Claude Have Mercy: What’s AI Doing to Our Jobs?

Is AI coming for our jobs? Join author Kester Brewin for a funny, thought-provoking evening about work, technology and our future. AI can write, code, design and increasingly do things we thought only humans could. So what happens to our jobs? And if you’re just starting your career, where does that leave you? Join AI West during Brazen, Bristol’s city-wide festival of technology, creativity and culture organised by techSPARK, for an entertaining, informal and highly participatory evening exploring one of the biggest questions of our time: what does AI mean for the future of work? Author, TEDx speaker and Institute for the Future of Work Associate Director Kester Brewin returns to his university city of Bristol to unpack what’s happening, what history can teach us and what we might do about it. Drawing on the latest research and his book GODLIKE: A 500-Year History of Artificial Intelligence in Myths, Machines, Monsters, Kester will take us on a fascinating journey through humanity’s long and complicated relationship with intelligent machines. Expect sharp insights, humour, honest questions and plenty of audience participation. Less doom and gloom, more curiosity, conversation and practical hope. Note: if you are also going to our Conversations on AI event - see more here - then there will be plenty of time to walk across to the venue before the session starts. Doors open at 18.30 however, so do feel free to come along earlier for networking. What we’ll explore • Which jobs are changing, and what AI could mean for those entering the workforce. • Why we’ve been fascinated by intelligent machines for centuries and what history reveals about today. • How AI could reshape working life, opportunity and society. • What we can do to build a future of work that benefits more people. Who should attend? Students, graduates, jobseekers, professionals, creatives and anyone wondering what AI means for their working future. Whether you’re starting out, considering a career change or simply curious about what’s coming next, you’re welcome. No technical knowledge needed. Bring your questions, ideas and sense of humour. Meet the speaker Kester Brewin Associate Director, Institute for the Future of Work Kester Brewin is Associate Director at the Institute for the Future of Work, a research institute exploring how AI technologies are impacting work and working lives. He is the author of several books, including GODLIKE: A 500-Year History of Artificial Intelligence in Myths, Machines, Monsters. He has spoken internationally, contributed to publications including The Guardian and the Times Educational Supplement, and written and presented for BBC Radio 4. About Brazen Brazen is Bristol’s city-wide festival of technology, creativity and culture, organised by techSPARK from 9–13 November 2026. This event is organised by AI West as part of Brazen’s Community Track, bringing people together to explore ideas, share perspectives and shape the future of technology. Discover the wider festival programme at https://techspark.co/brazen/