Skilled Occupation List (SOL) has been updated

Urban Planners & Dentists have been removed from the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) however panel beaters and cabinet makers have been added to the list.

– Changes to Occupation Ceilings

– Updates to take affect 01/07/2015, all applications after this date will be affected.

– Panel beaters and Cabinet Makers have been added to the list.

The occupation ceilings for other occupations such as solicitors, barristers, accountants, medical laboratory scientists and petroleum engineers have been flagged to be reduced.

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) has been updated based on findings from the Department of Industry and Science following the findings of a review of Australia’s labour market, education and migration data.

Several submissions were reviewed by the Department including submissions from unions, industry sectors, professional and trade organisations.

“Cabinet makers and panelbeaters make a valuable contribution to the Australian economy. Migrants with these skills will enhance the size and skill of the Australian workforce,” Minister Michaelia Cash said in a joint press release with Assistant Education Minister Simon Birmingham.

Minister Cash said the new occupations on the SOL reflect that there is a gap between the skills of Australians and the work that needs to be done.

“Skilled migrants complement locally trained and skilled workers, help to create new jobs and contribute to the communities in which they live and work. The Government’s $6 billion annual investment in vocational education and training is also supporting our training system to offer a pipeline of local talent to help address skills shortages,” Senator Birmingham said.