Best Job & Career in Massachusetts — 10 resources

About Job & Career

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.

10 Resources

1. Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development — Free

State cabinet-level office overseeing unemployment insurance, workforce training (MassHire), career services, apprenticeship, and labor standards for Massachusetts workers. Individual workers typically access services through MassHire career centers and UI Online rather than directly through the executive office. Use the state website to file UI claims, find career centers, and explore training programs, apprenticeships, and labor rights info for MA employees and employers.

617-626-7122 · 1 Ashburton Pl, Suite 2112, Boston, MA 02108 · Mon-Fri 8:45am-5pm · Visit Website

2. MassHire JobQuest — Free

Massachusetts' official job board and career portal connecting job seekers with employers across the state, posting thousands of live job openings including many that qualify for MassHire training funds. Also lists workshops, job fairs, and training programs. Free to use for job seekers; no registration required to browse but a free account lets you save jobs, upload a resume, and receive alerts. Use in tandem with a MassHire career center for free one-on-one coaching.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance — Free

File and manage unemployment claims through UI Online. Weekly benefit certification, claim status tracking, appeals, and reemployment services are all available on the portal. To file, you need Social Security number, employment history for the past 15 months, recent employer contact info, reason for separation, and photo ID for identity verification (ID.me or equivalent). Phone support is available during business hours but online filing is strongly preferred.

617-626-6800 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8:45am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Goodwill Industries (Morgan Memorial) - Boston — Free

Greater Boston workforce development nonprofit offering free job training, career coaching, computer and digital skills classes, resume help, and employment placement for adults facing barriers to employment. Also operates retail stores providing work experience. Walk in to the Harrison Ave training center or call to schedule an intake; bring photo ID, resume or work history, and proof of work-authorization documents if enrolling in job-placement services. Free for eligible participants.

617-445-1010 · 1010 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02119 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Year Up (Boston) — Free

Nonprofit providing low-income young adults (18-29) with a one-year intensive program combining professional skills training, college credits, and paid corporate internships in the Boston area. Focus areas include IT, cybersecurity, business operations, and financial services. Application requires high school diploma or GED, eligibility for Pell Grant, and a commitment to the full program. Apply online; admissions runs multiple cohorts per year. Stipend provided to participants.

617-542-1533 · 33 Arch St, Suite 3900, Boston, MA 02110 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) Boston — Free

Nonprofit workforce development organization providing career counseling, English for employment, job training (including healthcare, finance, and technology pathways), and employment placement for diverse Boston-area job seekers. Open to all regardless of religion; bilingual and multilingual staff. Apply online or by phone for most programs; bring photo ID, resume or work history, and proof of work-authorization documents. Many programs are free for eligible participants.

617-399-3100 · 75 Federal St, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02110 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts - Employment — Free

Workforce development programs for diverse job seekers in the Boston metro area including job training, placement, career coaching, and entrepreneurship support, with a focus on serving Black residents and other communities of color. Call or visit the Roxbury office to schedule an intake; bring photo ID, resume or work history, and proof of work-authorization documents. Most services are free for eligible participants. Also offers financial coaching and youth programs.

617-442-4519 · 88 Warren St, Roxbury, MA 02119 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Per Scholas (Boston) — Free

Free intensive technology training program in Boston preparing adults for IT careers in areas such as IT support, cybersecurity, cloud, and software engineering. Students earn industry certifications and receive job placement support. Application requires basic eligibility screening (income, work authorization, commitment to full-time schedule). Apply online; admissions runs multiple cohorts per year. No prior tech experience required for most tracks; free for admitted students.

617-752-8877 · Boston, MA · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) — Free

State agency providing vocational rehabilitation, job placement, supported employment, and independent living services for Massachusetts residents with disabilities. Services include skills assessments, training, assistive technology, and job coaching. Apply through your local MRC area office (find via the state website); bring photo ID, documentation of disability (medical or psychological records), proof of MA residency, and work history. Services are free for eligible consumers.

617-204-3600 · 600 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 · Mon-Fri 8:45am-5pm · Visit Website

10. SCORE Boston - Free Business Mentoring — Free

Free business mentoring from experienced volunteer executives and entrepreneurs for Massachusetts residents starting or growing small businesses. Offers one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and online resources covering business plans, financing, marketing, and operations. Sign up on the website to be matched with a mentor by industry or area of need; mentoring can be in person, by phone, or online. Free and confidential. Most workshops are free or low-cost.

617-565-5591 · 10 Causeway St, Room 265, Boston, MA 02222 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; workshops vary · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many job & career resources are in Massachusetts?
Men's Corner tracks 10 job & career resources for men and fathers in Massachusetts.
Are job & career resources in Massachusetts free?
10 of the 10 listed job & career resources in Massachusetts are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Massachusetts have job & career resources?
Listings span cities including Boston, Roxbury.
What are some examples of job & career resources in Massachusetts?
Featured entries include Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, MassHire JobQuest, Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance, Goodwill Industries (Morgan Memorial) - Boston, Year Up (Boston).
Do these listings include phone numbers?
9 of 10 Massachusetts job & career listings include phone numbers.
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.