Under the state government's Smart and Skilled reforms, fees are set to increase dramatically, with fees rising between 33 and 70 per cent for most courses.

Courses were previously charged by semester, but under Smart and Skilled a flat fee for the entire course is quoted. Students will now also be able to borrow money from the government

One of the courses that is shaping up to be worst affected is agriculture, with a one-year Certificate III traineeship rising from $838 to $2170.

The owners of Central West Poultry, Ian and Pauline Freeth, have had a number of trainees work for their business, including two this year. To help their employees along they have always paid half of the cost of the traineeship.

However with the huge increase in costs, they say they cannot justify that jump in expense.

"We've basically decided we won't pursue another trainee. Our current trainee is finishing up with us next year so we will need to look for a new employee but we will look for a qualified jillaroo," Ms Freeth said.

"We're not willing to pay the money and put the time in when it's so expensive."

It is not just small businesses the Freeths are concerned about either. The pair have been long-term supporters of the traineeship program and have a close relationship with the agriculture educators at the TAFE.

They are concerned about the future of TAFE and students.

"The trainee system does guide a lot of people into the agriculture industry who might not otherwise enter, and over time they become extremely productive employees," Ms Freeth said.

"We are really struggling to get employees in the industry so I really worry this."

Ian said one of the benefits of TAFE had been its relative affordability and he feared many would not even consider it because of the costs.

"I don't think you will get trainees stumping up the fees for the course," he said.

"It's going to take those young people out of industries, regardless of whether it is agriculture or whatever. I think it will leave a black hole and I really think it will hurt TAFE."

"There is already a problem with youth unemployment in the region and this move won't help it."

Dubbo MP Troy Grant defended the changes, saying the change from annual fee quotes to full qualification quotes would make it easier for students to understand. He also said students eligible for a concession fee would pay $240.

"The NSW government introduced the Smart and Skilled reforms to improve the state's skills base and to provide students with greater choice and flexibility," Mr Grant said.

"Under Smart and Skilled, we are creating a simpler system with one common pricing system across all TAFE Institutes and private providers. The system is fairer for students, as they will now pay one fee per qualification, rather than paying a yearly fee.

"Disadvantaged students will continue to receive generous concessions under Smart and Skilled. Aboriginal students will be exempt from fees and students with a disability will have access to fee exemptions for their first course in a year. Students on welfare benefits will receive generous fee concessions for Certificates I to IV."

Opposition Education Minister Ryan Park has attacked the government for their stance on education, saying Skilled and Smart was part of a damaging strategy on education.

"Since being elected, the Liberals have wiped over $1.6 billion from education, sacked over 1100 TAFE teachers and staff and will massively increase TAFE course fees making it difficult for low and middle income earners to access a quality vocational education," Mr Park said.