The Skilled Occupations List (SOL)

Summary of changes from 1 July 2014

Chefs, bricklayers and tilers have been added to the Skilled Occupation List by the Australian Government, meaning that workers do not have to be sponsored by an employer for a permanent visa. The move comes as the Australian Government attempts to fill gaps in these professions, with the shortages of chefs spreading back 10 years. Bricklayers and tilers are included due to a predicted increase in demand, coupled with a fall in apprenticeship completions. Currently, there are 188 jobs on the Skilled Occupation List- including accountant, psychotherapists, fitter and turners, social workers, stonemasons and teachers.

Three occupations have been added to the SOL, effective 1st July, 2014

  • Bricklayers
  • Tilers
  • Chef

The SOL is based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and reflects the high-value skills Australia needs. The list will continue to be updated annually at a minimum, to reflect changes in the needs of Australia’s labour market.

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