Institute chief executive Malcolm White this week briefed staff on cuts that would see the loss of 55 full-time equivalent positions over the next six months, starting next week.

The job cuts are required to address a forecast budget deficit of up to $3 million.

Mr White briefed staff in Launceston, Burnie and Devonport yesterday.

The teacher, who wished to remain anonymous but worked at the TAFE before its evolution into the Skills Institute and Polytechnic, said the cuts were not a surprise.

He said the changes had meant financial pressure for the new organisations and the ability to seek continued funding sources also declined.

as they knew what to expect from coverage of the Hobart meeting.

Mr White denied that the TAFE split was behind financial problems.

He said the organisation, like other areas run by the state government, had to cut costs.

Opposition education spokesman Michael Ferguson said culling teachers was not the answer and about $30 million in cost efficiencies could be made by getting rid of the duplication of the organisations.

with unit leaders from next week to seek voluntary redundancies.

CONSULTATION forums on a vocational education and training review will get under way in early March.

Forums will start in Hobart before heading to Launceston, on March 7. They will then be held in Scottsdale, Burnie, Devonport and Queenstown.

For more information visit www.education.tas.gov .au