MORE than 2000 teachers and staff at Victorian TAFEs could lose their jobs because of state government funding cuts, the sector's key association has warned.

Victorian TAFE Association executive director David Williams said up to 600 jobs would be cut in regional Victoria while metropolitan TAFEs could cut between 1200 and 1500 positions.

Victorian TAFEs are facing state government funding cuts. Credit:Wayne Taylor

But the state government has dismissed the association's estimates as ''scaremongering''. The job loss estimate came after the government announced it would cut 4200 public sector jobs. Earlier this week Qantas confirmed plans to slash 500 engineering jobs in Victoria.

The magnitude of job losses in Victorian TAFEs is becoming clearer as directors assess the impact of the funding cuts.