Choosing a Career Path in Robotics

So you fancy a Career in the world of Robotics and Automation, what are the prospects and the outlook for this chosen path in the context of the Global demand ?

Well if we believe all the doomsayers the outlook for the white-collar sections of Industry is set to be dramatically reduced by AI, but the blue-collar workforce is set to have an improved outlook. To take this further in the grand scheme of  manufacturing and industry, the people in demand could be  people who design, build, Install and repair or maintain Robotics. Obviously all this Automation will require vast data centres for control so that can present further work for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC engineers etc so further good news for the blue-collar workforce.

So lets concentrate on the Automation & Robotics section, where is the starting point and how do we progress.

Depending on your age it could be possible to get an Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. This would give a very good grounding, usually the first year is spent at a training establishment then you are usually working in a factory with tradesmen and Technicians. At this point on your final time at the training college you are interviewed by several companies for future employment, this is usually a combination of the skills that you have shown in the past year in training, your attitude, timekeeping sickness, all the usual requirements a potential employer would want to know.

You should be asking at this point what type of machinery they use, any Robotics ? Automation ? will I be able to get experience of this machinery ? Also do your homework to check up on these companies to see which is best for you,  then if you get offers you can select hopefully the ideal choice. Once signed up as an apprentice you will spend most of your time at the company, day release to a further technical college is the norm, enrol on the course that will get you where you want to end up eventually ( We shall cover courses and education in a later post). During you time as an apprentice you will still be under a type of supervision of the original training college who periodically check to make sure you are receiving a good standard of knowledge from the company so that you can fulfil your expectations, some colleges set tests and standards to be achieved.

Another avenue open to you but obviously this depends on your school education level and probably means you going to University to obtain at least a Bachelors degree or even a Masters depending how high a job you are seeking. Computer Engineering is one of the most sought after hot occupations at the moment. The field of Robotics Engineering offers pay and job security and is sought after in the Pharmaceutical, manufacturing, logistics and is coming in to all areas of work.  It could be that you serve an apprenticeship and can continue your day release at the Technical College to get higher qualifications relating to design and software. 

Choosing a career in robotics in 2026 is no longer about picking one lane; it’s about finding your place in a “multidisciplinary symphony.” Whether you are a student looking for a university track or a tradesperson transitioning through an apprenticeship, your meta description needs to reflect the diversity and high-tech reality of the current field, robotics careers are now more diverse than ever, ranging from Physical AI specialists to Field Maintenance experts. So put yourself to the TEST and see where your Career may lie !

The “Robotics Career Compass” Quiz (2026 Edition)

Instructions: Answer these 5 questions and tally your most frequent letter (A, B, C, or D) to find your ideal path.

1. When you see a broken robot, what’s your first instinct?

• A) Open the terminal and check the error logs or AI decision-tree.

• B) Grab a multimeter and check the power flow or sensor signals.

• C) Strip it down to the gears and check for mechanical wear or friction.

• D) Look at the entire production line to see how the failure affects the “Digital Twin” and ROI.

2. Which of these 2026 technologies excites you most?

• A) Agentic AI: Robots that make their own decisions in real-time.

• B) Smart Sensors: LiDAR and haptic feedback that give robots “feeling.”

• C) Exoskeletons: Enhancing human strength through mechanical engineering.

• D) Fleet Orchestration: Managing 50+ robots working in a “swarm.”

3. What is your ideal workspace?

• A) A clean-room or office with high-performance workstations.

• B) A high-tech lab with soldering irons and PCB testing rigs.

• C) The “front lines”—a busy factory floor or construction site.

• D) A boardroom or strategy centre, planning the next big automation shift.

4. How do you prefer to solve problems?

• A) Writing and testing code until the logic is flawless.

• B) Tinkering with components until the signal is clear.

• C) Using your hands to adjust, bolt, and align physical parts.

• D) Coordinating a team and balancing the budget to find the best solution.

5. What was your favourite subject (or hobby)?

• A) Computer Science / Gaming / Logic Puzzles.

• B) Physics / Electronics / Amateur Radio.

• C) Design & Tech / Automotive Repair / Metalwork.

• D) Business / Management / Strategy Games.

The Results: Your 2026 Robotics Profile

How did you fare……… do you see yourself going down that career path ?