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.
More Job & Career in Arizona
- Arizona@Work - Maricopa County — Regional workforce development system serving the Phoenix metro through American Job Centers in multiple Maricopa County locations. Offers f
- Arizona@Work - Pima County (Tucson) — Regional workforce development system serving Tucson and Pima County through American Job Centers offering free employment services, WIOA-fu
- Arizona Unemployment Insurance — Arizona Department of Economic Security program allowing eligible workers who lost their job through no fault of their own to file and manag
- Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona — Regional Goodwill affiliate operating career centers across the Phoenix metro and northern Arizona offering free job training, one-on-one ca
- Dress for Success Phoenix — Phoenix affiliate of the global nonprofit Dress for Success, providing free professional interview attire, career development workshops, net
- RISE Services - Employment (Phoenix) — Phoenix metro branch of RISE Services, Inc. providing supported employment services helping individuals with intellectual, developmental, an
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.