Australia Says Goodbye to ANZSCO, Hello to OSCA: What Changes?
Australia is updating its occupational classification system, moving from the joint Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA). This shift, effective December 6, 2024, has significant implications for various sectors.
Why the Change?
While ANZSCO served both countries for nearly two decades, evolving labour markets necessitated a tailored approach. OSCA will offer a more accurate reflection of the contemporary Australian workforce and allows for faster adaptation to future changes.
Key Impacts:
- Skilled Migration: OSCA will likely impact skilled migration programs. Visa applicants can expect updated occupation lists and potential shifts in eligibility criteria.
- Labour Market Analysis: OSCA provides a refined tool for analysing labour market trends, informing policy decisions, and identifying skills gaps.
- Education and Training: Educational institutions can utilise OSCA to align courses with current industry needs, ensuring graduates possess relevant skills.
- Recruitment and HR: Employers will need to adapt to OSCA for job analysis, recruitment strategies, and workforce planning.
What to Expect:
- Greater Detail: OSCA promises a more granular classification system, capturing emerging occupations and specialisations within the Australian context.
- Regular Updates: OSCA is designed for dynamic updates, ensuring it remains relevant to the evolving job market.
- Improved Data: More precise occupational data will enhance research and analysis of employment trends.
Transition and Beyond:
The transition from ANZSCO to OSCA requires adjustments across various sectors. While some initial challenges are expected, the long-term benefits include a more accurate, flexible, and responsive classification system that better reflects the Australian labour market.
However, because the new Skills In Demand (‘SID’) visa will also integrate the OSCA, it is likely that the SID program (slated to come into effect in late November) will be delayed until at least 6 December when the OSCA is officially released.
