Occupations
ANZSCO defines occupations according to their attributes and groups them on the basis of their similarity into successively broader categories for statistical and other types of analysis. The structure of ANZSCO has five hierarchical levels – major group, sub-major group, minor group, unit group and occupation. The categories at the most detailed level of the classification are called occupations. They are assigned a 6 digit code and are grouped together to form unit groups, which in turn are grouped into minor groups. Minor groups are aggregated to form sub-major groups, which in turn are aggregated at the highest level to form 8 major groups:
- Major Group 1 Managers
- Major Group 2 Professionals
- Major Group 3 Technicians and Trades Workers
- Major Group 4 Community and Personal Service Workers
- Major Group 5 Clerical and Administrative Workers
- Major Group 6 Sales Workers
- Major Group 7 Machinery Operators and Drivers
- Major Group 8 Labourers
Skill Levels
ANZSCO skill level is defined as a function of the range and complexity of the set of tasks performed in a particular occupation. The greater the range and complexity of the set of tasks, the higher the skill level of an occupation. Skill level is measured by the amount of:
- formal education and training, and
- previous experience in a related occupation, and
- on-the-job training required to competently perform the set of tasks for an occupation
Skill Level 1
- Bachelor Degree or higher (at least 5 years of relevant experience may substitute for formal qualifications, for some occupations)
- Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (at least 3 years of relevant experience may substitute for formal qualifications)
- Certificate IV or Certificate III incl. 2 years of on-the-job training (at least 3 years of relevant experience may substitute for formal qualifications)
- Certificate II or III (at least 1 year of relevant experience may substitute for formal qualifications)
- Certificate I or compulsory secondary education
Formal education and training refers to the level and amount of education and training required for competent performance of the tasks required in an occupation. It is measured in terms of educational qualifications as set out in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).