After an announcement from the ATA in November, truck driving has now been reclassified under the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ classification of occupations.

The new classification, known as OSCA, classes all occupations in the nation over five different skill levels, from level 5 the lowest (finished school) to level 1 (requires tertiary qualifications).

Truck driving was classed as skill level 4 under this new system, equivalent to a Certificate II or III, or a year of experience. Articulated truck driver and tanker truck drivers were classified as level 3 occupations, around the same level as a trade that requires an apprenticeship.

ATA CEO Mat Munro says the association is still pushing the federal government to include truck driving on its core skilled occupation list for immigration.

“Our industry has always maintained that articulated truck driving is a skilled trade. The ABS’s decision has confirmed that view,” he says.

“In light of this decision, the government must now go back and address this glaring omission on the core skilled occupation list.

“Australia’s truck drivers deliver every item on the shelves of every supermarket, and we have a serious driver shortage right now. We simply cannot wait until the next scheduled revision of the list.”

“Having said that, the ATA welcomes the inclusion of truck workshop staff like diesel mechanics and vehicle body builders in the list.”

Jobs and Skills Australia had reported that truck driving was one of the top five occupations facing a shortage in Australia in October.

The ATA will continue to seek to have truck driving included on the skilled occupation list for immigration.

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