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 Minnesota

11 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 Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

11 Resources

1. DEED – Minnesota Employment — Free

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) offers statewide job listings, labor market information, career counseling, and unemployment insurance. Dads can access CareerForce centers, skills assessments, resume help, and training grants. Services are available online and at regional offices throughout Minnesota. No cost to job seekers; connect through the DEED website or your nearest CareerForce location.

651-259-7114 · 332 Minnesota St #200, St. Paul, MN 55101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Hired – Minneapolis Employment Services — Free

Hired in Minneapolis provides employment services, job training, and one-on-one career counseling to help job seekers find stable work. Programs include skills workshops, resume building, mock interviews, and connections to local employers. Serves adults facing employment barriers including those with criminal records. Visit their Minneapolis office or connect online; many services are free or low-cost for qualifying individuals.

612-333-4473 · 1200 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Summit Academy OIC — Free

Summit Academy OIC in Minneapolis provides hands-on career training in construction trades, healthcare, and information technology for underserved community members. Programs include industry certifications, job placement support, and wraparound services like childcare and transportation assistance. Dads can gain in-demand skills and connect with employers hiring locally. Contact the north Minneapolis campus for enrollment information and upcoming program start dates.

612-377-0150 · 935 Olson Memorial Hwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. EMERGE Community Development — Free

EMERGE Community Development in north Minneapolis offers job readiness training, employment placement, and long-term career pathway support for adults in the community. Services include resume help, interview coaching, financial coaching, and connections to local employers. Dads facing employment barriers are welcome; staff provide personalized support to help you move into stable, quality jobs. Contact EMERGE to learn about current program openings and eligibility.

612-529-9267 · 1834 Emerson Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Tree Trust – Employment Programs — Free

Tree Trust provides hands-on job training for youth and adults in landscaping, construction, and environmental work across the Twin Cities metro. Programs combine real work experience with career readiness skills and industry certifications. Dads can gain practical outdoor and trades skills while earning a wage during training. Contact Tree Trust to learn about enrollment, upcoming cohorts, and eligibility requirements for adult employment programs.

952-767-3880 · 1419 Energy Park Dr, St. Paul, MN 55108 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Project for Pride in Living — Free

Project for Pride in Living (PPL) in Minneapolis provides integrated support including employment services, education programs, and affordable housing for low-income adults. Job services include career coaching, skills training, and employer connections. Dads working to stabilize their lives can access multiple supports under one roof. Contact PPL to learn about current program availability, income eligibility requirements, and how to enroll in workforce or housing services.

612-455-5100 · 1035 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Lifetrack – Career Development — Free

Lifetrack in the Twin Cities offers career development services, ESL classes, and workforce training designed for immigrants and refugees building new lives in Minnesota. Services include job placement, resume assistance, English language instruction, and vocational training programs. Dads new to the U.S. can access bilingual staff support and employer connections. Contact Lifetrack to find out about program availability, language services offered, and eligibility criteria.

651-227-8471 · 709 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Avivo – Career Programs — Free

Avivo in Minneapolis provides job training, career counseling, and employment placement services for adults overcoming barriers to work including mental health challenges, substance use history, and housing instability. Programs include vocational training, resume help, job coaching, and employer partnerships. Dads in recovery or facing complex challenges can access wraparound support. Contact Avivo to discuss eligibility and learn about current training program openings and enrollment timelines.

612-752-8000 · 1900 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Resource Inc. — Free

Resource Inc. in Minnesota provides employment services and job training specifically for adults facing significant barriers to employment, including people with disabilities, those with criminal backgrounds, and long-term unemployed individuals. Services include skills assessments, job coaching, employer outreach, and on-the-job training placements. Dads looking to re-enter the workforce can receive personalized support. Contact Resource Inc. to learn about program eligibility and available training tracks.

612-752-8000 · 167 Western Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Rochester Workforce Center — Free

Rochester Workforce Center is a CareerForce location serving southeastern Minnesota with free job search assistance, resume help, career counseling, labor market information, and connections to training programs. Dads can access computers, printers, job boards, and meet with career counselors. Unemployment insurance questions can also be addressed in person. Walk-ins welcome during business hours; no appointment required for most services at this publicly funded employment resource center.

507-292-5152 · 1016 Civic Center Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Hmong American Partnership – Employment — Free

Hmong American Partnership (HAP) provides job training, career coaching, and employment placement services tailored for Hmong and other immigrant communities in Minnesota. Programs include vocational training, English language support, resume assistance, and connections to employers hiring in the area. Dads from immigrant backgrounds can access culturally responsive staff and bilingual services. Contact HAP to learn about eligibility requirements, available training tracks, and how to enroll.

651-495-9160 · 1075 Arcade St, St. Paul, MN 55106 · Mon-Fri 8am-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.