Role overview
Hide and Skin Processing Workers perform essential functions in the preparation and treatment of animal hides and skins within Australian manufacturing settings. These workers operate in industries such as leather tanning, fellmongery, and related processing facilities, transforming raw animal materials into usable products. The occupation encompasses several specialisations including Tannery Workers, Fellmongery Workers, and Hand Fleshers, each focusing on specific stages of the hide and skin treatment process.
This ANZSCO classification (839917) falls under the Labourers major group and represents a specific category of factory process work. While the classification system is maintained for statistical and administrative purposes, including potential migration references, it describes occupations that continue to exist in Australia's manufacturing sector, particularly in regional areas with agricultural processing industries.
Key tasks in practice
Based on occupational specialisations and international crosswalks, Hide and Skin Processing Workers typically perform these core functions:
- Sorting, grading, and preparing raw hides and skins for processing
- Operating machinery and equipment for soaking, liming, and fleshing hides
- Applying chemical solutions for tanning, dyeing, and preserving materials
- Stretching, drying, and finishing treated hides to specified requirements
- Performing quality control checks throughout the processing stages
- Maintaining processing equipment and following safety protocols
Specific tasks vary by specialisation, with Fellmongery Workers focusing on wool-bearing skins and Tannery Workers specializing in leather production processes.
Skill level explanation
ANZSCO classifies Hide and Skin Processing Workers at Skill Level 5 for Australia, indicating the occupation requires a level of skill commensurate with:
- Less than one year of relevant experience or on-the-job training
- AQF Certificate I or compulsory secondary education in some cases
- Basic literacy and numeracy skills sufficient to follow procedures
This skill level classification reflects the practical, process-oriented nature of the work rather than formal educational requirements. In practice, employers may provide specific workplace training covering equipment operation, chemical handling, and safety procedures particular to their processing methods.
Industry context
Hide and Skin Processing Workers are primarily employed in industries classified under ANZSIC codes 1172 (Leather Tanning), 1173 (Leather Product Manufacturing), and 1174 (Fellmongery and Wool Scouring). These industries form part of Australia's broader manufacturing sector and are often located in regions with strong agricultural production.
The occupation represents a specialized segment of Australia's factory process workforce, with employment opportunities influenced by domestic livestock production and export markets for leather and wool products. While automation has changed some aspects of hide processing, these workers continue to perform essential manual and machine-operating functions in the transformation of raw materials into finished products.