Mark Vender
Jobs and Skills Australia is seeking feedback on a draft Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) that will feed into the federal government’s revised migration strategy.
Filling the skills gap
The CSOL uses the Skills Priority List as a starting point, then analyses whether migration is an appropriate path to address any shortages identified. It considers how well migrants do in the labour market upon arrival, reliance on sponsored skilled visa holders relative to employment size and vacancy data, the likelihood of domestic supply for those occupations, and the market salary for occupations.
To develop the CSOL, Jobs and Skills Australia is consulting stakeholders through surveys, submissions, bilateral meetings and qualitative analysis (including focus groups and in-depth interviews). It has also made the draft list available for public comment.
The draft CSOL has been broken into three sections: a list of occupations that can be included with confidence; a list of occupations that can be excluded with confidence; and a list of occupations where further feedback is sought.
Where is HVAC&R?
There has been some concern among stakeholders in the HVAC&R industry that professions such as Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (ANZSCO 342111) and Mechanical Engineer (ANZSCO 233512) have not been confirmed on the CSOL, and are rather “open for consultation”.
Although these occupations – and many others in the building and construction sector – are on the Skills Priority List, there are questions about whether more migration will address labour shortages.
Research from Engineers Australia found that only 50 per cent of qualified engineers born overseas currently working in Australia are working as engineers. On the trade side, although it is possible for companies to recruit from overseas, it is not straightforward. Validating qualifications and completing the migration paperwork (along with the associated costs) are major barriers for workers coming from other countries.
Seeking input
Job Skills Australia says it is looking for feedback not just on the CSOL, but also factors that may affect demand for particular occupations into the future, and challenges that migrant workers face, such as registration and licensing requirements.
Comments will be accepted until May 31, 2024.
For more information, visit the Jobs and Skills Authority consultation page.
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