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 Illinois

16 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 Illinois

Illinois handles family law through circuit courts in each of its 23 judicial circuits, with Cook County running its own Domestic Relations Division. The Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement. Chicago dominates the state; downstate metros include Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria. Legal Aid Chicago (formerly CVLS) and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid cover most of the state for low-income fathers.

16 Resources

1. American Job Centers - Chicago — Free

Federally funded one-stop career centers offering free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals, and unemployment services across Chicago. Walk in during business hours or call to schedule an appointment with a career counselor. Fathers who are unemployed or underemployed can access computers, job boards, and professional coaching at no cost. Multiple Chicago and suburban Cook County locations are available.

312-629-5627 · 223 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1005, Chicago, IL 60606 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Safer Foundation — Free

One of the nation's largest nonprofits providing reentry employment services, job training, education, and supportive services for people with conviction records in Chicago and the surrounding region. Safer Foundation helps formerly incarcerated individuals secure stable employment and housing through job readiness training, transitional jobs, and employer partnerships. Fathers returning from incarceration can call 312-922-2200 to learn about current program openings and enrollment.

312-922-2200 · 571 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Skills for Chicagoland's Future — Free

Nonprofit connecting unemployed and underemployed Cook County residents directly with companies that have immediate hiring needs. Skills for Chicagoland's Future partners with employers to fill open positions with qualified candidates from Chicago and the suburbs. Fathers who are unemployed or earning below their potential can submit their profile online and be matched with employers actively hiring. Services are free for job seekers with no registration fees.

312-906-7200 · 191 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) — Free

State agency providing unemployment insurance, job placement services, labor market information, and workforce development programs across Illinois. IDES administers unemployment benefits for laid-off workers and connects residents with job placement services through Illinois WorkNet. Fathers who have lost their job can file a claim at ides.illinois.gov, call the claims line, or visit a local IDES office for assistance navigating the benefit process.

800-244-5631 · 33 S State St, Chicago, IL 60603 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Year Up Chicago — Free

Intensive one-year career training program for young adults ages 18-29 providing skills development, college credits, and corporate internships in Chicago. Year Up combines technical and professional training in fields like IT and financial services with a six-month internship at a Fortune 500 company. Young fathers aged 18-29 who are underemployed or lack a college degree can apply at yearup.org/locations/chicago-il to start the admissions process.

312-726-5300 · 223 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60606 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Goodwill Industries of Metropolitan Chicago — Free

Nonprofit providing job training, career coaching, employment placement services, and work readiness programs for economic independence in Chicago and the south suburbs. Goodwill Industries of Metropolitan Chicago offers career centers where fathers can receive resume help, interview practice, and job search support at no cost. Paid work readiness training programs are also available for those with barriers to employment including criminal records.

312-212-1290 · 819 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership — Free

Largest workforce development system in the nation coordinating career services, job training, and employment programs through delegate agencies across Cook County. Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership administers WIOA-funded services through dozens of career centers and training providers. Fathers seeking job training funding, career counseling, or employment support can visit chicookworks.org or call 312-603-0200 to find a nearby career center and learn about available services.

312-603-0200 · 69 W Washington St, Suite 2860, Chicago, IL 60602 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

8. HIRE360 Chicago — Free

Workforce development initiative connecting underrepresented workers to careers in construction and building trades through training and apprenticeships in Chicago. HIRE360 works with unions and contractors to create pathways for minority and women workers into well-paying construction careers. Fathers interested in trades careers — electricians, carpenters, pipefitters — can contact HIRE360 to learn about pre-apprenticeship programs and union apprenticeship entry opportunities.

312-380-2297 · 111 E Wacker Dr, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60601 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) — Free

Chicago nonprofit providing advanced manufacturing job training, metalworking certification, and career services for low-income adults on the North Side. JARC's Careers in Manufacturing program prepares participants for well-paying factory and fabrication jobs through hands-on metalworking training and industry credentials. Fathers seeking stable, higher-wage careers in manufacturing can call or visit the Ravenswood location to learn about current program schedules and eligibility.

773-728-9769 · 4432 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Cara Collective (Chicago) — Free

Chicago workforce development nonprofit preparing and placing adults facing employment barriers into meaningful jobs through coaching and training. Cara Collective serves individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and other barriers to stable employment with rigorous social enterprise training and direct employer connections. Fathers who are chronically unemployed or returning from incarceration can contact Cara to apply for their workforce readiness training and placement programs.

312-798-3300 · 237 S Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60661 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Heartland Alliance - National Immigrant Justice Center Employment — Free

Provides job training, placement services, and workforce development for immigrants, refugees, and underserved populations in the Chicago area. The National Immigrant Justice Center's employment program helps new Americans with resume preparation, job search support, and professional credential recognition. Immigrant and refugee fathers in Chicago seeking employment assistance or English language support can call 312-660-1300 to learn about available programs.

312-660-1300 · 208 S LaSalle St, Suite 1818, Chicago, IL 60604 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Rockford Area American Job Center — Free

Federally funded workforce center providing free job search assistance, resume help, skills training, and career counseling in the Rockford area. Located in downtown Rockford, the American Job Center serves Winnebago County residents with free computer access, career coaching, and connections to paid training programs. Fathers in northern Illinois can walk in or call 815-395-6600 to schedule an appointment with a career advisor.

815-395-6600 · 303 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61101 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

13. Springfield American Job Center — Free

Workforce center in the state capital providing job search assistance, career counseling, resume writing, and connections to training programs in Springfield and Sangamon County. The center offers free services to unemployed and underemployed workers including job fairs, employment workshops, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act training funds. Fathers in central Illinois can call or walk in to speak with a workforce specialist.

217-524-5960 · 3000 Professional Dr, Springfield, IL 62703 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

14. National Able Network (Chicago) — Free

Workforce development organization providing job training, career coaching, and employer connections for adults seeking employment across the Chicago area. National Able Network specializes in serving adults 55+ and low-income job seekers with individual career coaching, resume preparation, and referrals to subsidized employment programs. Fathers seeking job search support or older workers re-entering the workforce can call 312-994-4300 or visit the Randolph Street office.

312-994-4300 · 564 W Randolph St, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60661 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

15. SER Jobs for Progress (Chicago) — Free

National nonprofit with Chicago presence providing bilingual employment services, skills training, and job placement for underserved communities. SER Jobs for Progress serves Spanish-speaking and bilingual job seekers on Chicago's West and Southwest sides with resume assistance, job readiness workshops, and employer connections. Fathers who are Spanish-dominant or bilingual and seeking employment can call 312-890-0688 to learn about services and enrollment.

312-890-0688 · 3948 W 26th St, Suite 213, Chicago, IL 60623 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

16. OAI Inc. (Chicago Heights) — Free

South suburban Chicago workforce development agency offering job training, youth employment programs, and career services for Cook and Will County residents. OAI serves communities in Chicago Heights, Harvey, Calumet City, and surrounding south suburban communities with paid training programs, job fairs, and youth summer employment. Fathers in the south suburbs seeking career advancement or employment services can call 708-756-1356 or visit the McCook Avenue location.

708-756-1356 · 233 McCook Ave, East Hazel Crest, IL 60429 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-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.