Automation! A word that poses an ever-looming threat to countless jobs around the world.

Throughout history, humans have relied on their hands to build and manipulate their environment. The industrial revolution of the 17th century equipped us with the tools for mass production. However, humans remained the primary drivers of those machines.

In the mid-20th century, the advent of the first microchip changed the course of history. These little plastic blocks can be put in robotic arms and programmed to replicate complex movements in factories, significantly driving up production. However, this comes at the cost of human employment as more and more jobs are being automated to replace expensive labour.

This shift is ever more apparent following the recent innovations and advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. According to the future of jobs report 2020, machines will be estimated to replace 85 million jobs by 2025.

As worrying as all of this may sound, the good news is that several jobs are virtually irreplaceable by computers. Below, you will find 25 jobs, in no particular order, that will never disappear or be replaced by A.I.

Data Scientist/Analyst

Machines do what machines do best, and that is amassing and organizing large sets of raw data. However, no matter how extensive, that data means nothing without a human brain to derive meaningful insights and patterns. These insights can then be used for many applications such as revenue forecast, trend identification, prediction of future market trends and many others.

Ultimately, no matter what application, data science, when used intelligently, can boost your business. Hence this field is in high demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 31 % growth in jobs relating to this field.

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Psychologist

Some jobs are more human than others, and psychology is one of them. We are currently far from a computer giving real-life mental health support and diagnosis to an actual human being. And who knows if that time will even arrive at all.

Psychologists are mental health professionals who assess, diagnose and assist people with mental health issues. This is a profoundly human-involved job that isn’t going anywhere. If anything, the demand for psychologists is increasing as more people begin to do away with the taboos associated with the field.

Cyber Security Expert

With the increase in online attacks and threats over the last decade, cybersecurity is an emerging field with lots of potentials. The internet is bigger than ever, thanks to high-speed protocols and the profusion of fibre networks.

As a result, cyber threats such as hacking, malware attacks and viruses are increasing exponentially. Companies invest heavily in safeguarding against cyber-attacks which is why the field is growing. Although cybersecurity experts use all kinds of programs, none of them can work autonomously.

Dentists

If you have ever been to a dentist, you’d know a slight fear and anxiety you feel as your mouth is being poked around. Now imagine being at the mercy of a robot arm prone to malfunction.

Dentistry won’t be getting replaced by robots anytime soon. As medical science advances, better machines will come along, but they would best aid us instead of replacing humans altogether.

Moreover, everyone has teeth, and teeth need to be looked after. There is about a 6% projected growth expected in dentistry jobs between 2021 and 2031 in the U.S. alone.

Teachers

Teaching is one of those fields that is highly human-dependent. This is especially true for high school teachers, as those are considered the formative years of a child’s development. Teaching is more than blackboards, books and lectures. It’s a deeply human profession that relies on empathy, foresight, and diligence to nurture and develop a child.

Hence, teaching will always remain a human-centred profession, although the means through which education is delivered might change. Presently, the U.S. is experiencing a teacher shortage and high demand for teachers.

Doctors/Surgeons

Just like dentists, doctors/surgeons are irreplaceable as the field of medicine requires human attributes that can’t be replicated. Things like problem-solving, experience-based decision-making, attention to detail, etc., are purely human domains.

In addition, the precision and focus required during surgery and other medical procedures are nothing ordinary.

Although computers and machines play a significant role in modern medicine, it is essential to remember that a human being is always at the helm.

Athletic Trainers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, Athletic trainer jobs are projected to grow by 17 per cent from 2021-2031. As with other professions, athletic/personal training relies heavily on human guidance. Sure, we have numerous self-help gadgets like Fitbit and workout tracking apps, but the guidance and push given by a real human trainer get the job done.

Chef/Head Cooks

How can we not mention chefs/cooks when talking about secure occupations? Cooking is such an intricate process that it requires years of experience to master. You have to start over if there is a smidge more salt in a dish. Think of all the on-spot decisions and adjustments you have to make not to mention the special requirements of each customer. An A.I. robot won’t be making you a succulent meal anytime soon. Also, chef demand is rising, with 15% projected growth over the next decade.

Mechanical Engineers

Machines are as good as the engineers who manufacture them. Machines are on the rise and factories can seldom function without them.

Mechanical engineers will always need to design, innovate, build and improve machines. Until A.I. gets to a point where it can practically replicate the human mind, mechanical and electrical systems will always require skilful engineers.

Automotive trade, energy technology, refineries, insurance coverage, construction, and railway industry are only a few examples of where engineers are needed.

Programming

Automation cannot automate its creation, so programmers will always be needed to write better code, improve existing systems and innovate to keep up with the ever-changing market needs.

Again, A.I. can only replicate thinking; it cannot think. It needs prior data sets to learn patterns and develop results. Sure, there might be software that can code simple programs, but that’s it. If you need something purpose-made or want to implement an original idea, you will need a programmer.

Registered Nurse

Undoubtedly, the healthcare sector relies heavily on complex computer systems for an array of applications.

Due to the highly delicate nature of the job, the actual practical work is carried out by workers. Nurses make up a significant portion of all jobs in the sector, and their work is irreplaceable. Especially in a post-covid world, the need for nurses and other healthcare workers is on the rise.

Human Resource Manager

While it would be pretty ironic, there is no chance the grim reaper of automation scything the “H” off from H.R.

H.R. managers are involved in the workings of an office. They recruit new employees, conduct interviews, enforce company policies, settle disputes and address complaints. The position requires acute judgement, patience and interpersonal skills, which cannot be automated. Moreover, every workplace, business or company needs an H.R. manager, which is why demand stays steady.

Social Worker

Social work primarily involves human-to-human interaction and is one of those professions that doesn’t have a substitute. There is only one way to do social work: direct communication with people who need help or intervention. The job requires a high level of understanding, patience and empathy, which cannot be automated. It can be a pretty secure line of work if you love helping people, interacting and forming relationships.

Lawyers

Before the Covid-19, no one ever thought that lawyers can work remotely. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, remote lawyer jobs have become increasingly common as law firms, corporations, and other legal employers have had to adapt to new ways of working.

Nevertheless, the legal field is hugely human-oriented, and there doesn’t seem to be room for automation. Lawyers must have high moral judgment, and many other traits that cannot be replaced. Like social work, counselling and other human-human jobs, computers can only assist the people carrying out the work. Not to mention, lawyers always find work because there’s too much happening everywhere. This can be lucrative, especially if you go the corporate/insurance route.

Project Management

Sure, you can get programs that streamline project management by giving your team tools to report progress and whatnot. However, supervision has to come from an actual human being who knows the ins and outs of project implementation.

A project manager worth their salt knows how to get things done and enforce deadlines on the team and keep people in check. All of these things are beyond automation for the foreseeable future.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists help those affected by injury, illness or disability to regain motor functions by carefully guiding patients through a series of physical therapy sessions. It is a highly patient-centric job that requires a ton of patience and expertise of the human body. This is perhaps one of the unlikeliest jobs that will ever be automated. Not to mention the high projected growth and attractive salary.

Psychiatrists

Like psychologists, psychiatrists deal with mental health patients; however, instead of counselling, they rely more on medication for treatment.

Psychiatry is an intricate profession that involves a deep understanding of the human mind. It also draws upon a person’s experiences and communication skills to get to core issues affecting a patient. Hence, the field of psychiatry will live on as long as there are people who need help.

Conservation Scientists/Foresters

Conservation scientists are responsible for overseeing conservation efforts in forests. They maintain the health and well-being of flora and devise plans to manage forest lands and resources. Conservation scientists also supervise labour staff tasked with carrying out maintenance activities. Research work is also a common aspect of this field. But, as you might be able to tell, this line of work is unique.

Conservation is one of the most prioritized actions by governments worldwide. Hence, this field isn’t going anywhere. 

Music Composer

There has been a lot of talk surrounding AI-produced music and lyrics in the past few years. Sure, A.I. can make music but is it the same as original music?

No!

The A.I.-created music you have heard on the internet is based upon thousands of hours of popular music fed to an A.I. system. Only after “training” such a system for hours, you get anything remotely resembling a piece of music.

Even then, the music can be told apart as a real piece of music is rife with emotion. Not to mention, music is more than just notes and chords stringed along. It’s the story and context behind an album or a song that ties it all together. Music composers will never go out of style as long as people are willing to attend live performances, orchestras and concerts.

Animators

The demand for animated media is relatively high, with multi-million dollar movies coming out each year.

Animation studios pay the top buck for skilled animators as the work can no doubt be quite laborious. If you are passionate about the field, the long and often tedious work can be gratifying with good salaries and job security. As with many other areas in this list, Animation relies on computers/programs.

We are not even nearly at a place where A.I. could animate a movie on its own without any human input whatsoever. So that phase might be a good way off.

Dietitians/Nutritionists

Unfortunately, obesity and related conditions are rising in countries such as the U.S. and much of the first world. This is because our foods have grown increasingly fatty over the years, with more and more people eating fast food. This has raised the need for dietitians to carve out strategies for patients to make their lives healthier. Diabetes, cholesterol and heart disease are all directly related to the obesity epidemic, so the field is high in demand.

Choreographers

Dance and music are a big part of the entertainment industry, whether in life, in movies or in shows. This is one of those artistic areas where you learn best when being coached by a human expert. The internet has free instructional videos, but they’re nowhere near as effective as in-person classes. Moreover, the film and music industry requires choreographers all the time; hence, if you look in the right places, there are jobs to be had, and they aren’t going anywhere.

Supervisors of Police & Detectives

First-line supervisors coordinate the activities of members of the police force to investigate criminal cases. They offer guidance, expertise and leadership and ensure that all procedures are by the book. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, this can be a challenging and exciting line of work.

Marketing/Advertisement professionals 

Any profession that relies on creativity and artistic impression is a safe bet regarding automation. Machines can crunch numbers all day long, but critical thinking, planning, strategy and creativity are uniquely human. The field of marketing and advertisement relies heavily on the traits above. The pay is highly competitive, and the area is projected to grow by 10% in the next decade.  

Fitness Trainers

Fitness trainers, also known as personal trainers, help their clients get fit by drawing up exercise routines and diet plans. Most choose to work independently and advertise their services online. They can also contract with a gym or other fitness establishments and get steady work. Fitness training is a highly interactive profession where you must constantly follow up on your clients. You make sure they are following plans and personally train and motivate them in the gym.