What is an American Job Center?

Free walk-in career center funded by the US Department of Labor. Services include job search help, resume writing, interview practice, computer access, WIOA training grants, and direct employer connections. Nearly 2,400 centers nationwide — find yours at careeronestop.org.

Can I get help if I have a record?

Yes. Many states have reentry employment programs; the Center for Employment Opportunities runs transitional jobs in 30+ cities. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit incentivizes employers to hire formerly-incarcerated workers. Fair Chance laws in many states restrict early background checks.

What's an apprenticeship?

Paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction leading to a journey-level credential. Common in trades (electrician, plumber, carpenter, HVAC) but expanding into healthcare, IT, and finance. Earn while you learn — no student debt. Find programs at apprenticeship.gov.

What if I'm on unemployment?

You likely qualify for free reemployment services through your American Job Center and for WIOA-funded training while receiving benefits. Dislocated worker services are priority for anyone laid off — including severance, retraining, and relocation support.

Job & Career in Alabama

9 verified resources.

About Job & Career for Fathers

Job and career resources for fathers run through the American Job Center (AJC) network — there are roughly 2,400 physical locations nationwide, every one of which offers free services. AJCs provide job search assistance, resume and interview help, WIOA-funded training (often up to

0,000+ in tuition and fees for in-demand occupations), and connections to apprenticeships. Every state has a workforce agency that oversees unemployment insurance, labor market information, and rapid response services for laid-off workers. Registered Apprenticeship programs pay workers while they train for skilled trades (electrician, plumber, HVAC, heavy equipment, and increasingly healthcare and IT). For formerly incarcerated fathers, state Department of Labor reentry programs and organizations like the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provide transitional jobs and placement. This directory includes AJCs, workforce boards, apprenticeship programs, and reentry services.

Job & Career in Alabama

Alabama family law runs through circuit courts in each of its 67 counties, with the Alabama Department of Human Resources handling child support enforcement. Major population centers include Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville. Fathers can access free family court help through the Alabama Access to Justice Commission and Legal Services Alabama.

9 Resources

1. Alabama Career Center System — Free

State workforce centers offering free job search assistance, resume help, career counseling, and training referrals for Alabama fathers at locations statewide. The central office is on Monroe Street in Montgomery. Dads can register online or visit a local center; bring photo ID, Social Security card, and work history. Services are free including computer access, workshops, and staff-assisted job search. Centers typically open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

334-242-8003 · 649 Monroe St, Montgomery, AL 36131 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Alabama Department of Labor — Free

State agency administering unemployment benefits, maintaining job listings, and overseeing workforce programs for Alabama fathers and workers at the Monroe Street Montgomery headquarters. Dads can apply for unemployment online at labor.alabama.gov; required information includes SSN, work history, and direct deposit info. Labor office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for inquiries; automated benefit services available 24/7 online for claims.

334-242-8025 · 649 Monroe St, Montgomery, AL 36131 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Goodwill Industries – Birmingham — Free

Free job training, placement assistance, and career development services for Birmingham-area fathers at the Green Springs Highway location. Services include resume help, interview coaching, skills training, and digital literacy programs. Dads can walk in or call to enroll; bring photo ID, work history, and any relevant certifications. Services are free for job seekers. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for program intake and career support.

205-323-6331 · 2350 Green Springs Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

4. Workforce Development Division – AIDT — Free

Free customized workforce training for Alabama workers, employers, and father-led households through the Alabama Industrial Development Training program at the Technology Court Montgomery campus. Programs cover manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and other industries. Dads can apply online or by phone; eligibility varies by program. Services are free for qualifying trainees. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for inquiries and enrollment information.

334-242-5100 · 1 Technology Ct, Montgomery, AL 36116 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Alabama Vocational Rehabilitation Service — Free

Free employment services and training for Alabama fathers with disabilities at the Lawrence Street Montgomery office and regional sites. Services include career counseling, job placement, assistive technology, and training support. Dads can apply by phone or online; required documents include photo ID, disability documentation, and work history. Services are free for eligible applicants. Main office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for inquiries and intake.

334-293-7500 · 602 S Lawrence St, Montgomery, AL 36104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Mobile Works — Free

Free workforce development, training, and job placement services for fathers in the Mobile area at the Downtowner Loop W location. Services include career counseling, skills training, and connections to local employers. Dads can walk in or call to enroll; bring photo ID, work history, and any relevant certifications. Services are free for qualifying job seekers. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for program intake and ongoing career support.

251-461-3925 · 828 Downtowner Loop W, Mobile, AL 36609 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute — Free

Free training and career pathway programs in the construction trades for Alabama fathers at the Riverchase Galleria Birmingham location. Programs connect participants with apprenticeships, certifications, and direct-hire opportunities in the skilled trades. Dads can apply online or by phone; bring photo ID and work history. Services are free for eligible participants. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for information, enrollment, and employer matching.

205-980-0885 · 3000 Riverchase Galleria, Birmingham, AL 35244 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. Goodwill Industries – Mobile — Free

Free job training, GED programs, and employment services for fathers in south Alabama at the Gordon Smith Drive Mobile location, operated by Goodwill Gulf Coast. Services include resume help, interview coaching, skills training, and direct placement support. Dads can walk in or call to enroll; bring photo ID and work history. Services are free for qualifying job seekers. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for program intake and career support.

251-471-1581 · 2448 Gordon Smith Dr, Mobile, AL 36617 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Alabama JobLink — Free

Free state online job board connecting Alabama workers and fathers with employers statewide. Dads can create an account to search listings, post resumes, and apply for jobs across industries. The platform is accessible 24/7 at no cost; job seekers create a free profile with work history and skills to be matched with employers. No in-person visit required, and support is also available through local Alabama Career Centers during business hours.

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Job & Career — Common Questions

What is an American Job Center?: Free walk-in career center funded by the US Department of Labor. Services include job search help, resume writing, interview practice, computer access, WIOA training grants, and direct employer connections. Nearly 2,400 centers nationwide — find yours at careeronestop.org.
Can I get help if I have a record?: Yes. Many states have reentry employment programs; the Center for Employment Opportunities runs transitional jobs in 30+ cities. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit incentivizes employers to hire formerly-incarcerated workers. Fair Chance laws in many states restrict early background checks.
What's an apprenticeship?: Paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction leading to a journey-level credential. Common in trades (electrician, plumber, carpenter, HVAC) but expanding into healthcare, IT, and finance. Earn while you learn — no student debt. Find programs at apprenticeship.gov.
What if I'm on unemployment?: You likely qualify for free reemployment services through your American Job Center and for WIOA-funded training while receiving benefits. Dislocated worker services are priority for anyone laid off — including severance, retraining, and relocation support.