Occupational and Functional maps set out the occupations within an industry and the functions carried by each occupation within the industry. Before developing National Occupational Standards for an industry, a Standard Setting Organisation will work with the industry to research the occupations and analyse the functions carried out within each occupation.
Within each occupation, there will be generic functions such as health and safety, supervisory, management, working with others etc, as well as sector specific functions such as shearing sheep, pet grooming, producing floral displays, planting crops, etc. Once we have the list of functions, we can work with the industry to develop the National Occupational Standards.
Occupational and Functional maps can be used to assist organisations to identify appropriate skills required for their workforce.