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 Hawaii

8 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 Hawaii

Hawaii's Family Court is a division of the Circuit Court and operates in each of its four judicial circuits (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai). The Child Support Enforcement Agency operates under the Attorney General. Honolulu is by far the largest population center. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is the primary civil legal aid provider, with Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii offering supplemental pro bono support.

8 Resources

1. Hawaii Department of Labor — Free

Unemployment benefits, job listings, and workforce programs through the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations from the Punchbowl Street headquarters in Honolulu. Fathers looking for work, filing UI, or seeking training can call weekdays or visit an American Job Center. Bring photo ID, Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and any separation notices to in-person appointments.

808-586-8844 · 830 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Goodwill Industries of Hawaii — Free

Job training and career development services from the Kilihau Street headquarters in Honolulu and additional sites across the islands. Programs include resume workshops, digital skills, and support for people with barriers to employment. Services are free to qualifying fathers. Call weekdays to get started. Bring photo ID, Social Security number, and a list of recent jobs and skills for career counseling intake.

808-836-0313 · 2610 Kilihau St, Honolulu, HI 96819 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Hawaii Job Corps — Free

Free job training and education for young adults 16-24 at the residential Hihimanu Street campus in Waimanalo. Students can live on campus while learning a trade and earning a high school credential. Open 24/7 as a residential program. Young fathers can call for admissions information. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and school records. Parenting supports and child-focused referrals are offered.

808-948-0466 · 41-467 Hihimanu St, Waimanalo, HI 96795 · 24/7 residential · Visit Website

4. Hawaii UI Claims – Unemployment Insurance — Free

File for unemployment insurance benefits online through the state UI portal 24/7. Fathers who have lost work can file an initial claim, certify weekly, and check status without visiting an office. Create an account with your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and reason for separation. Call the helpline during weekday business hours if you need help resolving claim issues.

808-586-8970 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

5. U.S. Vets Hawaii – Employment — Free

Employment services for veterans transitioning to civilian work on Oahu from the Halekauwila Street campus in Honolulu. Programs include job coaching, resume help, and connections with veteran-friendly employers. Veteran fathers can call weekdays for intake. Bring DD-214, photo ID, Social Security card, and a current resume if you have one. Case managers coordinate employment services with housing and benefits supports.

808-595-8385 · 547 Halekauwila St, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Hawaii WIOA Youth Program — Free

Career training and employment services for out-of-school youth through the state Workforce Development Council on Punchbowl Street in Honolulu. Young fathers and youth up to age 24 may qualify for paid training, credentialing, and job placement help. Call weekdays for eligibility screening. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, and any school records or diplomas you have to your intake appointment.

808-586-8844 · 830 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Hawaii Small Business Development Center — Free

Free business counseling for entrepreneurs and small business owners statewide, with offices coordinated through the Hilo headquarters on Kamehameha Avenue. Fathers starting or growing a business can book one-on-one advising on planning, financing, and marketing. Call weekdays to schedule. Bring photo ID, a draft business concept or existing business records, and a list of questions to get the most from your session.

808-945-1430 · 308 Kamehameha Ave #201, Hilo, HI 96720 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Kupu Hawaii – Green Jobs — Free

Conservation and sustainability job training for young adults, with internships that pair paid field work with education and credentials. Based on Waialae Avenue in Honolulu with programs statewide. Young fathers interested in environmental careers can apply online or call weekdays. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and proof of residency when moving into enrollment. Kupu also connects members to long-term career pathways.

808-735-1221 · 3599 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 · 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.