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 Dakota
North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.
3 Resources
1. Goodwill Industries of the Great Plains — ND — Free
Job training, resume help, digital-skills classes, and employment placement services for job seekers across North Dakota including fathers returning from incarceration or long gaps in the workforce. The S University Drive office in Fargo is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 232-5614 to schedule a career-services appointment. Services are free. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and a draft resume or list of prior jobs if you have one.
(701) 232-5614 · 3215 S University Dr, Fargo, ND 58104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
2. ND Small Business Development Center — Free
Free one-on-one business counseling, training workshops, and market research for aspiring and current small-business owners across North Dakota including fathers starting side ventures. The Grand Forks office on Centennial Drive is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 777-3700 to book an advisor. Services are free and confidential. Bring photo ID, a draft business idea, and any existing financials or business plan when you attend your first meeting.
(701) 777-3700 · 264 Centennial Dr, Grand Forks, ND 58202 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
3. ND Reintegration Program — Ex-Offender Employment — Free
Employment services and transitional support for North Dakota residents returning from incarceration, including case management, job placement, and training referrals useful for fathers reconnecting with their children. Coordinated through Job Service ND Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (701) 328-2868. Visit jobsnd.com for locations. Services are free. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, release paperwork, and any prior work history when enrolling.
(701) 328-2868 · Statewide program · 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.