1199SEIU and Steward Health Care Launch New Apprenticeship Program to Benefit Healthcare Workers

Program helps Massachusetts workers access new training and education opportunities in high-demand medical coding healthcare jobs

Back row: Conzolo Migliozzi from the 1199SEIU Training & Upgrading Fund, Harneen Chernow, Executive Director from the 1199SEIU Training & Upgrading Fund, MaryEllen Leveille VP of Steward Health System for 1199SEIU, James Montgomery-Hyde from Steward Health Care, Tyrék D. Lee, Sr., Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

Front row: Medical Coding Apprenticeship Participants Dale Bane, an employee at Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center, and Constance Ferreira, an employee at Good Samaritan Hospital

Boston, MA (November 16, 2017) – Healthcare workers with 1199SEIU and Steward Health Care today announced the launch of a new apprenticeship program that provides training and education to employees interested in pursuing careers in high-demand medical coding fields.

Steward, healthcare workers with 1199SEIU and officials from the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) also participated in a ceremony today to formally register the new apprenticeship program with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards at EOLWD.

“We’re excited to announce this new initiative that offers vital training and education opportunities to workers interested in pursuing careers in growing and high-demand healthcare fields,” said Tyrék D. Lee, Sr., Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Massachusetts’ largest and fastest growing healthcare union. “1199SEIU is committed to working with our partners on workforce development programs like this medical coding initiative, which enhance patient care and provide opportunities for workers to achieve high-paying careers in the healthcare industry.”

Four 1199SEIU members are currently enrolled in the program: Constance Ferreira, an employee at Good Samaritan Hospital; Dale Bane, an employee at Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center; Katherine Storm, an employee at Morton Hospital; and Julienne Auguste, an employee at Norwood Hospital.

"Steward is pleased to support this innovative joint labor-management apprenticeship program that will benefit both patients and employees by further increasing access to education and training opportunities for key positions in the medical field,” said John Polanowicz, Executive Vice President of Steward Hospital Services Group.

The apprenticeship program is part of the 1199SEIU Training & Upgrading Fund – a joint labor-management partnership between 1199SEIU and local participating healthcare providers that enhances patient care and provides Massachusetts’ healthcare workers with new pathways to educational and professional success.

The fund, which celebrated its 10th year in 2016, has helped thousands of workers access new training and post-secondary certificate or degree programs. It provides free college tuition for all 1199SEIU members within Steward Health Care seeking to advance their careers in the medical field.

The medical coding program allows employees to complete an online academic program at City University of New York (CUNY). Tuition and fees are covered by the Training and Upgrading Fund. Following successful completion of the academic component, employees receive a coding certificate and enroll in a 12-month paid coding training and apprenticeship program at a Steward hospital.

About 5,000 1199SEIU members work at Steward Health Care at Carney Hospital (Dorchester), Good Samaritan Medical Center (Brockton), Norwood Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center (Brighton), Morton Hospital (Taunton), Holy Family Hospital at Haverhill, Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, and Nashoba Valley Medical Center (Ayer)

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Representing more than 56,000 healthcare workers throughout Massachusetts and over 450,000 workers across the East Coast, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. Our mission is to achieve affordable, high quality healthcare for all. 1199SEIU is part of the 2.1 million member Service Employees International Union