OSCA 332234: Metal Machinist (First Class)
Sets up and operates machine tools to shape and form metal stock and castings to fine tolerances, using drawings and specifications. This record sits in Metal Fitters and Machinists. Related ANZSIC industry links are included for faster classification cross-checking. Skill level 3 is attached to this occupation record.
Should you use OSCA or ANZSCO?
OSCA 2024 is the current Australian occupation classification for storing, organising and reporting occupation information. Use this OSCA record for current Australian statistical and analytical classification work.
Some migration and administrative programs still specify ANZSCO 2022. Check the exact system named by the agency or form rather than replacing the code automatically.
Official ANZSCO correspondence
Role overview
Sets up and operates machine tools to shape and form metal stock and castings to fine tolerances, using drawings and specifications.
Use this page to confirm the official title, the parent unit group, the task list and the related ANZSIC industry context before using the occupation in classification, reporting or migration-adjacent workflows.
Occupation facts
- Skill level
- 3
- Major group
- 3 Technicians and Trades Workers
- Sub-major group
- 33 Engineering Trades Workers
- Minor group
- 332 Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers
- Unit group
- 3322 Metal Fitters and Machinists
Tasks
- Reads blueprints and technical specifications to understand the requirements for the metal component to be machined
- Prepares and configures machine tools for specific jobs and ensures correct fixtures, settings and tools are applied
- Forms metal stock and castings to fine tolerances using machining tools to press, cut, grind, plane, bore and drill metal
- Checks fabricated and assembled metal parts for accuracy, clearance and fit using precision measuring instruments
- Polishes, deburs and finishes the machined parts to ensure they meet the specified finish quality
- May program and operate computer numerical control machines to guide machine tools in producing parts
Skill level guidance
Skill level helps place the occupation inside the ABS hierarchy. Use it as a classification cue, then check the actual task list and occupational context before making a decision for HR, visa or reporting work.
How to use this occupation page
Start with the official OSCA title and task list. Then confirm the parent unit group and compare the related occupations on this page if the job title is broad, overlapping or used differently across employers.
The ANZSIC links are there to help when the same occupation appears across several industries and you need the business-side classification as well.
Related occupations
Industry context
Alternative titles
No alternative titles are currently attached.
Compare before choosing
Compare OSCA 332234 with related occupations
Compare roles in the same OSCA unit group by their official definition, skill level, tasks and recognised alternative titles.
| Comparison point | Current code332234 Metal Machinist (First Class) | 332231 Fitter (General) | 332232 Fitter and Turner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official role definition | Sets up and operates machine tools to shape and form metal stock and castings to fine tolerances, using drawings and specifications. | Fits and assembles metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment. | Fits, assembles, grinds and shapes metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment. |
| Skill level | Skill Level 3 | Skill Level 3 | Skill Level 3 |
| Key tasks |
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Comparison uses occupation definitions, skill levels, tasks and title variants from the ABS OSCA data files.
Compliance risk score
4 of 4 factors passing
In this section
Frequently asked questions
What does OSCA 332234 do?
Metal Machinist (First Class) is the current ABS occupation record used to describe a specific occupation. It sits in the OSCA hierarchy and carries skill-level context plus related titles and tasks.
How should I read the skill level?
The skill level tells you the educational or training depth that the ABS associates with the occupation. It is a classification signal, not a salary band or a qualification checklist on its own.
Why is industry context shown on an occupation page?
Industry context helps when the title is common or ambiguous. It shows where the occupation is typically employed so you can compare it with the right ANZSIC family.
Source and trust
- Official source
- ABS OSCA 2024 release and correspondence tables
- Last reviewed
- 2026-04-17
This site is an independent reference resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the ABS, ATO or any Australian Government agency.
Please verify critical classification decisions with the official authority before using them for tax, payroll, licensing, immigration or compliance work.