OSCA occupation

OSCA 231733: Sculptor

Conceives and creates three-dimensional forms to communicate impressions and ideas by carving or modelling materials such as wood, stone, clay and metal, or assembling found and manufactured materials. This record sits in Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals. Related ANZSIC industry links are included for faster classification cross-checking. Skill level 1 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.

Check the current ABS guidance on OSCA and ANZSCO use

Official ANZSCO correspondence

Role overview

Conceives and creates three-dimensional forms to communicate impressions and ideas by carving or modelling materials such as wood, stone, clay and metal, or assembling found and manufactured materials.

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
1
Major group
2 Professionals
Sub-major group
23 Cultural and Social Professionals
Minor group
231 Arts and Media Professionals
Unit group
2317 Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals

Tasks

  • Communicates impressions and ideas by carving or modelling materials, or assembling found and manufactured materials
  • Develops artistic concepts or ideas by exploring themes, researching and sketching
  • Chooses materials such as marble, bronze, clay, wood, stone, metal or a combination of different materials depending on the desired outcome
  • Uses techniques such as modelling, moulding or casting, to build up layers or shapes
  • Uses tools such as chisels, hammers, rasps, files and drills, for carving or cutting away material
  • Refines the surfaces of the sculptures using sandpaper or polishing tools to achieve the desired smoothness or texture
  • Creates large scale, site-specific artworks (installations) that transform spaces using diverse materials and elements, including sculpture, light, sound, video or found objects, to create immersive and interactive experiences for viewers
  • Collaborates with Architects, engineers or installation specialists to ensure proper installation and structural integrity
  • May consider placement and display of their artwork, with smaller sculptures on pedestals or plinths, and larger works requiring installation in public spaces, gardens or galleries

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.

Compare before choosing

Compare OSCA 231733 with related occupations

Compare roles in the same OSCA unit group by their official definition, skill level, tasks and recognised alternative titles.

Comparison pointCurrent code231733 Sculptor231731 Painter (Visual Arts)231732 Potter or Ceramic Artist
Official role definitionConceives and creates three-dimensional forms to communicate impressions and ideas by carving or modelling materials such as wood, stone, clay and metal, or assembling found and manufactured materials.Conceives and creates visual art forms such as pictures, abstract designs and similar compositions, to communicate impressions and ideas.Conceives and creates functional or artistic articles by moulding clay, glass and other fusible materials using hand-building and wheel techniques.
Skill levelSkill Level 1Skill Level 1Skill Level 1
Key tasks
  • Communicates impressions and ideas by carving or modelling materials, or assembling found and manufactured materials
  • Develops artistic concepts or ideas by exploring themes, researching and sketching
  • Chooses materials such as marble, bronze, clay, wood, stone, metal or a combination of different materials depending on the desired outcome
  • Uses techniques such as modelling, moulding or casting, to build up layers or shapes
  • Generates ideas, develops concepts, and considers the desired composition, style and colour palette for their visual art forms
  • Selects appropriate mediums, such as oil or acrylic paints, inks, pencils, charcoal, pastels or watercolours
  • Prepares materials, such as choosing brushes, priming canvases, walls, wood or other surfaces, and sets up the workspace
  • Applies selected mediums to canvas or other surfaces using different techniques and implements to achieve the desired visual expression
  • Designs and plans functional or artistic articles made from clay, glass or other fusible materials
  • Prepares clay by kneading, wedging and conditioning to achieve the desired consistency
  • Shapes and moulds the clay into different forms and designs using various techniques such as wheel throwing, hand-building and carving
  • Applies glazes and other surface treatments to pottery or ceramics to enhance its appearance, and adds unique colours, textures and patterns using techniques like brushwork, dipping, spraying, or wax resist
Alternative titlesNot statedNot stated
  • Ceramicist

Comparison uses occupation definitions, skill levels, tasks and title variants from the ABS OSCA data files.

Compliance risk score

4 of 4 factors passing

10 / 10
Verified official source
- ABS OSCA occupation record present
Previous edition migration
- OSCA to ANZSCO correspondence attached
Complete hierarchy
- Major, sub-major, minor and unit group links are present
Legacy crosswalk
- Legacy ANZSCO correspondence attached

How we calculate this score →

In this section

Frequently asked questions

What does OSCA 231733 do?

Sculptor 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.

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