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 North Carolina

12 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 North Carolina

North Carolina district courts handle family matters in all 100 counties, with some counties having dedicated family court sessions. The Child Support Services Section operates under DHHS. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem are the largest metros. Legal Aid of North Carolina is the primary LSC-funded statewide civil legal aid program.

12 Resources

1. NCWorks Career Center - Durham — Free

Free workforce services for Durham County residents including job search assistance, computer access, resume help, career workshops, veteran services, and youth employment programs. Job seekers can use computers, printers, and internet access on-site. Workshop topics include resume writing, interview skills, and career planning. Call 919-560-6880 for hours and services. Located at 1105 S Briggs Ave, Durham. Open Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm and Fri 8:30am-1pm. No appointment needed for most services.

919-560-6880 · 1105 S Briggs Ave, Durham, NC 27703 · Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm; Fri 8:30am-1pm · Visit Website

2. Goodwill Industries of Central NC — Free

Job training, career counseling, digital literacy classes, and employment placement services for the Greensboro and Triad region. Goodwill accepts donations of clothing, furniture, and electronics to fund career services. Fathers can access job coaching, resume help, and computer skills training at no cost. Call 336-275-9801 for service information. Located at 1235 S Eugene St, Greensboro. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Walk-in job services available at most locations during regular hours.

336-275-9801 · 1235 S Eugene St, Greensboro, NC 27406 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Urban League of Central Carolinas — Free

Workforce development, job placement, career coaching, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship programs for Charlotte-area residents through the Urban League of Central Carolinas. Fathers can access resume workshops, interview prep, job fairs, and financial education. Call 704-373-2256 for program information. Located at 740 W 5th St, Charlotte. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Programs are free for eligible residents. The Urban League also connects participants to employer partners across the Charlotte metro area.

704-373-2256 · 740 W 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. SCORE Raleigh Chapter — Free

Free confidential business mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs in the Raleigh area with workshops on starting a business, writing business plans, marketing strategies, and financial management. Fathers with business ideas or existing small businesses can get one-on-one guidance at no cost. Call 919-869-4151 to schedule. Located at 300 Fayetteville St, Suite 306, Raleigh. Available by appointment Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Mentors are retired or semi-retired executives volunteering their expertise.

919-869-4151 · 300 Fayetteville St, Suite 306, Raleigh, NC 27602 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (by appointment) · Visit Website

5. SBA North Carolina District Office — Free

Federal small business support office providing loan guidance, government contracting assistance, disaster recovery loans, and connections to local business development resources across North Carolina. Fathers starting or growing a business can get free one-on-one counseling on financing and licensing. Call 704-344-6563 for appointments. Located at 6302 Fairview Rd, Suite 300, Charlotte. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm. All counseling services are free. Spanish-language services available.

704-344-6563 · 6302 Fairview Rd, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28210 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. NC Division of Employment Security — Free

Manages unemployment insurance benefits, reemployment assistance, and labor market information for North Carolina workers. Fathers who lose their jobs can apply online for weekly unemployment benefits. Staff also provide job search assistance, resume help, and connections to training programs. Call 1-888-737-0259 for claim support. Located at 700 Wade Ave, Raleigh. Online applications available 24/7 at des.nc.gov. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for phone inquiries and in-person visits.

1-888-737-0259 · 700 Wade Ave, Raleigh, NC 27605 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. NCWorks Career Center - Greensboro — Free

Free career services for the Triad region including job search assistance, resume writing, interview preparation, career workshops, and access to training scholarships for eligible job seekers. Computer and internet access available on-site. Fathers can use these services without a prior appointment for basic job search tools. Call 336-297-9300 for services. Located at 2301 W Meadowview Rd, Suite 200, Greensboro. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Walk-ins welcome during business hours.

336-297-9300 · 2301 W Meadowview Rd, Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27407 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC — Free

Job training, career counseling, employment placement, digital skills classes, and workforce development for the Winston-Salem and northwest NC area. Goodwill accepts donated goods to fund free career programs. Fathers can access resume coaching, job placement help, and computer literacy training at no cost. Call 336-724-3621 for service information. Located at 2701 University Pkwy, Winston-Salem. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Walk-in job services available at most locations during regular hours.

336-724-3621 · 2701 University Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Charlotte Works — Free

Local workforce development board connecting Charlotte-Mecklenburg job seekers to employment opportunities, career training funding, and economic advancement resources. Charlotte Works manages NCWorks Career Centers in the area and administers training scholarships for in-demand occupations. Call 704-940-7200 for services. Located at 1401 W Morehead St, Suite 100, Charlotte. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers seeking reemployment or career changes can access free counseling and training support.

704-940-7200 · 1401 W Morehead St, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28208 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Capital Area Workforce Development Board - Raleigh — Free

Regional workforce board providing job training funds, career services coordination, and employer connections for Wake, Johnston, and surrounding counties. Manages NCWorks Career Centers in Raleigh and administers training scholarships for high-demand fields. Fathers can access funded training programs in healthcare, IT, and trades. Call 919-981-4840 for eligibility information. Located at 410 S Salisbury St, Suite 400, Raleigh. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Free training scholarships available for qualifying residents.

919-981-4840 · 410 S Salisbury St, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. SCORE Charlotte Chapter — Free

Free business mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs in the Charlotte area with workshops on starting a business, financial planning, marketing strategies, and building a business plan. Fathers with business ideas or existing small businesses can schedule free one-on-one mentoring sessions. Call 704-344-6576 to schedule. Located at 6302 Fairview Rd, Suite 300, Charlotte. Available by appointment Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. SCORE mentors are retired or semi-retired executives volunteering their expertise at no cost.

704-344-6576 · 6302 Fairview Rd, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28210 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (by appointment) · Visit Website

12. NC REAL Entrepreneurship Program — Paid

Statewide entrepreneurship training program teaching business startup skills through community colleges, high schools, and community organizations across NC. REAL Entrepreneurship courses cover business planning, finance, marketing, and operations. Fathers interested in starting a small business can access training at their local community college. Call 919-715-0520 for course locations. Available statewide through NC community colleges. Hours vary by location. Fees may apply at some sites but many programs are free.

919-715-0520 · Statewide (through NC community colleges) · Varies by location · 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.