Australia’s New Core Skills List: What’s In, What’s Out, & What It Means

The Australian Government has updated its Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) to address critical skill shortages, covering 456 occupations across major industries. However, the list has stirred debate due to the exclusion of key roles, especially in sectors like construction and hospitality.

Key Occupations in Demand

The CSOL highlights critical roles that are essential for Australia's economic growth. Here's a breakdown by industry:

Sector	Key Occupations on CSOL	Sector Focus
Construction	Carpenters, Bricklayers, Electricians, Stonemasons, Joiners	Housing & infrastructure projects
Healthcare	Psychologists	Mental health & wellness
Education	Private Tutors	Specialized education needs
Technology	Software Engineers	Cybersecurity & tech innovation
Hospitality & Trade	Bakers, Beauty Therapists	Food services & personal care

These roles were identified through labour market analysis by Jobs and Skills Australia to meet immediate workforce needs.

Construction Sector in Focus: Addressing Housing Shortages

A significant focus is placed on the construction sector due to the pressing need for housing. The government aims to attract skilled workers to help build more homes, yet the exclusion of machinery operators has raised concerns.

Government Statement:
“This is an important step to attract qualified workers to help build more homes.”

Included Roles	Excluded Roles
Carpenters, Electricians	Crane Operators, Bulldozer Operators
Bricklayers, Stonemasons	Excavator Operators

The Master Builders Australia (MBA) criticized the exclusion, noting:

“You can’t build a house, school, or hospital without machinery operators.”

Occupations Removed from the CSOL

Several key occupations across industries were removed, prompting mixed reactions.

Industry	Removed Occupations	ANZSCO Code
Healthcare	Nurse Manager, Nutritionist	254311, 251112
Hospitality & Tourism	Café/Restaurant Manager, Event Organiser	141111, 149311
Education	TESOL Teacher	249311
ICT & Engineering	ICT Support Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer	263212, 263311
Creative & Sports	Graphic Designer, Tennis Coach	232411, 452316

Industry Reactions

• Hospitality Sector: Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) voiced concerns over staffing shortages due to the removal of hospitality roles.

  “Our industry prides itself on service, and it’s hard to provide service when you don’t have staff.”

• Business Sector: The Business Council of Australia welcomed the update, urging enhanced training for local workers.

New Skills in Demand Visa and Permanent Residency Pathways

The CSOL will play a pivotal role in the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. It will also support permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

Implications for Employers and Skilled Workers

Impact Area	Details
Employer Sponsorship	Employers cannot sponsor workers for removed occupations
Visa Renewals	Current visa holders in removed roles may face renewal challenges
Alternative Pathways	Businesses must explore other visa categories or adjust recruitment plans
Timely Planning	Early action and expert advice are critical for visa continuity

What’s Next?

As Australia grapples with ongoing skill shortages, the CSOL represents a strategic effort to attract global talent. Yet, sectors like construction and hospitality still face unmet needs, fueling debate over the list’s effectiveness.

For tailored guidance on navigating these changes and exploring alternative visa pathways, reach out to our team for expert support.