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 Connecticut

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 Connecticut

Connecticut's Superior Court handles family matters through regional Judicial Districts and Family Support Magistrate Division locations. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement under DSS. Major cities include Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury. Connecticut Legal Services and Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut provide civil legal aid, and every courthouse has a court service center offering free forms assistance.

10 Resources

1. Goodwill of Western & Northern CT — Free

Free job training, placement, and career development services for Connecticut fathers and adults in western and northern CT. Programs include resume building, interview prep, vocational training, and direct hiring events. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior work history or resume. Serves Bridgeport, Stamford, Hartford, and surrounding communities with multiple program sites.

203-575-2100 · 165 Ocean Terrace, Bridgeport, CT 06605 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Career Resources Inc. – Bridgeport — Free

Free employment services, career counseling, and workforce programs for Fairfield County fathers and job seekers. Services include resume building, interview prep, job placement, and training referrals. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior work history or resume. Serves Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, and surrounding Fairfield County communities through multiple workforce sites.

203-610-8500 · 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport, CT 06604 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. The Workplace Inc. – Bridgeport — Free

Free workforce development board serving southwest Connecticut fathers and job seekers. Services include career planning, training funding, job placement, and employer matching. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior work history or resume. Serves Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, and surrounding Fairfield County; connects workers to funded training in in-demand industries.

203-610-8500 · 350 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Capital Workforce Partners – Hartford — Free

Free career services and job training for Hartford-area fathers and adults. Services include career counseling, training funding, job placement, and youth programs. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours at American Job Centers. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior work history or resume. Serves Hartford, Windham, Tolland counties; funded training available for qualifying workers in high-demand industries.

860-899-3480 · 1 Union Pl, Hartford, CT 06103 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. CT Bureau of Rehabilitation Services — Free

Free employment services, vocational rehabilitation, and training for Connecticut fathers with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities. Services include career counseling, training, job placement, and assistive technology. Apply by phone or online during business hours. Bring photo ID, medical documentation of disability, Social Security card, and work history to appointments. Statewide coverage with regional BRS offices in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and more.

860-424-4844 · 55 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Community Renewal Team – Employment — Free

Free job training, career pathways, and employment services for Hartford-area low-income fathers and families. Programs include skills training, job placement, youth programs, and case management. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, pay stubs, and prior work history or resume to intake. Serves greater Hartford; connects workers to funded training and supportive services like transportation.

860-560-5600 · 555 Windsor St, Hartford, CT 06120 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board — Free

Free career services and workforce programs for eastern Connecticut fathers and job seekers. Services include career counseling, training funding, job placement, and employer matching. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours at American Job Centers. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior work history or resume. Serves New London, Windham, Tolland, and surrounding eastern CT counties with funded training referrals.

860-859-3600 · 125 Sachem St, Norwich, CT 06360 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. American Job Center – New Haven — Free

Free employment services, workforce training, and job placement for New Haven-area fathers and adults. Services include career counseling, resume help, training referrals, and unemployment assistance. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior work history or resume. Part of CT Department of Labor network with multiple American Job Centers across the state.

203-624-1493 · 560 Ella T Grasso Blvd, New Haven, CT 06519 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. OIC of New London – Job Training — Free

Free vocational training, employment services, and career programs for New London-area fathers and job seekers. Programs include skills training, job placement, GED prep, and case management. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior work history or resume to intake. Serves New London County with connections to broader community resources and employer partnerships.

860-447-1731 · 106 Truman St, New London, CT 06320 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

10. Urban League of Greater Hartford – Employment — Free

Free job readiness, placement, and career development programs for Hartford-area fathers, especially Black and other underserved workers. Services include resume workshops, interview prep, job placement, and youth programs. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and prior work history or resume. Serves greater Hartford with connections to employer partners and supportive wraparound services.

860-527-0147 · 140 Woodland St, Hartford, CT 06105 · Mon-Fri 9am-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.