets – the ability to leverage AI as a tool while cultivating uniquely human attributes like empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability.

Education systems need to adapt, promoting hands-on experiences, problem-solving, and a lifelong learning mindset that prepares young people for a dynamic job market where continuous upskilling is the norm.

The value of craftsmanship and the human touch is not diminishing; it is becoming more treasured as AI advances. Betting on skills that AI cannot easily replicate is a prudent strategy for long-term career resilience.

CLOSING TAKEAWAY

Geoffrey Hinton’s “plumber” analogy serves as a vital reminder that while AI reshapes our professional landscape, the enduring value of human skill, adaptability, and hands-on expertise remains irreplaceable. By championing vocational pathways and nurturing practical intelligence in our children, we can build a resilient future for them and for our nation, ensuring that human ingenuity continues to thrive alongside technological progress.

Author Bio: Johan Steyn is an AI and technology expert, author, and speaker who writes on the intersection of AI with business, politics, education, and society. He is passionate about guiding individuals and organisations through the complexities of the AI revolution. Learn more at https://www.aiforbusiness.net