The NSW Teachers Federation (NSWTF) is fighting to save positions, at risk due to changes to TAFE’s learner support services, at campuses across the region.

The Mercury has been told 10 specialist teacher consultants, who assist students with a disability, will be reduced to seven general positions.

“A student who has mental health issues is obviously very, very different to someone who has a physical disability,” NSWTF TAFE organiser Rob Long said. 

“We’re concerned about losing those [specialist consultant] skill levels within the system because private providers don’t provide that service either, so it looks like that service would be lost for students with a disability.”

It is understood the multicultural officer and senior TAFE counsellor positions have also been put on the chopping block, along with 13 library staff. 

Mr Long said the latest round of proposed cuts add to the 3600 permanent TAFE teachers and support staff who have been made redundant in the past four years. 

Asked to confirm the latest cuts, a TAFE Illawarra spokeswoman said the institute was reforming its learner support services. 

Staff are being consulted about changes across careers and counselling, equity, library and information services, she said, adding an integrated delivery model would “provide a strong support framework for students”.

“Support for students, including those experiencing disadvantage, remains a priority for TAFE Illawarra,” the spokeswoman said.

TAFE Illawarra didn’t reveal how many jobs would go, but said it was “committed to placing as many staff in the new organisational structure as possible”.

“The outcome of this business reform will ensure TAFE Illawarra remains efficient and successful in an increasingly competitive vocational education and training environment,” she said. 

The Mercury first revealed in December the specialist jobs were on the chopping block. At that time, the proposal was in its initial stages but is now awaiting approval.