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.
12 Resources
1. Maryland Department of Labor — Free
State agency administering Maryland's unemployment insurance program, workforce development, occupational and professional licensing, apprenticeship, and adult education and literacy services for Maryland workers and job seekers. Operates American Job Centers in every region of the state and connects residents with training funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Most services are free; users create accounts online, upload photo ID and work history, and may need pay stubs or separation paperwork for unemployment claims.
410-767-2000 · 1100 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website
2. Maryland Workforce Exchange — Free
Maryland's official online job board connecting job seekers statewide with employers, apprenticeships, training programs, and career resources including labor market information and resume-building tools. Users create a free account, upload a resume, set up job alerts by ZIP code and occupation, and apply directly to listings. Unemployment insurance claimants use the site to meet required work search activity. Available 24/7 online; no in-person visit required. Photo ID and Social Security number are needed at account creation for verification.
Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
3. Maryland Unemployment Insurance — Free
State program administered by the Maryland Department of Labor providing partial wage replacement to eligible workers in Maryland who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. File and manage claims online through the BEACON portal, with weekly benefit certification, claim status tracking, and reemployment services. Claimants need photo ID, Social Security number, 18 months of employer history, and separation paperwork. Benefits are typically paid via direct deposit or the Maryland UI debit card after a qualifying waiting week.
410-949-0022 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website
4. Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake — Free
Central Maryland workforce development nonprofit offering job training, career coaching, digital skills classes, industry-recognized certification programs, and employment placement services funded largely through donated-goods retail operations. Serves Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County, and surrounding communities. Most programs are free to participants; some require a short intake interview. Prospective participants bring photo ID, Social Security card, and a resume if available; specific programs may require additional screening or assessment.
410-837-1800 · 222 E Redwood St, Baltimore, MD 21202 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
5. Year Up Baltimore — Free
National nonprofit with a Baltimore site providing young adults ages 18-29 with an intensive one-year program combining professional training, college credits, and a paid corporate internship in IT, financial operations, sales, or customer service. Participants receive a stipend while training. Admissions are competitive; applicants need a high school diploma or GED, photo ID, Social Security card, and ability to commit full-time. Services are free to admitted participants. Information sessions and online applications are posted on the Year Up website.
443-451-7100 · 1 S Charles St, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
6. American Job Center - Anne Arundel County — Free
One-stop career center in Glen Burnie serving Anne Arundel County job seekers with job search assistance, resume help, workshops, training referrals, career counseling, and access to Maryland Workforce Exchange terminals. Funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Maryland Department of Labor. Services are free; bring photo ID, Social Security card, and a resume if available. Eligible dislocated workers, low-income adults, and youth can access training scholarships through staff referral.
410-424-3220 · 7480 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website
7. STRIVE Baltimore — Free
Baltimore workforce development nonprofit providing intensive cohort-based job readiness training, career coaching, financial literacy, case management, and post-placement support for underserved adults including returning citizens, non-custodial parents, and young adults. Programs are typically multi-week and free to income-eligible Baltimore-area participants. Intake is by phone, walk-in, or referral from partner agencies; bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any child support or court paperwork if relevant. Job placement support continues after graduation.
410-327-2610 · 2502 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
8. Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF) — Free
Baltimore-based nonprofit advocating for policies that expand economic opportunity for Maryland's low-wage workers and providing direct workforce development, job training, and employment services including programs for returning citizens and parents with child support obligations. Services are free to income-eligible Baltimore-area residents; intake is by phone or walk-in. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, a resume if available, and any court or child support paperwork relevant to employment barriers. Post-placement coaching is included.
410-234-8040 · 231 E Baltimore St, Suite 2000, Baltimore, MD 21202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
9. Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) — Free
State agency within the Maryland State Department of Education helping Marylanders with physical, cognitive, sensory, or mental health disabilities find and keep employment through vocational rehabilitation counseling, job training, assistive technology, and job placement. Also operates the Workforce & Technology Center in Baltimore for residential training. Eligibility is based on documented disability that is a barrier to employment. Applicants bring photo ID and medical or psychological documentation of disability; services are free to eligible consumers.
410-554-9385 · 2301 Argonne Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
10. NPower Maryland — Free
National nonprofit with a Maryland site in Baltimore providing free tech training programs preparing young adults ages 18-26 from underserved communities, as well as veterans and military spouses, for entry-level careers in IT through classes, industry-recognized certifications (CompTIA and others), paid internships, and job placement support. Admissions include an application and interview; accepted participants commit to a full-time program. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, high school diploma or GED, and DD-214 if a veteran.
443-573-5900 · 300 E Lombard St, Suite 840, Baltimore, MD 21202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
11. Civic Works (Baltimore) — Free
Baltimore service-based nonprofit combining AmeriCorps service and paid job training programs in green construction, energy efficiency retrofits, urban agriculture, health careers, and technology, while participants serve Baltimore neighborhoods. Programs such as Baltimore Center for Green Careers prepare participants for jobs in skilled trades. Programs are generally free to income-eligible Baltimore residents; participants may receive stipends. Apply online; bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any certifications, resume, or court paperwork relevant to employment.
410-366-8533 · 2701 St Lo Dr, Baltimore, MD 21213 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
12. Maryland New Directions (Baltimore) — Free
Baltimore workforce development nonprofit serving adults 25 and older, including many parents and career changers, with job readiness workshops, occupational training in fields like transportation, healthcare, and administration, and career placement services. Programs are cohort-based, typically multi-week, and free for income-eligible Baltimore-area participants. Intake begins with an orientation session; bring photo ID, Social Security card, high school diploma or GED, and a resume if available. Alumni receive ongoing coaching and job search support.
410-230-0630 · 2700 N Charles St, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21218 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website