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 Kentucky

5 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 Kentucky

Kentucky family courts hear custody, visitation, and child support cases in most counties; the remaining counties use district or circuit court. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Child Support administers enforcement. Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Covington are the major metros. Legal Aid Society (Louisville/western), Kentucky Legal Aid, and Appalachian Research and Defense Fund (AppalReD) cover the state.

5 Resources

1. KentuckianaWorks – Louisville — Free

Regional workforce development board connecting job seekers with employers, training, and career services in the Louisville metro area. Fathers can visit the Cedar Street office for help with resumes, job search, and training referrals. Services include young adult programs, reentry help, and employer partnerships. Services are free for qualifying residents. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and work history information to your first appointment.

502-574-2500 · 600 W Cedar St, Louisville, KY 40202 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Goodwill Industries of Kentucky — Free

Statewide nonprofit offering job training, placement services, career development, and skills programs for Kentuckians facing barriers to employment. Fathers can visit the Louisville headquarters or local career centers for resume help, skills training, and employer connections. Services are free for qualifying participants. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and work history information to your first appointment. Childcare referrals may be available during training.

502-585-5331 · 1325 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40208 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation — Free

State agency providing employment services, skills training, and accommodations support for Kentuckians with disabilities. Fathers with disabilities can apply for vocational assessments, job placement, and help accessing assistive technology through local OVR offices. Call the Frankfort headquarters or your regional office to begin intake. Services are free for qualifying participants. Bring photo ID, disability documentation, and work history to your intake appointment.

502-564-4440 · 275 E Main St, Frankfort, KY 40621 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. South Central Workforce Board — Free

Regional workforce development board providing employment services, training referrals, and employer partnerships in the Bowling Green and south central Kentucky area. Fathers can visit the Chestnut Street office for help with job search, training funding, and reentry services. Services are free for qualifying residents. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and work history to your first appointment. Case managers connect clients to WIOA-funded training and local employers.

270-745-3065 · 803 Chestnut St, Bowling Green, KY 42101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Kentucky Career Center – Owensboro — Free

State workforce center providing job search assistance, career services, and connections to training in western Kentucky. Fathers can use the Frederica Street center to access computers, workshops, and one-on-one case management. Services are free for qualifying residents. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and work history to your first visit. The center also administers unemployment insurance questions and connects clients to local employers and training partners.

270-687-7297 · 1501 Frederica St, Owensboro, KY 42301 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · 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.