New occupation classifications The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Statistics New Zealand have announced that while maintaining comparability, each country will introduce their own tailored occupational statistical classifications. The Statistics New Zealand classification, the National Occupation List (NOL), has been released on their website. For Australia, the new classification will be called the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), 2024, version 1.0 and will be released on Friday 6 December 2024. Background – from ANZSCO to OSCA The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) has been jointly managed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa (Stats NZ) since it was first published in 2006. Careful consideration has been given to the shared custodianship of the classification between Australia and New Zealand. It has been agreed by the ABS and Stats NZ that while maintaining comparability, each country will introduce their own tailored occupational statistical classifications. This will allow each agency to maintain separate but aligned classifications, with localised adaptations to better reflect the contemporary labour market and meet stakeholder needs. The ABS and Stats NZ will continue to work closely together through our commitment to providing high quality insights and data to inform important decisions in our respective countries. We will continue to foster our collaborative and cooperative relationship to ensure our international occupation data standards are aligned. Comprehensive review and update of ANZSCO In 2022, the Australian Government announced $23.7 million funding over four years for the ABS to undertake a comprehensive update of ANZSCO and commence an ongoing maintenance program in 2025. This comprehensive review follows two targeted reviews of ANZSCO in 2021 and 2022 which resulted in Australian updates to the classification. Occupation changes during the comprehensive review have been considered in respect of the Australian labour market only. Drivers for change The decision by both Government Statisticians was made following discussions over several years noting the following: The difference between Australia’s and New Zealand’s labour markets is greater than when a joint classification began in 2006. Where this is most visible is when ANZSCO was first published in 2006, all ANZSCO occupations had a common skill level between Australia and New Zealand. Now, 56 of the current 1,076 occupations in ANZSCO have a different skill level in Australia and New Zealand. Stats NZ has been unable to participate in the targeted 2021 and 2022 Australian updates, and the comprehensive review of the classification undertaken by the ABS over the past four years. As a result, the updated classification to be released on 6 December 2024 will reflect the contemporary Australian labour market and not the New Zealand labour market. ABS and Stats NZ have identified different solutions to meet stakeholder demand. Impacts of no longer having a joint occupation classification No longer having a joint occupation classification will have impacts on the understanding and use of OSCA compared to ANZSCO. The classification will have a new name. The name of the (Australian managed) classification will be Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA). All New Zealand specific occupations will no longer have visibility as Australia does not have jurisdiction. There are seven New Zealand specific occupations in ANZSCO 2022. Occupations prominent in New Zealand only, will be aggregated according to skill level and main tasks. All references to New Zealand will be removed from: a. Occupation names b. Lead statements c. Alternative titles and specialisations 5. Te Reo Māori terminology will be removed. 6. References to the New Zealand Qualifications Framework and the New Zealand labour market more generally will no longer be present. 7. Skill level will be determined solely with reference to the Australian labour market. ANZSCO 2022 considered the skill level in Australia and New Zealand, and noted instances where these were different. Availability of ANZSCO versions will remain, along with comparability ANZSCO will continue to be available on the ABS website. Concordances between new occupation classifications and ANZSCO v1.3 will support labour market comparisons between the two countries. Impacts on other joint classifications The future of comparable, but tailored industry classifications for each country (ie. Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC)) is currently being considered. Current arrangements for two other classifications which are jointly owned remain unchanged.  Australian and New Zealand Standard Offence Classification (ANZSOC)  Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) OSCA Maintenance Phase 2025 The ABS is committed to regular updates of OSCA and is developing a plan for ongoing feedback. We will continue to engage and consult on the classification during 2025.

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) is revising the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 (the Standards) with the aim of providing greater clarity for RTOs and regulators, strengthening the focus on quality outcomes for learners and employers, and allowing for more flexibility and innovation in training delivery. In May 2024, Skills and Workforce Ministers agreed to progress the Standards for public release in August 2024 and for them to come into full regulatory effect from 1 July 2025. The draft revised Standards propose significant changes to the structure and content of the Standards, providing a clearer and more direct link between the requirements RTOs are expected to meet and the outcomes they are expected to deliver. The draft revised Standards also include monitoring and evaluation of RTO practices and strengthened requirements relating to continuous improvement. Quality outcomes and sustained compliance with the Standards are achieved when RTOs systematically monitor and evaluate their performance and continuously improve. This aligns with moving the sector towards self-assurance. The draft revised Standards released by DEWR on 16 October 2023 were refined in preparation for piloting. Initial piloting was conducted by DEWR in late 2023 to test the practical interpretation of the draft revised Standards to ensure they will support effective regulation. Further engagement and testing activities will be undertaken by ASQA after the Standards are publicly released in August 2024. ASQA will conduct additional pilot activities after the revised Standards are finalised and released. You can read more about the revision of the Standards for RTOs on the DEWR website under Quality Reforms . You can also stay up to date with ASQA’s plans on our Preparing for implementation of revised Standards webpage .

Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) is excited to extend a special invitation to our Energy Pathway Roadshow: Collaborating for a sustainable tomorrow.

In a pivotal move for Australia's mining and automotive sectors, the Mining and Automotive Skills Authority (AUSMASA) has unveiled its groundbreaking "Initial Workforce Plan: The Future is Now." This comprehensive document is poised to reshape the landscape of these industries, providing a strategic blueprint for navigating challenges and fostering sustainable growth. AUSMASA's plan focuses on several key pillars. Skill development takes centre stage, with a commitment to upskilling and re-skilling the workforce to meet the evolving demands of the sectors. Embracing innovation is another critical aspect, as the plan emphasises the integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Whether you're considering upskilling, retraining, or embarking on a new career, the Australian Government invests in your future by offering an additional 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and vocational education places. This initiative, introduced in 2023 with an initial allocation of 180,000 TAFE and vocational education places nationwide, is set to expand further with the five-year National Skills Agreement (NSA) starting in January 2024. The NSA emphasises increased investment in the vocational education and training sector (VET), strengthening VET and providing a pathway to the essential skills required by future job opportunities. These courses cover critical areas with skill shortages, including aged care, technology, hospitality, construction, agriculture, sovereign capability, and the VET workforce. Designed to empower priority groups, this initiative targets First Nations people, young individuals aged 17-24, job seekers, women seeking economic security, unpaid caregivers, women pursuing non-traditional fields of study, and people with disabilities. This remarkable initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Australian, State, and Territory governments, allowing eligible individuals to enrol in accredited diploma, certificate, or short courses without tuition fees. This means your educational journey is free from financial constraints.