Complete Guide on Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Complete Guide on Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
We can find the rapid changing of the world more than ever before. The skills required for success in today’s workplace are also changing with technological advancements, global changes, and shifting industries. To stay effective in this dynamic environment, individuals, organisations, and nations must anticipate future skill requirements and actively invest in their development. This is where the medium and long-term strategic skills list (MLTSSL) plays an essential role. This comprehensive guide will provide details about the medium- and long-term strategic skill along with its benefits, purposes, and challenges.
What is MLTSSL?
The MLTSSL is a list of occupations that are essential to be in high demand in the medium to long term. It is not only a collection of buzzwords; it is a carefully created collection based on scientific research, expert help, and analysis of industry trends. The Department of Home Affairs updates the list regularly to reflect current and future labour market requirements. The primary goal of the list is to identify the skills that will drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth in the upcoming days.
Purpose and the Importance of MLTSSL
There are several purposes and importance of the MLTSSL. Some of them are as follows:
1. Workforce Planning
It provides a roadmap for educational institutions, governments, and training providers to match their curricula and programmes that may be needed in the future. This minimises the skills gap and unemployment by ensuring graduates maintain the competencies required by employers.
2. Career Guidance
The MLTSSL helps individuals make informed decisions about their education, training, and career paths by offering valuable insights into the skills that are likely to be in demand. It enables people to actively develop the skills required to secure their professions for the future.
3. Immigration and Visa policies
The MLTSSL informs immigration policies in some nations, which helps draw in skilled workers to areas with a lack of available domestic talent. This ensures that the country has access to the required knowledge to promote economic expansion.
4. Investment Decisions
Businesses can use the MLTSSL to identify areas where they need to invest in training and development for their current workforce. It also helps them in making strategic decisions regarding hiring and acquiring personnel.
5. Economic Development
By determining future skills required, the MLTSSL assists governments and policymakers in making well-informed decisions regarding investment in infrastructure, research and development, and other programmes that promote economic support.
Key skills categories found in MLTSSL
The specific skills listed in the MLTSSL will change depending on the nation or region. Some categories can be explained below:
1. Technical skills
These skills are related to specific technologies, processes, and tools. For instance, data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
2. Cognitive skills
These skills are related to thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Some examples are: critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and complex problem-solving.
3. Interpersonal skills
These skills include interacting and communicating effectively with others. Such as teamwork, communication skills, leadership, and emotional intelligence.
4. Digital Literacy
Digital literacy plays a crucial role in today’s world for various jobs. The skills include using digital tools and technologies along with understanding the social implications and ethical implications of technology.
5. Adaptability and Lifelong Learning
The ability to adjust to new situations and learn new skills soon is important with the increasing pace of change. This involves skills in learning resilience and continuous improvement.
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Occupations listed on the MLTSSL can be used to apply for one of the following visa types:
Temporary Visa
Subclass 489: Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa; Subclass 485: Temporary Graduate Visa; Subclass 457: Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa * TSS (Temporary Skills Shortage) Visa*
Permanent Visa
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)*-Direct Entry visa (subclass 186).
Permanent | 489 Visa | Permanent | 482 TSS Visa | |||||||
Skilled Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Assessing Authority | 189 Visa | 190 Visa | State | Family | 186 Visa (DE) | 186 Visa | All area | Regional area |
Mining Engineer | 233611 | Engineers Australia | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Visa processing times-months(75%) | 9 | 9 | - | 10 | 17 | |||||
Visa processing times-months(90%) | 12 | 12 | - | 15 | 19 |
Positions for which occupation is inapplicable
Permanent | 489 Visa | Permanent | 482 TSS Visa | |||||||
Skilled Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Assessing Authority | 189 Visa | 190 Visa | State | Family | 186 Visa (DE) | 186 Visa | All area | Regional area |
Electrical Engineer | 233311 | Engineers Australia | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Visa processing times-months(75%) | 9 | 9 | - | 10 | 17 | |||||
Visa processing times-months(90%) | 12 | 12 | - | 15 | 19 |
What are the occupations under MLTSSL?
The MLTSSL covers a broad range of industries, such as engineering, healthcare, IT, construction, and trade. Some of the important occupations that are often listed are as follows:
1. Engineering and technical Occupation
Australia has an increasing demand for engineers, generally in fields such as:
- Mechanical Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Mining Engineers
- Petroleum Engineers
2. Healthcare and Medical Occupation
The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-developing sectors in Australia and requires skills from professionals such as:
- General Practitioners
- Registered Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Midwives
- Radiologists
3. Information Technology Occupation
The IT field in Australia is booming, leading to increased demand for:
- Software Engineers
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- ICT Business Analysts
- Data Scientists
- Cloud Computing Specialists
4. Construction and Skilled Trades
Australia’s construction sector is experiencing constant growth, creating a demand for skilled workers, including:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Welders
Benefits of MLTSSL
1. Reduced skill gaps
The MLTSSL plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing skill gaps in the labour market, ensuring that employers can find the talent they require and individuals have the skills to secure employment.
2. Increased Productivity and Innovation
By concentrating on developing in-demand skills, the MLTSSL plays a significant role in boosting productivity, innovation, and economic growth.
3. Improved International Competitiveness
Nations with a skilled workforce are generally more competitive in the global economy. The MLTSSL helps nations gain a competitive edge by ensuring they have the talent needed to thrive in the global marketplace.
4. Greater Economic Prosperity
The MLTSSL contributes to greater economic prosperity for individuals, organisations, and nations. It ensures that everyone has the opportunity to take part in and benefit from economic growth.
What can be the challenges and limitations of the MLTSSL?
Along with the benefits, the MLTSSL comes with some challenges too. Some of them are as follows:
1. Forecasting Accuracy
It is naturally challenging to predict future skill requirements. Technological advancement and unexpected events can disrupt the labour market and change the skill demands.
2. Regional Variations
The skills requirements can differ across different regions and industries. It is important to consider the particular context when using the MLTSSL.
3. Implementation Challenges
Translating the MLTSSL into effective training and education programmes can be challenging. Educational institutions, employers, and governments must collaborate.
Visa pathways for MLTSSL occupation
Different skilled migration visas are available to professionals in MLTSSL occupations. Some of them are as follows:
1. Skilled Independent Visa
It does not require employer sponsorship and depends on a points-based system that provides permanent residency (PR) status.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa
Nomination from an Australian state or territory is required, which grants permanent residency. The occupation should be listed on the relevant State Skilled Occupation List.
3. Skilled Work Regional Visa
It is for skilled workers who wish to live and work in regional Australia and can be sponsored by a state or an eligible relative. After fulfilling regional work requirements, it leads to permanent residency.
4. Employer-Sponsered Visa
It requires employer sponsorship that can lead to permanent residency through the employer nomination scheme.
Conclusion
The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) serves as an essential resource for organisations, individuals, and governments looking to guide the evolving geography of work. It provides valuable insights into the skills that will be in demand in the future, allowing individuals to prepare their careers accordingly, helping organisations develop a workforce ready for the future, and guiding governments in making informed decisions about education, training, and economic growth. While the MLTSSL has its limitations, it is a significant tool for anyone seeking to succeed in the evolving world of work. By understanding and utilising the information provided by the MLTSSL, we can all contribute to building a more skilled, adaptable, and prosperous future.
Know more: Is it worth migrating to Australia for ICT professionals? 🤔💭
FAQs
1. What are the medium and long-term objectives?
The medium- and long-term objectives are as follows:
- Fill skill gaps
- Increase economic growth
- Support regional development
- Prepare for future industries
- Enhance global competitiveness
2. Can MLTSSL apply for PR?
Yes, MLTSSL are eligible for PR through various visa options.
3. Why is the MLTSSL important for skilled migration?
The MLTSSL is important in the following ways:
- High-Demand Occupations
- Provides PR Pathways
- Offers Greater Job Opportunities
- Supports Economic Growth
- Encourages Regional Development
4. What are MLTSSL and STSOL?
MLTSSL is for skills needed long-term, while STSOL is for short-term skills.
5. Do I Need a Skills Assessment for MLTSSL Occupations?
Yes, you generally need a skills assessment for MLTSSL occupations. This is an important step in the Australian skilled migration process.