The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is inviting feedback on the classification of 50+ occupations relevant to the industries we work with.

In order to better understand workforce challenges and needs, the ABS classifies common occupations, giving them titles, descriptions and a skill level as part of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). They are seeking feedback on the accuracy of current occupation skill levels and descriptions and any occupations anticipated to emerge in the next 5 to 10 years.

Occupations and their skill levels are currently under review from the following industries we work with: 

  • Textiles, Clothing and Footwear (21 occupations)
  • Furnishing (13 occupations)
  • Forest and Wood Products (10 occupations)
  • Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Ecosystem Management (7 occupations)
  • Meat Processing (7 occupations)
  • Pulp and Paper Manufacturing (4 occupations)
  • Seafood (2 occupations)
  • Animal Care and Management (1 occupation).

The relevant occupations can be found on the ABS website under the focus areas of manufacturing; construction; architectural, engineering and technical services.

The ABS is inviting those with experience relevant to one or more of the occupations under review to participate in a survey about how these job roles are defined in the ANZSCO.

The ANZSCO is an important mechanism for gathering statistics about the Australian workforce. It underpins the apprenticeship system and informs important government programs and funding, including the National Skills Needs List, eligibility for VISAs and skilled migration programs.

We encourage your input:

You are welcome to make your own submission to the ABS by 11 August or contribute to a submission being prepared by Skills Insight.

Our submission will be based on industry consultation and the way the qualifications framework interacts with ANZSCO classifications.

To contribute, get in touch with Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Debbie Knight, at [email protected] or 03 9321 3526 by COB Thursday 3 August.

This is the second of four rounds of consultation planned by the ABS for 2023-24 as part of a comprehensive review of ANZSCO. Contact [email protected] if you would like to subscribe to receive communication on the ANZSCO.

If you are preparing your own submission or want to learn more, you may find the following resources helpful: