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 Missouri

7 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 Missouri

Missouri circuit courts hear family matters through family court divisions in each of its 45 judicial circuits. The Family Support Division runs child support enforcement under DSS. Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia are the largest metros. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, and Mid-Missouri Legal Services cover the state.

7 Resources

1. Missouri Unemployment Insurance — Free

File and manage unemployment claims online through the state Department of Labor, including weekly benefit certification, claim status tracking, and reemployment services. Dads who recently lost jobs can apply online or by phone at the statewide hotline. Have a photo ID, Social Security number, recent pay stubs, and employer information ready when filing. The online system is available around the clock; phone support runs Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

800-320-2519 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Goodwill Industries of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas — Free

Workforce development organization offering job training, career coaching, and employment placement across the Kansas City region, funded in part through retail stores that recycle donated goods. Dads seeking work can walk into a career center or apply online for programs. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any resumes or work history to intake. The Noland Road office in Independence operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

816-842-7425 · 1401 S Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64055 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. MERS Goodwill (St. Louis) — Free

Workforce development organization offering job training, career services, digital skills, and employment placement across the St. Louis area through multiple career center locations. Dads seeking work can walk into a center or apply online. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any resumes or work history to intake. Services are typically free for participants. The Locust Street office operates Monday through Friday during business hours with additional neighborhood centers.

314-241-3464 · 1727 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Missouri WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) — Free

Federal workforce program providing Missouri residents with free job training, education assistance, and career services through local Missouri Job Centers in every region of the state. Dads can enroll in person at the nearest Job Center. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, resume or work history, and documentation of any military service to intake. Eligibility is based on employment status and income. Job Centers operate Monday through Friday during business hours.

Missouri Job Centers statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) — Free

St. Louis City's workforce development agency providing career counseling, job training, and employment services for city residents through the Market Street Job Center. Dads can walk in or schedule an appointment for help with resumes, job search, training programs, and youth services. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any resumes or work history to intake. Services are free for qualifying participants. The office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

314-589-8000 · 1520 Market St, Suite 3050, St. Louis, MO 63103 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Missouri Division of Employment Security — Free

State agency providing unemployment insurance, reemployment services, and labor market information for Missouri job seekers, based in Jefferson City with statewide reach through Job Centers. Dads filing for unemployment or looking for work can access services online or by calling the statewide line. Have photo ID, Social Security number, and work history ready when filing claims. Phone support runs Monday through Friday during business hours; online services are available around the clock.

800-320-2519 · 421 E Dunklin St, Jefferson City, MO 65101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Jewish Vocational Service (St. Louis) — Free

Career development organization offering job training, placement, skills assessment, and vocational rehabilitation services in St. Louis for job seekers of all backgrounds regardless of religion. Dads can apply by phone or through the website. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, resume or work history, and any vocational rehab paperwork to intake. Services are typically free for qualifying participants. The Sunnen Drive office operates Monday through Friday during business hours.

314-513-1520 · 4 Sunnen Dr, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63143 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

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.