Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis has dismissed union concerns about about the outsourcing of TAFE literacy and numeracy programs to private trainers.

However, her rival for the federal seat, Fiona Phillips, is not convinced.

Ms Sudmalis told the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner students in the Adult Migrant English Program (AEMP) and Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) would receive a “high standard of teaching” after Navitas and Max Solutions assume responsibility from July 1.

“The tender process was overseen by a Department of Education and Training panel, taking into account the capability to deliver the best quality services to people in Gilmore,” Ms Sudmalis said.

It is understood TAFE Illawarra was one of two institutes across the country to lose the contacts for the programs, which provide English language and numeracy skills to migrants and job seekers.

From July 1, Navitas English will deliver the AEMP and Max Solutions will deliver the SEE program in Batemans Bay.

NSW Teachers Federation official Rob Long last week said more than 20 Eurobodalla students and several teachers faced an uncertain future due to the changes.

However, Ms Sudmalis said students would face minimal disruption. 

“Navitas will be providing information and orientation to all students transitioning from TAFE NSW,” she said.

“New and existing providers are expected to transition clients between the providers in a smooth fashion.”

The NSW Teachers Federation is negotiating for current students to finish their studies through TAFE.

Gilmore Labor spokesperson Fiona Phillips said several concerns remained.

“Why are we contracting out our literacy and numeracy programs that are absolutely essential programs?” Ms Phillips said.

“At the moment, the federal government has no rules around contestable funding for TAFE, which means it’s pretty much open slather for contracts to go out to the private sector.”

Phillips feared students would be less inclined to access the courses through private providers.

“There’s questions about how students in the future would access the private providers and if they actually would,” she said.