Why should I include ‘Simulation’ in my census form in 2026?

Why should I include ‘simulation’ in my census form in 2026?

Here are seven reasons why it is important for anyone working in simulation to include the word simulation in your list of occupations in the 2026 census (August 11^th, 2026). A draft of the relevant questions is included below.

It makes your work visible in national statistics

By explicitly stating simulation, you help create a traceable signal that simulation is a recognised type of work across sectors.

It builds the evidence base for occupational recognition (OSCA)

People across multiple industries consistently describe their work as involving simulation.

Without that data, the case for formal recognition is much weaker.

It strengthens funding, workforce, and policy decisions

Government decisions about investment and workforce planning rely on classification data.

If it’s invisible, it can’t be planned for.

It supports professional identity and career recognition

At an individual level, including simulation supports career progression and job design

At a collective level, it contributes to:

A shared professional identity

It captures hidden and hybrid roles

Including simulation helps surface:

The full scope of your role
The breadth of simulation across domains

It enables cross-sector recognition

Simulation is not just a technique—it is a field of practice

It is a low-cost, high-impact action

From your perspective, the effort is minimal, just include the word “simulation”.
The cumulative impact is significant – thousands of consistent responses = policy-relevant evidence

Practical tip: how to write it

You don’t need to change your core title—just embed simulation like this