The Australian Bureau of Statistics ABS has replaced the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and with it has updated many of the definitions and classifications for engineering occupations.
In place of ANZSCO will now be the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA).
With the launch of OSCA, Engineers Australia is pleased to see updates to classifications for some engineering occupations.
During the consultation process Engineers Australia met with the ABS to provide insights and collaborate on existing occupations and recommended that six new occupations/unit groups be created. The list of our recommendations that have been accepted partially or in full is below.
New engineering occupations/unit groups include:
- Fire Safety Engineer – includes the recommended specialisation ‘Fire Protection Engineer’.
- Acoustic Engineer.
- Mechatronics Engineer – includes specialisation ‘Robotics Engineer’ which is an amendment to our recommendation ‘Robotics and Automation Engineer’.
- Software and Applications Engineers (Unit Group) – we recommended this be called ‘Software and Systems Engineers’ and has been added, with the altered title.
The following existing classifications have been updated to reflect our advice:
- Chemical Engineer – includes an updated definition of how Chemical Engineers produce, transform and transport chemicals and materials.
- Materials Engineer – updated wording reflects our recommendation.
- Civil Engineer – specialisation ‘Construction Engineer’ was included.
- Structural Engineer – updated wording reflects our recommendation.
- Electrical Engineer – definition and tasks updated. Power systems engineer introduced as a new specialisation, only some of our recommended specialisations were included.
- Electronics Engineer – one recommended specialisation included ‘Control and Instrumental Engineer’.
- Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers – tasks partially updated to reflect our recommendations.
- Mechanical Engineer – definition updated to include ‘mechanical systems’.
- Production or Plant Engineer – definition updated.
- Aeronautical Engineer – title updated to ‘Aerospace Engineer’ and specialisation ‘Propulsion Engineer’ included.
- Environmental Engineer – definition updated to include our recommendations.
- Manufacturer – definition updated in line with our recommendation.
- Production Manager (Manufacturing) – ‘technological resources’ included in the description.
- Geotechnical Engineer – definition updated.
OSCA uses data from the Census and other official avenues to develop a picture of the number of people in certain occupations and is used to inform and support government policy settings and programs.
The classifications also determine the eligibility, skills assessment and visa pathways for migrants seeking employment in Australia by defining required qualifications, work experience and occupation demand.
Engineers Australia looks forward to continuing its advocacy with the ABS as it releases new versions of the OSCA list yearly.