More than one thousand people have gathered in Geelong’s Johnstone Park to protest against savage state government budget cuts that could cripple trades training in Victoria.

The BAILLIEU government has ripped $300-million from the TAFE budget in a move that will cost thousands of teaching and admin jobs, force the scrapping of hundreds of courses and see the cost of training soar.

Much of the money will be diverted to private sector providers, which have been heavily criticised for providing sub-standard training and for running courses in only the most lucrative of fields.

Geelong’s Gordon TAFE has already announced course closures and dozens of jobs are expected to go.

The Education Union's MARY BLUETT says it's a huge blow,especially given the pressure already on jobs in Geelong:

or listen here

Today’s rally attracted a large crowd of TAFE teachers, students, administrators and the general public who listened to a range of speakers detailing the damage the cutbacks, which were not announced prior to the state election, will cause.

It was one of a series of protests across the state organised by the NTIU and the AEU.

Pictures (above and below): A big crowd gathered to hear from speakers during today’s protest against the slashing of the Bailieu government’s slashing of the TAFE budget (R McLennan)