The Career Pathways Training Program, launched by the 1199 SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF), seeks to address staffing shortages in healthcare across the region. This initiative offers free education, career advancement opportunities, and guaranteed job placement in local healthcare facilities.
The 1199 SEIU Training and Employment Funds organization leads the program. Its primary goal is to provide students with the necessary skills to enter the healthcare field at no cost while ensuring they secure long-term employment at local healthcare organizations.
Jason Chapin, Director of Workforce Development at the Westchester County Association, highlighted that $645 million in funding is available statewide, with $405 million allocated to the downstate region.
“These funds must be utilized by 2027, and both 1199 and non-1199 members are eligible,” Chapin says. “Fully utilizing this funding will make a significant impact on Westchester and the surrounding areas.”
Inside the Career Pathways Training Program
The program covers all tuition fees, books, materials, and administrative costs, allowing students to focus on their education without the financial burden. In addition, students will benefit from case management, tutoring, test preparation, and career counseling throughout their studies.
For those already working in healthcare, the program offers flexibility by providing up to two days of paid release time to attend classes. Upon completing the program, students will receive assistance securing a well-paid, full-time position in healthcare.
The program offers a wide range of career paths in healthcare, including roles as mental health counselors, registered nurses, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, and patient care coordinators.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for high school graduates, immigrants, employees looking to upskill, and individuals who have already started their healthcare training,” says Chapin.
Program Requirements
Applicants may need to meet certain educational prerequisites depending on the specific healthcare program they choose. Cody Hutchins, Creative Content Manager at the 1199 SEIU Training and Employment Funds, notes that candidates should possess skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, as well as a strong commitment to a healthcare career.
The program also requires graduates to sign a three-year service agreement to work at a New York institution that serves a patient population with at least 30% Medicaid or uninsured individuals. After completion, graduates can work in healthcare facilities across New York City, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island.
Many hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, and health centers in the New York metropolitan area meet the program’s employer criteria, and students will be provided with a list of qualified providers before they begin. Job placement assistance will also be offered upon completion of the program.
If a graduate fails to meet the service commitment, they may be required to reimburse the program’s costs. However, the program considers potential hardships, and participants who face challenges may be exempt from repayment with proper documentation. Hardships will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may include events such as a death or disability.
While participants must agree to the three-year service commitment, they are not required to stay with the same employer throughout the period. They can change employers as long as the employers meet the Medicaid patient population criteria.
Students must attend an approved school in the New York City metropolitan area. Once enrolled, they will receive additional details on the specific programs, requirements, and career options through an orientation.
“This program offers a tremendous opportunity to strengthen New York’s healthcare workforce, benefiting both our members and the broader public,” says Hutchins.
For more information and to apply, visit the organization’s website, where prospective students can learn more about the healthcare training program and its requirements.
Related: Check out These In-Demand Healthcare Jobs in Westchester County