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 Arizona

10 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 Arizona

Arizona handles custody (called 'legal decision-making' and 'parenting time') in superior courts in all 15 counties. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DES. Maricopa County (Phoenix) runs the nation's busiest family court. Major metros include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler. Community Legal Services and Southern Arizona Legal Aid cover most of the state.

10 Resources

1. Arizona@Work - Maricopa County — Free

Regional workforce development system serving the Phoenix metro through American Job Centers in multiple Maricopa County locations. Offers free job search assistance, resume and interview workshops, skills training scholarships under WIOA, apprenticeship connections, and employer hiring events. Serves adults, dislocated workers, and youth. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, DD-214 for veterans, and recent layoff paperwork or pay stubs when applicable to enroll in funded training services.

602-506-4627 · Multiple Maricopa County locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Arizona@Work - Pima County (Tucson) — Free

Regional workforce development system serving Tucson and Pima County through American Job Centers offering free employment services, WIOA-funded training referrals and scholarships, career counseling, apprenticeship connections, resume workshops, and hiring events with local employers. Serves adults, dislocated workers, and youth. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, DD-214 for veterans, proof of address, and recent layoff or pay stub paperwork when applicable to intake.

520-798-0607 · Multiple Pima County locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Arizona Unemployment Insurance — Free

Arizona Department of Economic Security program allowing eligible workers who lost their job through no fault of their own to file and manage unemployment claims online at des.az.gov/ui or by phone. Includes weekly benefit certification, claim status tracking, overpayment appeals, and mandatory reemployment services. Claimants typically need Social Security number, DD-214 for former service members, employer information for the past 18 months, and direct deposit details to file a claim.

877-600-2722 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona — Free

Regional Goodwill affiliate operating career centers across the Phoenix metro and northern Arizona offering free job training, one-on-one career coaching, computer and digital literacy classes, resume and interview preparation, and direct employment placement support. Serves job seekers of any income level. Some specialized programs (youth, justice-involved, veterans) have additional eligibility criteria. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and DD-214 for veterans to intake appointments.

602-535-4444 · 2626 W Beryl Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona — Free

Tucson-based Goodwill affiliate serving southern Arizona with free job training, career counseling, resume and interview workshops, computer classes, and employment placement support for individuals facing barriers to employment, including justice-involved adults, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Funded by Goodwill retail stores. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and DD-214 for veterans to intake. Some specialized programs have additional eligibility requirements.

520-623-5174 · 1020 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Dress for Success Phoenix — Free

Phoenix affiliate of the global nonprofit Dress for Success, providing free professional interview attire, career development workshops, networking opportunities, and employment retention support to help women and men entering or re-entering the workforce in the Phoenix metro. Clients must be referred by a partner agency (workforce board, nonprofit, or shelter) and have an upcoming interview or new job. Bring photo ID, referral paperwork, and interview confirmation to appointments.

602-266-2499 · 2700 N 3rd St, Suite 3065, Phoenix, AZ 85004 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (by appointment) · Visit Website

7. RISE Services - Employment (Phoenix) — Free

Phoenix metro branch of RISE Services, Inc. providing supported employment services helping individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities find and maintain competitive community jobs. Services include job development, on-the-job coaching, retention support, and workplace advocacy. Typically served through Arizona's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) or Rehabilitation Services. Bring photo ID, disability documentation, and DDD or RSA paperwork.

480-497-4338 · 1010 E McDowell Rd, Suite 301, Phoenix, AZ 85006 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Wildcat Arizona (Tucson) — Free

Tucson-based workforce development nonprofit providing job training, transitional employment placements, soft skills coaching, GED prep support, and long-term career services for unemployed and underemployed Pima County residents, including individuals with justice involvement or significant employment barriers. Services are typically free for qualifying participants. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of address, and DD-214 for veterans to intake. Partner-agency referrals accepted.

520-791-3966 · 2424 E Broadway Blvd, Suite 402, Tucson, AZ 85719 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Arizona Commerce Authority - Job Creation — Free

State economic development agency attracting employers to Arizona, supporting small business growth, funding workforce training through grants, and promoting industry events. While the ACA primarily partners with businesses, residents benefit through new job opportunities, apprenticeships, and sector-focused workforce pipelines in semiconductors, aerospace, healthcare, and tech. Individuals seeking jobs should contact Arizona@Work career centers or use the state job board.

602-845-1200 · 100 N 7th Ave, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85007 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Fresh Start Women's Foundation (Phoenix) — Free

Phoenix-based nonprofit providing free career development, financial literacy classes, free legal advice clinics, computer skills training, counseling, and personal development programs helping women, single mothers, and their families achieve economic independence. Serves women across Maricopa County regardless of income or background. Walk-in assessment days and scheduled appointments available. Bring photo ID and any court or employment paperwork when first visiting.

602-261-4653 · 1130 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

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.