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 Indiana

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 Indiana

Indiana superior and circuit courts hear family matters in all 92 counties, with some counties operating dedicated domestic relations divisions. The Child Support Bureau operates under DCS. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend are the largest metros. Indiana Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

8 Resources

1. Indiana Department of Workforce Development — Free

State agency administering unemployment insurance, job placement, workforce training, apprenticeships, and career services for Indiana workers across all 92 counties. Dads can apply for unemployment, register for work, and find training programs at in.gov/dwd or through a local WorkOne center. Bring photo ID, Social Security number, and recent work history when applying. Services are free to Indiana residents.

317-232-7676 · 10 N Senate Ave, Suite SE 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. WorkOne Indianapolis (Marion County) — Free

Career center serving Indianapolis with free job search assistance, resume workshops, skills assessments, training funds (WIOA), and employer connections. Dads can walk in or call to schedule services. Bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and any recent resume or work history. WorkOne also helps with unemployment filing, work requirements, and connects participants to supportive services like transportation and childcare during training.

317-684-2400 · 4015 E 21st St, Indianapolis, IN 46218 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

3. Goodwill Industries of Michiana (South Bend) — Free

Workforce development and employment services for the South Bend and Michiana region, including job placement, skills training, digital literacy, and adult education. Dads can walk in or call to schedule services at the Western Avenue office. Bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and any recent resume or work history. Most services are free to eligible participants thanks to grants, donations, and retail store proceeds.

574-472-7300 · 1805 Western Ave, South Bend, IN 46619 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Indianapolis Urban League - Workforce Development — Free

Provides job training, career readiness, and employment placement for Indianapolis residents with a focus on underserved communities. Dads can enroll in programs offering resume help, interview coaching, digital skills, and industry credentials. Bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and any recent resume or work history to intake at the downtown Indiana Avenue office. Programs are generally free thanks to public and private funding.

317-693-7603 · 777 Indiana Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

5. Conexus Indiana (Advanced Manufacturing) — Free

Statewide initiative connecting job seekers with advanced manufacturing and logistics careers through training pathways, apprenticeships, and employer partnerships. Dads interested in skilled trades, manufacturing technology, or logistics can explore programs like Hire Technology, Dream It Do It, and Modern Apprenticeship. Use the Conexus website to find partner employers and training near you. Most programs pair classroom training with paid on-the-job learning.

317-638-2107 · 1 N Capitol Ave, Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. RecycleForce (Indianapolis) — Free

Indianapolis social enterprise providing paid job training, transitional employment, and career placement for individuals with barriers to employment, including returning citizens. Dads with criminal records can earn a paycheck while learning job skills and receiving case management, basic skills training, and job placement support. Call to learn about eligibility and schedule intake. Bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and any court paperwork.

317-532-1367 · 1255 Roosevelt Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Goodwill Industries of Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne) — Free

Workforce development and employment services for the Fort Wayne area, including job training, career coaching, adult education, digital literacy, and placement. Dads can walk in or call to schedule services at the Ewing Street office. Bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and any recent resume or work history. Most services are free to eligible participants thanks to grants, donations, and retail store proceeds across northeast Indiana.

260-478-2621 · 1414 Ewing St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. TechPoint (Indianapolis) — Free

Indiana's tech industry growth initiative connecting job seekers with technology careers through training programs, apprenticeships, and employer partnerships. Dads interested in software development, IT, cybersecurity, or data analytics can explore programs like TechPoint Grads, Sales Bootcamp, and Xtern. Many pathways lead to paid apprenticeships with Indiana tech employers. Use the TechPoint website to find programs and application windows.

317-917-3266 · 111 Monument Cir, Suite 4150, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · 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.