New Occupation Code for Pilates

New Occupation Code for Pilates

On December 6^th, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the latest version of occupation codes, the numerical system used to classify and categorise occupations in Australia. For the first time, there is now a code for Pilates instructors. Whilst this is a step in the right direction, there are issues with the new code. This article will explain the history behind the introduction of the Pilates code, the issues of concern and the future planning for a revised code.

Background

Previously, the codes were called the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification System for Occupations (ANZSCO). This has now been made separate for New Zealand and Australia because there has been some divergence in the labour markets. The new system for Australia is called Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA).

For each occupation, a list of the main tasks undertaken is compiled.

Skill levels are assigned to each occupation based on the list of required tasks. These levels are:

Skill level 1: University degree or higher

Skill level 2: Diploma and above

Skill level 3: Cert III plus two years’ experience or Cert IV

Skill level 4: Cert II or Cert III

It is important to note that the skill level is based on the requirements for the job. So, if you really only require a cert IV to undertake the tasks, but you hold a diploma, the occupation is still classified as skill level 3.

History

In 2020, I contacted the ABS to discuss the introduction of a code for Pilates instructors. The criteria for adding a new occupation code is that there needs to be at least 300 people who identify in that occupation.

I was advised that they reviewed the codes every few years and they would be in contact when the next review was being undertaken.

In November 2023, I was advised that the ABS was undertaking a major review and I sent in a submission on behalf of the PAA.

As a stakeholder, the PAA was involved in further discussion with the ABS and a further round of consultation, but I had the sense that they had already made up their minds about the codes and it was going to be very difficult to move them from their position.

New Codes

In the release on December 6th, 462231 was shown as the code for Pilates Instructors.

The description was: Instructs Pilates classes with a focus on core strength and stability in the pursuit of physical fitness and wellbeing.

Alternative title

• Pilates Teacher

Specialisations

• Group Pilates Instructor
• Studio Pilates Instructor

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

• Plans, teaches and delivers Pilates exercises and techniques to individuals and groups
• Guides participants on how to use various Pilates apparatus such as mats, reformers and trapeze tables
• Inspires and trains people to improve their strength and flexibility through the Pilates method
• Educates clients to ensure correct execution of Pilates exercises

Gym Pilates instructors are excluded from this occupation. Gym Pilates instructors are included in Occupation 462131 Fitness Instructor (General).

Fitness Instructors are at skill level 4.

The OSCA hierarchy, and where we sit within that, is shown below

Major Group: 4 – Community and Personal Service Workers

Sub-major group: 46 – Personal Service, Sports and Fitness Workers

Minor group: 462- Sports and Fitness Workers

Unit group: 4622 – Pilates and Yoga Instructors

Occupation: 462231- Pilates Instructor

Whilst we lobbied to have an occupation code at skill level 2, this was not successful.

In the last census, only 34 people stated their occupation as clinical Pilates instructors, and that was the major reason for the reluctance of the ABS to introduce a special code for comprehensively trained Pilates instructors who do more than teach general fitness. Clinician Pilates Instructor is not a term that I think most comprehensively trained Pilates teachers would use. More on this later.

Why is the code important

OSCA is used in:

•  Labor market analysis to measure and understand the labour market, including developing workforce strategies and ensuring skilled job holders are available
• Policymaking to produce accurate labour market indicators that support policymakers
• Education and training to identify areas for upskilling and training, and ensure that education providers and training programs meet the needs of the workforce
• Gender equality to understand the extent of occupational gender segregation in the Australian labour market. This helps policymakers design interventions to address gender pay gaps and other issues.

It is important to have a code to ensure recognition of Pilates as an occupation. Where the code sits is also important as it demonstrates our level of education.

What are the problems with the current code?

The code can impact various aspects of our businesses, including:

1. The ability to rent premises: Depending on the zoning of premises, it may be difficult to rent space for a Pilates studio if we are classified as health and fitness. There is an expectation that these types of businesses will be noisy, with loud pumping music and lots of people attending which increases the traffic to the area
2. Workers Compensation: Again, if we sit in health and fitness, the premiums for workers compensation may increase because of the increased risk of claims based on the fitness industry

Whilst it would seem appropriate to sit in the professional group, at the moment only university qualified occupations (skill level 1) are included in this major group.

The way forward

I was able to meet with the ABS last week and they took my concerns onboard. They said that they will come back to me in the first six months to discuss the issues that I have raised.

In the interim, we need to:

1. decide what we would like to be called. Clinical Pilates instructor? Pilates Therapist? Pilates Practitioner? (I am going to use the last term in the rest of the document for ease of understanding.)
2. provide information to the ABS confirming:
   • there are many more than 300 Pilates Practitioners who teach as their main job and not just as a side gig
   • Pilates Practitioners do more than general fitness, including assisting clients who have chronic conditions
   • Pilates Practitioners require a minimum of a Diploma to undertake the requirements of their job
   • The majority of Pilates Practitioners hold a diploma and above. (Whilst the census asks what your highest level of education is, qualifications are not cross referenced against your career. Hence, it is not possible to determine the level of qualification for Pilates instructors from the census.)
3. Continue to advocate to have our skill level raised to 2
4. Continue to advocate to be moved into a more appropriate category

The government moves slowly, but this is a timeline of what we can expected over the next few years:

2025:

• September – Possibly changes to allow Pilates instructors to be added to the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). It will then be possible to address the shortage of comprehensively trained Pilates teachers through migration and the visa system.

2026:

• August – Australian census
• Review of OSCA

2027

• Changes by the ATO to align occupations with OSCA

2028:

• Major review of the structure of OSCA. At the moment, only university qualified occupations can sit in Major group 2: Professionals. This group includes many medical professions like doctors, dentists, etc. but does not cater for those health-related professions that are not at a university level. There is an understanding that this current structure no longer fits the labour market.

Recognition

I would like to thank Sharan Simmons, Member Relations Officer for the PAA and Dr Penny Latey for their assistance in the submissions to the ABS. It certainly strengthened our arguments and also assisted in having Pilates Instructor placed at Skill level 3, rather than skill level 4 which is where Yoga Teachers have ended up, despite their training being similar to ours.

If you wish to read more about OSCA, here is the link. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/classifications/osca-occupation-standard-classification-australia/2024-version-1-0

If you wish to provide input on this important subject, please email us at info@pilates.org.au

Robyn Rix
President