Australia Added New High Demand Occupations in New Occupation Shortage List (October 2025 Update)
Big changes are coming to the way Australia handles its labor market shortages! If you’ve been keeping tabs on Australia’s immigration and employment strategies, you may have noticed a major shift: the traditional Skills Priority List is now a thing of the past (Ref). Say hello to the new Occupation Shortage List (OSL), which brings fresh insights into the country’s labor needs. Whether you’re an aspiring skilled migrant or an employer trying to fill roles, the 2024 OSL is your roadmap to understanding the evolving workforce landscape.
But what makes this list so exciting? It’s not just another data dump. The OSL provides a more nuanced look at Australia’s labor market, moving beyond the old approach of simply labeling jobs as “in demand” or not. Instead, it digs deeper into which occupations are truly struggling and why.
And here’s the real kicker: the 2024 list reveals a drop in the number of jobs considered to be in shortage! That’s right—just 33% of occupations are currently listed as in shortage, down from 36% last year. What does this mean for you? Let’s dive into the details.
New Occupations Added in Occupation Shortage List of Australia
Let’s start with the exciting news about new entries to the 2024 shortage list. These roles are critical to keeping Australia’s industries moving, and the demand for skilled workers in these fields is growing fast.
- Aged or Disabled Carers: With an aging population, this role has become crucial. Carers help maintain the dignity and quality of life for elderly and disabled individuals, and Australia is crying out for more people to take on this vital work.
- Primary and Secondary School Teachers: Education is a cornerstone of every society, and Australia is facing a shortage of teachers, particularly in regional areas. Both primary and secondary school teachers have been added to the list to help address the shortfall.
- Telecommunications Linesworker: As Australia continues its digital transformation, skilled workers who can install and maintain telecommunications infrastructure are in high demand.
- Motor Mechanics: The automotive sector can’t keep up with demand for repairs and maintenance, so motor mechanics are now in short supply across the country.
- Chefs and Butchers: The food industry, a beloved part of Australian culture, is feeling the pinch, with roles like chefs and butchers now listed as occupations in shortage.
- Hairdressers: Yes, even hairdressers have made the list! With personal services industries struggling to find talent, hairdressers are now recognized as an occupation in need.
Ref: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/news/australias-skills-shortage-mend
Ref: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list
Ref: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-shortages-analysis/occupation-shortage-list
What’s Next for Australia’s Labor Market?
The Occupation Shortage List is more than just a list of jobs—it’s a call to action for employers, policymakers, and skilled migrants alike. For businesses, it’s time to rethink recruitment strategies. Did you know that only 1% of employers are adjusting wages to fill vacancies? Instead of increasing pay, many are trying flexible work arrangements and better working conditions to attract talent.
For policymakers, the insights from the OSL help shape training programs and immigration policies. Australia’s migration system is evolving, too, with the upcoming Skills in Demand Visa, which will replace the Temporary Skilled Shortage (482) visa by the end of 2024. This new visa will offer three tiers of entry based on skill levels, making it easier for Australia to attract the talent it needs.
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