Technological changes affecting the health care industry spurred the development and implementation of a curriculum to upgrade the skills of Philadelphia health care workers in written communication, mathematics, computer literacy, oral and listening communication, and issues surrounding their union employment in the health care field. The Training and Upgrading Fund sponsored by the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees and 38 employers decided to focus on mental health/retardation and nursing home workers. Approximately 25 workers participated; employers provided paid time and/or credit for attending. There was some difficulty with management clearly informing workers of the courses, so the union conducted recruitment and informational activities. (Course outlines are provided for written communication, oral and listening communication, computer literacy, mathematics, and workplace issues. Outlines include learning objectives, topics covered in each week of instruction, and, sometimes, references. Other appendices contain the following: results of the survey of health employers; copies of questionnaires; and results of a union membership survey.) (CML)