PAUL Kinna has watched with a rising sense of dread as the fallout from the state government's decision to slash funding for TAFE courses has become apparent.

Mr Kinna teaches at Victoria University's Western Futures program, which helps people with disabilities learn skills to become independent and find work. The program is typical of many TAFE courses that prepare students for work through study and practical experience.

Teacher Paul Kinna.

When the Kangan Institute announced it would close the only TAFE course in Victoria offering Auslan sign language diplomas, he began to fear his program might suffer the same fate. He is among countless TAFE teachers now waiting anxiously to see if their courses and jobs will fall victim to the cuts, which follow the government's decision to prune $300 million from the sector in its drive to keep the budget in surplus.

The Western Futures program runs a cafe one day a week at a bus depot in Footscray where students serve hot food and drinks, putting into practice skills they have learnt in the classroom.