TasTAFE plans to cut 118 roles, including over half teaching positions, by 2030

TasTAFE plans to cut 118 full-time roles — more than half of them teaching roles — by 2030 in a bid to get its finances in order.

Documents obtained by the state opposition show the staff cuts, which equate to around 14 per cent of the workforce level from 2024-25, would save $13 million.

They also reveal the public training provider plans to jack prices up by 7 per cent in 2027, and reallocate unused funds from 2021 state election commitments.

The entire restructure package saves $15.46 million, once $11.58 million in restructuring costs including redundancy payments are accounted for.

In 2024-25, TasTAFE employed 865 full-time equivalents (FTE), made up of 480 teachers, and 385 non-teachers.

Under the proposed restructure, 63 teaching roles would be cut and 55 non-teachers would go, leaving a total FTE of 747 by 2030.

Labor leader Josh Willie said it was impossible for the job cuts not to affect service delivery.

"Skilled industries need skilled workers, trained by skilled teachers and TAFE is an invaluable institution to make sure that happens."

TasTAFE leadership, and Skills and Jobs Minister Felix Ellis were questioned about restructure pans in budget estimates hearings in Hobart today.

They did not answer questions from Mr Willie on what those teachers were currently doing.

TasTAFE chair Dr Norman Baker said he was focused on the financial outcome of the restructure.

"So if we can achieve our financial outcomes by reducing less staff, then that is definitely the principle we are operating on," he told the committee.

However, he said the organisation's financial position was strong.

"We've got lots of cash in the bank,"

he said.

TasTAFE to grow revenue

An email from Dr Baker to TasTAFE staff earlier this year said the organisation was attempting to find $45 million in savings over the next four years,

"We've introduced a range of changes which gets us to about halfway, which buys us another two or three years towards that four year budget estimate," he told the committee.

"In that time I'll be driving extra revenue growth and I'll be looking to both the state and Commonwealth as time goes by."

Last year, TasTAFE cut 12 courses including fashion, screen and media, laboratory technician, meat handling, and visual arts courses.

Dr Baker said the organisation had undertaken a thorough review of courses, and there would be "no more significant changes to our course profile".

Price hike on the way

Mr Willie called on Mr Ellis to review the proposed 7 per cent hike, asking if it was wise.

"We need to skill up Tasmanians, not make it harder," Mr Willie said, asking if the decision would be reviewed.

Mr Ellis said TasTAFE was "working through a process".

Dr Baker said the 7 per cent price rise had not been given final approval.

He said those enrolled in fee free courses would continue not to pay, and concessions would continue to apply.

Dr Baker said 75 per cent of TasTAFE's funding came from the state and federal governments, with the organisation looking to increase its revenue sources.