Each year, the 1199SEIU Training & Upgrading Fund, a joint labor-management partnership between 1199SEIU and local participating health providers, provides thousands of Massachusetts’ healthcare workers with new pathways to educational and professional success. The fund, celebrating its 10th year, has helped thousands of workers to enroll in post-secondary certificate or degree programs.

Graduates of the Training & Upgrading Fund were recognized during the recent “Miles and Milestones” event for a variety of education milestones and career successes in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Massachusetts. This includes college degrees, new professional certifications, and skills that enhance patient care and enable employees to succeed in their respective fields.

Over the past 10 years, thousands of workers have enrolled in continuing education and skills-based programs. Over 500 students have graduated with higher education credentials with support from the Training & Upgrading Fund, balancing classes and degree requirements with multiple jobs and family commitments. 46,000 healthcare workers now have access to the fund, which has the support of 39 employers including several that participated in this year’s “Miles and Milestones” event: Boston Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth, Lynn Community Health Center, Genesis HealthCare, Southcoast VNA, and Good Samaritan Medical Center.

“The landmark Training & Upgrading Fund has been an incredible success, helping thousands of healthcare workers to advance in their careers,” said Tyrék D. Lee, Sr., Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “This unique partnership between labor and employers is building a more educated, better-trained workforce that can continue to deliver excellent patient care across Massachusetts.”