A major Hunter adult education and vocational training provider will close a key part of its operation, costing up to 21 jobs.
Atwea College, formerly known as WEA Hunter (Workers' Educational Association), will end its "training services programs" by June 30.
A college spokesperson said about 150 students were enrolled in these programs.
One student said it was surprising they "allowed people to enrol" this year, then made the decision to cut courses.
The teachers "weren't given any warning or indication" that they would be made redundant.
"My teacher was very emotional and embarrassed that we were allowed to enrol, but only did one semester out of four. It was meant to be a year-long course," the student said.
The college spokesperson said students would be supported to "complete their qualifications" at other training organisations in the region.
"All student progress and completed training records will transfer to their new provider. Students will not need to repeat work they have already successfully completed."
The student told the Newcastle Herald she was disappointed her course was ending, saying she doubted she'd finish it.
"Unless you want to go to TAFE, there's not really another option out there. The option of going to TAFE isn't feasible for me because it's not flexible enough," she said.
The college will host an information day on June 9 to help students make "informed decisions about where to continue their studies".
The spokesperson said about 12 per cent of the college's workforce was "employed in training services roles".
This comprised 21 staff in full-time, part-time, fixed-contract or casual roles.
"We are working through the transition process with affected staff," the spokesperson said.
"Specific numbers will be confirmed once individual consultations are complete."
Atwea College is a not-for-profit, community-based education and training provider and a charity.
"The Atwea board has made the decision to close our training services division," an email to students said.
The email said the college had undertaken a review, which considered the "long-term sustainability of accredited training delivery and the changing vocational education environment".
The college spokesperson said "the vocational education and training sector in Australia has experienced significant shifts in recent years".
This included "changes to government funding models, increased compliance and regulatory requirements and evolving industry needs".
Maintaining the infrastructure, compliance frameworks and specialist expertise required for training services had become "increasingly complex".
"Rather than dilute our resources across multiple areas, we've chosen to concentrate our investment where we have the greatest expertise," the spokesperson said.
"This decision is about strategic focus, not about the quality of work that our training services staff have delivered."
The spokesperson said these staff had "served our students and community with dedication".
"We're committed to supporting them through this transition."
The college has its head office at Elermore Vale.
Its operations include Alesco Secondary College and community learning programs, which will continue.
The college has campuses at Newcastle West, Cooks Hill, Charlestown, Cessnock, Argenton, Raymond Terrace, Nelson Bay and Tuncurry, along with online courses.
WEA Hunter was established more than 100 years ago to provide education to blue-collar workers.
It changed its name to Atwea College in April 2019.
"Atwea has delivered accredited training for over two decades," the college spokesperson said.
"We've supported hundreds of students to gain qualifications and employment outcomes."
The training services division provided programs for apprentices, trainees, school students and adult learners seeking career advancement or transition.
The college offered training courses, certificates and diplomas in areas such as hospitality and retail, beauty and complementary health and community services such as ageing and disability.
Other courses included business, leadership and management, first aid and technology skills for seniors.
