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.
More Job & Career in New Jersey
- NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development — State agency overseeing employment services, workforce training, unemployment insurance, and career development programs across New Jersey.
- Newark One-Stop Career Center — Full-service career center offering job search assistance, resume workshops, skills assessments, workforce training referrals, and employer
- Jersey City One-Stop Career Center — Jersey City One-Stop Career Center serves Hudson County residents with employment counseling, job placement assistance, computer access for
- Camden County One-Stop Career Center — Camden County One-Stop Career Center serves job seekers of all backgrounds with employment counseling, resume workshops, job placement, and
- Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ & Philadelphia — Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ and Philadelphia provides job training, career counseling, employment placement, and skills development f
- Goodwill Industries of Greater NY & Northern NJ — Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ serves northern NJ residents with workforce development, job training, career services, an
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.