The ABS has released its replacement to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), now known as the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA). The major change appears to be largely be driven but the discontinuation of cooperation with New Zealand, but there are changes to occupations, codes, terminology and language, and some of the structure of the codes.
The AMA’s main interest here is the ‘Musical Instrument Maker or Repairer’ code, which relates specifically to our industry. Retail and wholesale workers are categorised under other general occupation codes for those industries.
What’s staying the same?
- The title ‘Musical Instrument Maker or Repairer’
- The basic description ‘Builds, repairs and restores musical instruments, and modifies and tunes them to owners’ specifications.’
- Skill level (3)
- There is one ‘specialisation’: Piano tuner
What’s changing?
- The code has changed from 399515 to 391933
- The number reflects a restructure of the position of this code:
- Previous: Technicians & trades workers (3) –> Other technicians and trades workers (39) –> Miscellaneous technicians and trades workers (399) –> Performing arts technicians (3995) –> Musical instrument maker or repairer (399515)
- New: Technicians & trades workers (3) –> Other technicians and trades workers (39) –> Artistic and cultural technicians and trades workers (391) –> Other artistic and cultural technicians and trades workers (3919) –> Musical instrument maker or repairer (391933)
- In other words, the whole sub-category of ‘Performing arts technicians’ (3995) still exists, and sits under chapter 3 ‘Technicians and trades workers’, but Musical instrument maker or repairer has been removed from it and placed in the ‘other’ sub-category.
- Musical instrument makers and repairers now sit alongside ‘Jeweller’ and ‘Interior decorator’ in that sub-category.
- There is a more detailed description of the occupation.
- Main Tasks:
- Constructs musical instruments according to specifications and designs
- Repairs damaged or broken musical instruments
- Modifies musical instruments to meet musicians’ specific requirements
- Tunes musical instruments for correct pitch and sound
- Inspects and tests musical instruments for quality
- Uses tools to shape, cut, and assemble instrument parts
- May use 3D printing to recreate missing parts of instruments or manufacture instruments with specific
characteristics that are not possible to create using conventional production techniques - Applies finishes and varnishes to instruments
Does it mean anything?
Maybe not.
There may be a change in statistics for this occupation code, the coverage of Jobs and Skills Councils, and/or unintended or unexpected results from this change. Importantly, the code still exists and sits at the same level, recognising this specific profession (we would say, a group of professions including piano tuners & technicians, luthiers, brass and wind technicians, and so on).
The placement of Musical instrument maker or repairer alongside jeweller (previously their own 4-digit sub-category) and Interior decorator (previously listed in an ‘other/miscellaneous’ sub-category) is unusual but in itself isn’t a reason for concern. This was not flagged in the proposed changes earlier this year, it has changed between drafts and was unexpected.
What could be improved?
Ideally there would be more specialisations in this code, for brass and wind technicians, luthiers, guitar repairers and perhaps other groups. There are in fact many specialisations under this category, some (eg. drum & percussion repairers) are a very small group that probably wouldn’t warrant being listed as a specialisation. The AMA will follow future consultations and respond or make suggestions as required.
Other occupations
The codes for musician (instrumental), singer, music director and composer, as well as retail manager, retail supervisor and wholesaler, have all changed but the occupations otherwise remain more or less the same.
