Local 26 Incumbent Worker Program

UNITE HERE Local 26 represents workers in the hospitality industries of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. BEST is the education provider for Local 26 members with education benefits.

Local 26 Classes

Please click an option below to learn more about our Local 26 classes.

Career Readiness Training Career Readiness Training

In this class you will learn:

  • How to create/update your resume How to search for jobs and complete online job applications
  • How to answer frequently asked interview questions
  • How to communicate professionally via email
  • And more!

Location: In-person at our BEST Boston Training Center

52 Church Street

Boston, MA | 02116

Near T Station: Arlington on the Green Line and Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org or call (617) 542-1177.
Certification Classes Certification Classes

We offer the following industry-recognized certification courses:

  • ServSafe® Professional Food Handler
  • ServSafe® Food Manager - First-timer ServSafe® Food Manager students must attend both sessions. Recertification exam students need to attend only the second session.
  • TiPS®
  • MA Food Allergens

Upcoming Classes:

ServSafe® Professional Food Handler:

  • Monday, 8/17/2026, 10 AM to 2 PM at Boston Training Center

ServSafe® Food Manager:

  • Mondays, 8/24/2026 AND 8/31/2026, 10 AM to 2 PM at Boston Training Center

TiPS®:

  • Friday, 7/21/2026, 10 AM to 3 PM at Boston Training Center

MA Food Allergens:

  • Friday, 7/27/2026, 10 AM to 2 PM at Boston Training Center

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education training and benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org OR Call (617) 542-1177. Registration is required and classes may be cancelled if there are not enough students.

Employers: To schedule training for non-Local 26 members, please email education@BESThtc.org or call (617) 542-1177. Our rates can be found on our Fee for Service page.
Certified Guest Service Professional Certified Guest Service Professional

In this class you will:

  • Become a Certified Guest Services Professional through the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute
  • Learn the Guest Service Gold®: Golden Opportunities
  • Enhance your guest service skills, build strong guest relationships, and advance your goals towards careers in guest-facing roles.
  • Practice how to deliver Above and Beyond guest service, and much more!

Next class begins September 21, 2026.

The training meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM for 8 weeks. Applicants must attend an info session for class enrollment.

Info sessions are scheduled on the following dates:

  • Mondays August 24 and August 31, 2026 and September 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM at BEST Seaport Training Center.
  • Wednesdays August 26, 2026 and September 2, 9 and 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM at BEST Seaport Training Center.

You must only attend one info session.

Location: In-person at our BEST Seaport Training Center

450 Summer Street

Boston, MA | 02210

Within the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education training and benefits.

To register, you must attend an in-person information session and pass an English skills assessment. Please email education@BESThtc.org OR call (617) 542-1177 and leave a message: “My name is XX. I am interested in the XX class. My phone number is XX.” We will give you a call back for more information session details.
Computer Skills Class Computer Skills Class

Build your confidence with technology and prepare for job readiness! In this class you will learn how to:

  • Use email professionally
  • Navigate the internet and search safely
  • Work with Google Apps (Docs, Calendar, Drive, etc.)
  • Access and use job application portals
  • Practice and improve your keyboarding skills

And more!

Tech Skills for the Workplace

  • Class meets on Mondays from 5 PM to 7 PM

Location: In-person at our BEST Boston Training Center

52 Church Street

Boston, MA | 02116

Near T Station: Arlington on the Green Line and Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org or call (617) 542-1177.
Confidence in Communication Confidence in Communication

In this four-week course, you will:

  • Build confidence in your professional and personal voice.
  • Improve your voice projection, pronunciation, and pace.
  • Develop a strong, professional presence for workplace and everyday conversations.
  • Learn techniques to communicate more effectively in group discussions, interviews, and one-on-one conversations.

Classes meet on Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on the following dates:

  • 7/22/2026
  • 7/29/2026
  • 8/5/2026
  • 8/12/2026

Location: BEST Boston Training Center

52 Church Street

Boston, MA | 02116

Near T Station: Arlington on Green Line and Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org or call (617) 542-1177.
Conversational Spanish for Hotel Professionals Conversational Spanish for Hotel Professionals

In this four week series we will cover:

  • Week One: Welcoming Guests & Helping with Simple Questions
  • Week Two: Taking Food & Drink Orders the Friendly, Professional Way
  • Week Three: Handling Guest Problems with Kindness & Care
  • Week Four: Working Respectfully with Spanish-Speaking Teammates

Classes meet on Tuesdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM from 7/21/2026 to 8/11/2026.

Location: BEST Boston Training Center

52 Church Street

Boston, MA | 02116

Near T Station: Arlington on Green Line and Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org or call (617) 542-1177.

English Classes English Classes

English for Hospitality classes are offered online, hybrid, and in-person at our Boston and Seaport Training Centers. We offer day and evening classes to accommodate different work schedules. We offer beginner to advanced levels.

In this class you will learn to:

  • Communicate with guests, supervisors, and co-workers using proper customer service language
  • Be familiar with career ladders within the industry
  • Use technology to enhance their learning
  • Be able to articulate goals, both personal and professional
  • Demonstrate confidence and leadership through out-of-class projects, oral presentations, and field trips

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education training and benefits.

*OPEN ENROLLMENT*

DAY ENGLISH CLASS SCHEDULE

  • Beginner English (Boston): Wednesday, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Intermediate English (Boston): Thursday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

EVENING ENGLISH CLASS SCHEDULE

  • English for Professional Guest Services (Boston): class meets every Tuesday, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  • Advanced English (Online): Thursdays, 5:30 – 7:30 PM

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org or call (617) 542-1177.
Ergonomics Ergonomics

In this two-week series, you will:

  • Learn and practice ergonomic techniques with a registered Occupational Therapist.
  • Improve your posture, body mechanics, and lifting techniques.
  • Reduce the risk of workplace injuries through proper movement and ergonomics.
  • Build healthy habits that support long-term physical well-being on the job.

Classes meet on Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on 8/6/2026 and 8/13/2026.

Location: BEST Boston Training Center

52 Church Street

Boston, MA | 02116

Near T Station: Arlington on Green Line and Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org or call (617) 542-1177.
First Aid/CPR/AED First Aid/CPR/AED

In this class, you will learn how to:

  • Recognize emergencies: How to identify signs of cardiac arrest, choking, and other emergencies
  • Perform CPR: How to perform chest compressions and rescue breaths
  • Use an AED: How to use an automated external defibrillator (AED)
  • Give First aid: How to treat burns, cuts, scrapes, and other injuries

Upcoming Classes:

  • Wednesday, 8/19/2026, 5 PM to 8 PM at Boston Training Center

Location: In-person at our BEST Boston Training Center

52 Church Street

Boston, MA | 02116

Near T Station: Arlington on the Green Line and Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org or call (617) 542-1177.
On-Call Banquet Server Training On-Call Banquet Server Training

In this class you will:

  • Get certified in TiPS, Allergens, and CPR/First Aid/AED.
  • Learn about banquet setup, ergonomics, wine basics, etc.
  • Practice table setting, tray carrying, and much more!
  • Get resume and interview preparation help.

Next class begins August 25, 2026.

Classes meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM for 10 weeks.

Applicants must attend one info session for class enrollment.

Info sessions will be held on:

  • Tuesdays August 11 and 18, 2026 at 12:30 PM OR 5:30 PM at BEST Boston Training Center
  • Thursdays August 6, 13, and 20, 2026 at 12:30 PM OR 5:30 PM at BEST Boston Training Center

Location: BEST Boston Training Center

52 Church Street

Boston, MA | 02116

Near T Station: Arlington on the Green Line and Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education training and benefits.

To register, you must attend an in-person information session and pass an English skills assessment. Please email education@BESThtc.org OR call (617) 542-1177 and leave a message: “My name is XX. I am interested in the XX class. My phone number is XX.” We will give you a call back for more information session details.
Student Success Tutoring Program Student Success Tutoring Program

Work one-on-one with a tutor to support your learning goals if you are unable to attend a class or if a subject is not currently offered. Tutoring topics include:

  • English
  • Math
  • Spanish
  • Technology
  • U.S. Citizenship Preparation

And more!

Tutoring Format & Commitment

Once you express interest in tutoring, you will be added to a waitlist until we are able to match you with a tutor who fits your needs and schedule.

The minimum tutoring commitment is once per week for 30 minutes to one hour over a three-month period. You and your tutor may choose to meet longer or more frequently.

Location options: In person or Zoom, as agreed upon by you and your tutor.

To be eligible, you must be 18 years or older and receive Local 26 education benefits.

To register, please email Bailey Katsumata-Smith bkatsumatasmith@besthtc.org or call (617) 542-1177.
U.S. Citizenship Preparation U.S. Citizenship Preparation

U.S. Citizenship Preparation classes are offered in-person and online. Students must attend an in-person orientation at our Boston Training Center.

In this class you will:

  • Learn U.S. History and Civics lessons
  • Understand the N-400 application
  • Prepare for the interview with a USCIS official
  • Receive referral to support services if needed
  • Receive follow up sessions and tutorials if needed

*OPEN ENROLLMENT*

Class meets on Tuesdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM via Zoom and in person.

Location: In-person at our BEST Boston Training Center

52 Church Street

Boston, MA | 02116

Near T Station: Arlington on the Green Line and Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education training and benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org OR Call (617) 542-1177.
Understanding & Accessing Your Local 26 Benefits Understanding & Accessing Your Local 26 Benefits

Discover how to access health, dental, vision, legal, education, housing and MORE online! Don’t miss our new class - your benefits, your way!

  • Week One: Local 26 Benefits Overview
  • Week Two: UNITE HERE Health Portal
  • Week Three: Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan Website
  • Week Four: Delta Dental and Davis Vision
  • Week Five: Housing Assistance Plan, Education Plan, and Legal Plan

Location: BEST Boston Training Center

52 Church Street

Boston, MA | 02116

Near T Station: Arlington on the Green Line and Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org or call (617) 542-1177.
Understanding and Planning for Retirement Understanding and Planning for Retirement

Learn how to Access Retirement Resources, Understand & Utilize Your Local 26 VDB Pension and UNITE HERE Local 26 401K plans!

In this class you will learn about:

  • Local 26 Retirement Benefits Overview
  • Local 26 VDB Pension Plan & Guest Speaker from the GBHE Trust Fund office
  • UNITE HERE Local 26 401K Plan
  • Social Security Assistance
  • Medicare & a Guest Speaker from SHINE

Class meets via Zoom and in person at Boston Training Center on Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, from 10/21/2026 to 11/18/2026.

Location: BEST Boston Training Center

52 Church Street

Boston, MA | 02116

Near T Station: Arlington on the Green Line and Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org or call (617) 542-1177.
Yoga & Meditation Yoga & Meditation

In this four-week series, we will cover:

  • Practice wellness with a certified yoga instructor.
  • Reduce stress, stretch your body, and connect with other Local 26 members.

Classes meet on Mondays from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM on 7/20/2026, 7/27/2026, 8/10/2026, & 8/16/2026

Location: BEST Boston Training Center

52 Church Street

Boston, MA | 02116

Near T Station: Arlington on Green Line and Tufts Medical Center on the Orange Line

To be eligible for this class, you must be over 18 and receiving Local 26 education benefits. To register, please email education@BESThtc.org or call (617) 542-1177.

Online Resources

A series of English, U.S. Citizenship preparation, computer, and job readiness learning resources for teacher, tutor, and student use.

Online Resources