Help shape how occupations in your industry are classified: Webinar with the ABS on OSCA

How occupations are defined and categorised in national data directly influences how workforce shortages are identified and which roles and industries are prioritised for government support, funding, and policy attention.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is currently reviewing the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), and Skills Insight is hosting a workshop on 9 April to coincide with the ABS consultations.

This workshop will give industry direct access to ABS representatives, who will explain how the OSCA works, the types of evidence that can influence classification decisions, and how feedback can be provided.

Feedback is being collected on the OSCA from 10 March to 24 April 2026.

The ABS is seeking feedback on:

• occupations already in OSCA that may be inaccurately described (including skill levels) and the supporting data that demonstrates this – such as workforce surveys, job ads, training or licensing requirements, or planning documents
• the impact of inaccurate or outdated occupation descriptions on industry, including skills mismatches or workforce capability risks
• emerging or evolving occupations that may warrant inclusion or revision, along with their skill requirements, workforce size and future outlook
• occupations that may no longer be relevant.

Skills Insight works to ensure industry evidence influences national classification reviews. This has included four rounds of consultation submissions during the 2023–24 occupation classification review and a submission to the OSCA maintenance strategy, all directly informed by industry input. Our workforce planning consistently draws together industry feedback and data to identify gaps and misalignments in occupation classifications, and highlight the material risks these pose for workforce planning, skills development and addressing shortages.

Contact us if you would like assistance identifying or organising data to strengthen your submission to the ABS.