Minister for Higher Education and Skills Nick Wakeling said the government was investing $1.2 billion in Victoria’s training each year, an increase of 50 per cent on Labor’s last budget delivered in 2010.

He was responding to criticism levelled by the Australian Education Union in the weekend’s Bendigo Advertiser over cuts to the TAFE system.

Union vice-president for TAFE and adult provision Greg Barclay accused the government of cutting more than $1.2 billion and nearly 3000 jobs over the past four years.

But Mr Wakeling said the government had worked hard to fix the mess left behind by Labor’s under-funded reforms

The opposition should stop talking down our training system and start supporting the students who are developing skills to gain meaningful and rewarding jobs, ”Mr Wakeling said.”

”In direct contrast to Labor's shambolic attempt at reform, TAFEs have been assisted under the Coalition government with a $200 million structural adjustment fund to support them adapt the market driven system introduced by Labor.

“Funding for TAFEs to support skills training has also increased from $487 million under Labor to $600 million in 2013.“

A union organised forum in Bendigo last Thursday heard concerns about TAFE funding, teacher and job security.”

It was attended by Bendigo’s two sitting Labor MPs Jacinta Allan and Maree Edwards and Greens candidates Jennifer Alden and John Brownstein. Liberal candidates Greg Bickley and Michael Langdon were both apologies.

Figures supplied by the government show 72 per cent of Victorians are studying in areas of skills shortage and employment growth.

Mr Wakeling said this was more than ever.

”Across regional Victoria since 2010, there has been a 47 per cent increase in enrolments in trades and other high skills occupations,” he said.