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 New Jersey

15 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 New Jersey

New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC-funded programs covering all 21 counties.

15 Resources

1. NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development — Free

State agency overseeing employment services, workforce training, unemployment insurance, and career development programs across New Jersey. Located at 1 John Fitch Plaza in Trenton. Call 609-292-6800 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Operates the statewide network of One-Stop career centers, manages workforce training grants, and administers UI benefits. NJ residents can access job search tools, resume help, skills training, and employer connections through the department's partner network statewide.

609-292-6800 · 1 John Fitch Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08625 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Newark One-Stop Career Center — Free

Full-service career center offering job search assistance, resume workshops, skills assessments, workforce training referrals, and employer recruitment events for Newark-area residents. Located at 990 Mayor Kenneth A Gibson Blvd in Newark. Call 973-733-8500 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Free services for all Newark residents. Computer access available on site. Connects clients to training grants, apprenticeships, and NJ unemployment insurance. Veterans and individuals with disabilities receive priority services.

973-733-8500 · 990 Mayor Kenneth A Gibson Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Jersey City One-Stop Career Center — Free

Jersey City One-Stop Career Center serves Hudson County residents with employment counseling, job placement assistance, computer access for job searches, resume workshops, and workforce training referrals. Located at 438 Summit Ave in Jersey City. Call 201-217-7008 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Free services for all Hudson County job seekers. Veterans and individuals with disabilities receive priority services. Connects clients to training programs, apprenticeships, and NJ unemployment insurance resources.

201-217-7008 · 438 Summit Ave, 1st Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07306 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Camden County One-Stop Career Center — Free

Camden County One-Stop Career Center serves job seekers of all backgrounds with employment counseling, resume workshops, job placement, and workforce training referrals. Located in Cherry Hill at 101 Woodcrest Rd. Call 856-549-0600 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Free services for youth, adults, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Computer access available on site for job applications. Connects residents with training grants, apprenticeships, and NJ unemployment insurance assistance.

856-549-0600 · 101 Woodcrest Rd, Suite 127, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. NJ Unemployment Insurance — Free

NJ Unemployment Insurance allows eligible workers who lost their job through no fault of their own to receive weekly benefit payments. File online at myunemployment.nj.gov or call 856-507-2340 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Certify weekly benefits online. Benefits are based on prior earnings and typically last up to 26 weeks. Have your SSN, employment history for the past 18 months, and reason for separation from each employer ready when filing your initial claim.

856-507-2340 · 1 John Fitch Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08625 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm; online 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ & Philadelphia — Free

Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ and Philadelphia provides job training, career counseling, employment placement, and skills development for individuals facing employment barriers including justice involvement, disabilities, and long-term unemployment. Located in Maple Shade. Call 856-439-0200 Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. Free services include job readiness workshops, occupational skills training, and supported employment. Retail and commercial services division provides local employment opportunities as well.

856-439-0200 · 2835 Route 73 South, Maple Shade, NJ 08052 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Goodwill Industries of Greater NY & Northern NJ — Free

Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ serves northern NJ residents with workforce development, job training, career services, and supported employment for individuals with employment barriers. Call 718-728-5400 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Free programs include digital literacy, job readiness workshops, and career coaching. Specializes in serving individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and others facing barriers to employment. Retail stores also provide NJ employment opportunities statewide.

718-728-5400 · Serves northern NJ · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Newark Workforce Development Board — Free

Newark Local Workforce Development Board coordinates employment and training programs throughout Newark, connecting job seekers with career pathways, registered apprenticeships, and employer partnerships. Located at 990 Mayor Kenneth A Gibson Blvd. Call 973-733-8500 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Oversees WIOA-funded workforce services delivered through Newark One-Stop centers. Partners with employers to align training programs with actual job openings in the Newark metropolitan labor market.

973-733-8500 · 990 Mayor Kenneth A Gibson Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. SBA NJ District Office — Free

SBA NJ District Office provides free business counseling, SBA loan programs, and development resources for NJ entrepreneurs and small business owners. Located at 2 Gateway Center in Newark. Call 973-645-2434 Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. Services include free workshops, small business loans, government contracting assistance, and connections to SCORE mentors and Small Business Development Centers. Resources available for startups, established businesses, and entrepreneurs from underserved communities.

973-645-2434 · 2 Gateway Center, Suite 1501, Newark, NJ 07102 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. SCORE NJ – Free Business Mentoring — Free

SCORE NJ provides free mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and business executives through chapters across New Jersey. Call 800-634-0245 or visit score.org to find your nearest NJ chapter and schedule a free consultation. Services include one-on-one mentoring, business plan reviews, and financial guidance. Mentors are volunteer retired executives and working business professionals. Workshops and webinars available on topics including marketing, financing, and business startup. Free for all NJ entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.

800-634-0245 · Multiple NJ chapters · By appointment · Visit Website

11. Year Up – NJ/NYC Metro — Free

Year Up is a free one-year career program for young adults ages 18 to 29 in the NJ and NYC metro area combining technical skills training with a six-month corporate internship. Call 857-284-6200 for admissions information. Programs in IT, financial operations, project management, and customer success. Participants receive a professional stipend during training. Graduates earn industry credentials and gain direct entry to competitive careers. Designed for young adults who have not attended a four-year college.

857-284-6200 · NJ/NYC metro area · Full-time program · Visit Website

12. Federal Bonding Program – NJ — Free

The Federal Bonding Program provides free fidelity bonds to job seekers facing employment barriers including justice involvement, substance abuse history, poor credit, or dishonorable discharge. Available through NJ One-Stop Career Centers. Bonds cover the first six months of employment at no cost to the employer, making it easier for job seekers with barriers to get hired. Request a bond through your local NJ One-Stop Career Center during job placement services. Monday through Friday hours at participating centers.

Through NJ One-Stop Centers · Mon-Fri

13. Middlesex County One-Stop (New Brunswick) — Free

Middlesex County One-Stop Career Center in New Brunswick serves Central NJ residents with job search assistance, resume workshops, skills assessments, and training referrals. Located at 506 Jersey Ave. Call 732-937-6200 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Free services for all job seekers. Computer access available for job applications and online learning. Connects clients with NJ workforce training grants, apprenticeships, and connections to Middlesex County employers seeking qualified workers.

732-937-6200 · 506 Jersey Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

14. Passaic County One-Stop (Paterson) — Free

Passaic County One-Stop Career Center in Paterson provides free job search assistance, resume help, workforce training referrals, and employer recruitment events for Passaic County residents. Located at 200 Memorial Dr. Call 973-340-3400 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Free computer access for job applications and skill building. Connects job seekers with training grants, WIOA-funded programs, and employment opportunities with Passaic County area employers. Services available in English and Spanish.

973-340-3400 · 200 Memorial Dr, Paterson, NJ 07505 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. Urban League of Essex County – Employment — Free

Urban League of Essex County provides free career services and workforce development programs for Newark-area residents seeking employment or career advancement. Located at 508 Central Ave in Newark. Call 973-624-9535 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Services include job readiness coaching, resume assistance, job placement, and connections to employer partners. Programs prioritize residents from low-income communities and those facing employment barriers. Open to all Essex County residents regardless of background.

973-624-9535 · 508 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107 · Mon-Fri 9am-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.