Occupational skill level
Simple routine tasks; requiring elementary or primary education level.
Skill level 1 includes occupations with simple physical and manual routine work using hand tools such as shovels or basic electrical appliances, such as vacuum cleaners. Tasks at this level include for example cleaning, shoveling, manual lifting and moving of materials, sorting, storing or assembling goods (sometimes using machinery); operating non-motorised vehicles, picking fruits and harvesting vegetables, etc.
Many occupations at this skill level require physical exertion and/or stamina. Basic reading and writing skills are required for some of these occupations. However, these skills are not the most essential part of the job.
Skill level 1 occupations require completed primary education (ISCED Level 1) in some cases. A brief internship is required for some of the occupations. Expressed in terms of the Dutch education system, skill level 1 occupations are mostly up to elementary/primary education level.
Examples of level 1 occupations include office cleaning, window cleaning, loading and unloading of goods, garbage collecting, bulb peeling, paving, frying, and kitchen help.
Skill level 2 (ISCO 2008)
Low to moderately complex tasks, primary or general secondary education required.
Includes occupations with tasks such as operating machines and devices, driving vehicles, maintaining and repairing electrical and mechanic equipment, and processing, organising and storing of data.
For almost all the occupations at this level the worker must be able to read information such as safety regulations, describe work that was done, and accurately perform easy calculations.
Many level 2 occupations require advanced language and numeracy skills and good communication skills. These skills can sometimes be an essential part of the job. Many occupations at this skill level require good manual dexterity.
The necessary knowledge and skills for level 2 occupations are usually obtained through completion of lower secondary education (ISCED Level 2). Some occupations require completion of upper secondary education (ISCED Level 3), and specialised vocational training and on-the-job training often form a major aspect. Specific professional training after completion of secondary education (ISCED Level 4) is required for some occupations. In other cases, experience and on-the-job training may suffice. Expressed in terms of the Dutch education system, skill level 2 occupations mostly include primary and secondary educational attainment.
Examples of level 2 occupations include butcher, bus driver, secretary, accountant, dressmaker, seamstress, salesperson, police officer, hairdresser, electrical installer and car mechanic.
Skill level 3 (ISCO 2008)
Complex tasks; secondary or higher education required.
Level 3 includes occupations with tasks such as carrying out complex technical and practical tasks that require factual knowledge, technical knowledge, and knowledge of procedures in a specific area.
In general these occupations require excellent language and numeracy skills and well-developed communication skills. As part of the skills, comprehending written information, preparing factual reports, and interacting with people who have problems is necessary.
The required knowledge and skills at level 3 are usually obtained through completion of higher education lasting from one to three years (ISCED Level 5b) after secondary education. In other cases, it is sufficient to have extensive relevant work experience and prolonged on-the-job training. Expressed in terms of the Dutch education system, skill level 3 occupations mostly include secondary and higher educational attainment.
Examples of level 3 occupations include contractor, architectural supervisor, medical laboratory staff, legal secretary, representative, technical staff in IT support, and radio and recording engineers.
Skill level 4 (ISCO 2008)
Highly complex, specialised tasks; higher or academic education level required.
Level 4 includes occupations with tasks such as solving complex problems and taking decisions which are based on extensive theoretical and practical knowledge in a specialised field/area. Tasks include performing research with the aim of increasing specific knowledge, diagnostics and treatment of disease, exchange of knowledge, design of structures, machines, construction projects and production processes.
Occupations at this level usually require extensive language and numeracy skills, sometimes at a very high level, as well as excellent communication skills. The skills required include comprehending complex written information and being able to convey complex ideas in the media, e.g. in books, reports and oral presentations.
The required knowledge and skills at level 4 are usually obtained through completion of higher education lasting three to six years (ISCED Level 5a or higher). In some cases, experience and on-the-job training may suffice. Specific diplomas are required in many cases. Expressed in terms of the Dutch education system, skill level 4 occupations mostly include higher and academic educational attainment.
Examples of level 4 occupations include sales and marketing manager, civil engineer, secondary education teacher, medical practitioner, specialist nurse, musician, system analyst.