High-touch Future Jobs
With the help of my friend Claude, Anthopic’s generative AI assistant, I explored what future jobs might look like. Due to the uncertainty related to tech in general and AI specifically, I am most interested in US jobs likely to have a high degree of stability, which is to say, jobs that are:
Not easily outsourced to another country
Minimally susceptible to automation
Enhanced but not replaced by AI
In a nutshell, these types of roles fall under the heading “high-touch,” jobs that take place in person (think caregiving), on-site (think smart factory), or locally off-site (think construction).
Of course, these jobs exist now, but many, if not most, of them in the future will include a tech component that is not required en masse now. In other words, the work will be done face-to-face, on-site -or- off-site, directly hands-on, but with an array of tech data and communication tools yet to be fully developed and employed.
Here’s a list of potential titles in the skilled trades area to give you an idea:
Advanced Manufacturing Technician (working with AI-driven robotics and 3D printing systems)
Smart Building Systems Integrator (combining traditional construction with IoT and energy management tech)
Augmented Reality-Assisted Electrician (using AR for complex wiring and troubleshooting)
Autonomous Vehicle Maintenance Specialist (servicing self-driving cars and their complex sensor systems)
Drone-Assisted Construction Worker (operating drones for surveying, inspection, and material delivery)
Cybersecurity-Enhanced HVAC Technician (installing and maintaining smart, connected climate control systems)
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Specialist (creating custom parts and products using advanced 3D printing tech)
Renewable Energy Systems Expert (installing and maintaining solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies)
Robotic Welding Programmer and Operator (managing advanced automated welding systems)
Digital Plumbing Systems Technician (working with smart water management and leak detection technologies)
I asked Claude to create a job description for a caregiver 10-25 years out. I’ve highlighted some tech-centric parts, which are sure to come in one form or another. The tech requirements would likely be narrower in scope in the actual job description. However, the point here is to emphasize what’s ahead, particularly concerning the inevitable integration of technology.
Advanced Care Coordinator
About the Role:
We seek a compassionate, tech-savvy Advanced Care Coordinator to join our innovative healthcare team. This high-touch position combines traditional caregiving skills with cutting-edge technology to provide exceptional patient care and support.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide personalized care and support to patients, leveraging both interpersonal skills and advanced technologies
Utilize AR/VR systems for patient education and therapy sessions
Monitor and interpret data from IoT devices for real-time patient health tracking
Collaborate with AI-powered diagnostic tools to assist in care planning
Coordinate with robotic assistants for patient mobility and routine tasks
Conduct virtual consultations and manage hybrid care environments
Ensure data privacy and maintain ethical standards in technology use
Required Skills and Qualifications:
Degree in Nursing, Healthcare Management, or related field
Strong empathy and communication skills
Proficiency in healthcare-specific software and data analysis tools
Experience with AR/VR applications in healthcare settings
Understanding of AI and machine learning in medical contexts
Familiarity with IoT devices and remote patient monitoring systems
Ability to work collaboratively in human-machine teams
Commitment to continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies
Preferred Qualifications:
Certification in Healthcare Informatics or related tech-health field
Experience in telemedicine or remote care coordination
Knowledge of predictive analytics for patient care
Familiarity with ethical considerations in AI-assisted healthcare
We Offer:
Ongoing training in emerging healthcare technologies
Opportunity to shape the future of patient care
Collaborative, technology-enhanced work environment
Competitive salary and benefits package
Join us in revolutionizing patient care through the perfect blend of human touch and technological innovation!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
For those under 35 at the beginning of their work journey and those reentering or transitioning to a new career, the question is:
Will a specific job or job category exist in 10-25 years?
If it’s high-touch, it likely will—but not in its current form. The best and most in-demand high-touch jobs will have a (specialized) tech component.
Most future high-touch/technician positions will undoubtedly have associated low/no-tech roles. But rewards and advancement will favor those who can do the work (in-person/on-site/off-site) AND understand and manage the technical aspects headed our way big time (think firehose!).
Onward.