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 Oregon

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 Oregon

Oregon circuit courts handle family law in each of its 27 judicial districts. The Division of Child Support operates under the Department of Justice. Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, and Hillsboro are the largest metros. Legal Aid Services of Oregon is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid organization statewide.

12 Resources

1. WorkSource Oregon — Free

State-run WorkSource Oregon centers across the state provide free job search assistance, resume help, interview coaching, and referrals to training programs. Call 877-517-5627 during weekday business hours or visit worksourceoregon.org to find the nearest center. Services are free. Bring a photo ID and current resume if you have one; staff can help you build one on-site. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments are encouraged.

877-517-5627 · 875 Union St NE, Salem, OR 97311 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Oregon Employment Department — Free

Oregon Employment Department administers unemployment insurance benefits, maintains a statewide job listings database, and connects Oregonians with workforce development resources. Call 877-345-3484 during weekday business hours or visit oregon.gov/employ to file a claim or search for jobs. Services are free. Applicants for unemployment benefits need their Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and bank information for direct deposit.

877-345-3484 · 875 Union St NE, Salem, OR 97311 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette — Free

Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette provides free job training, career development workshops, resume help, and employment placement services across the Portland metro area. Call 503-238-6100 during weekday business hours or visit goodwillnw.org for program details and locations. Services are free for job seekers. Bring a photo ID to your first visit; staff can assist with job applications, interview preparation, and connecting to local employers actively hiring.

503-238-6100 · 1943 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

4. Central City Concern – Employment Services — Free

Central City Concern provides integrated job training and employment placement services in Portland specifically for people in recovery from homelessness, addiction, or both. Call 503-294-1681 during weekday business hours or visit centralcityconcern.org for program details. Services are free for eligible participants. Bring photo ID to your first visit; staff assess readiness, connect clients with vocational training, and work with partner employers who support individuals in recovery.

503-294-1681 · 232 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services — Free

Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services provides individualized employment support, job training, and career counseling for Oregonians with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. Call 877-277-0513 during weekday business hours or visit oregon.gov/dhs/employment/vr to apply. Services are free for eligible individuals. Bring photo ID, documentation of your disability, and any existing medical or treatment records to your intake appointment to help staff develop your employment plan.

877-277-0513 · 500 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Lane Workforce Partnership – Eugene — Free

Lane Workforce Partnership provides free workforce services, job training referrals, and career coaching for job seekers and workers in the Eugene-Springfield area and broader Lane County. Call 541-686-7201 during weekday business hours or visit laneworkforce.org to find a WorkSource location. Services are free. Bring a photo ID and any prior work history or resume to your first visit; staff can assist with job applications, training referrals, and employment barriers.

541-686-7201 · 1401 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. SCORE Oregon – Small Business Mentoring — Free

SCORE Oregon provides free confidential business mentoring, workshops, and online resources for current and aspiring entrepreneurs in the Portland area and statewide. Call 503-326-3441 during weekday business hours or visit score.org to request a mentor or register for a workshop. Mentoring is always free. Bring a business plan or outline of your idea to your first session; mentors help with financial planning, marketing, operations, and finding local business resources.

503-326-3441 · 601 SW 2nd Ave #950, Portland, OR 97204 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Oregon SBDC – Small Business Development — Free

Oregon Small Business Development Center Network provides free one-on-one business consulting and low-cost training through community colleges across the state. Call 541-463-5250 during weekday business hours or visit oregonsbdc.org to find the nearest center. Consulting is free; some workshops have modest fees. Bring financial statements, business plan, or a list of questions to your first session; advisors help with marketing, financing, operations, and growth strategies.

541-463-5250 · 99 W 10th Ave #390, Eugene, OR 97401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Oregon Tradeswomen – Portland — Free

Oregon Tradeswomen in Portland offers pre-apprenticeship training, career support, and networking for women and other non-traditional workers seeking careers in the construction trades and skilled industries. Call 503-335-8200 during weekday business hours or visit oregontradeswomen.org for program schedules. Training is free for eligible participants. Bring photo ID and work history to your intake; programs include hands-on skills training, safety certifications, and apprenticeship application guidance.

503-335-8200 · 3934 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97212 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Janus Youth Programs – Employment — Free

Janus Youth Programs in Portland provides job training, employment readiness, and career development services for at-risk youth and adults, including those experiencing homelessness or justice system involvement. Call 503-233-6090 during weekday business hours or visit janusyouth.org for program details. Services are free for eligible participants. Bring photo ID to your intake appointment; staff assess needs and connect individuals to skills training, job placement, and wraparound support services.

503-233-6090 · 707 NE Couch St, Portland, OR 97232 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Rogue Workforce Partnership – Medford — Free

Rogue Workforce Partnership provides free workforce development services, job training referrals, and career coaching for job seekers and employers across southern Oregon's Jackson and Josephine Counties. Call 541-842-2517 during weekday business hours or visit rogueworkforce.org to find the nearest WorkSource location. Services are free. Bring a photo ID and current resume if available; staff assist with job searches, training referrals, and overcoming employment barriers.

541-842-2517 · 100 E Main St #200, Medford, OR 97501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Clackamas Workforce Partnership — Free

Clackamas Workforce Partnership provides free job training referrals, career coaching, and employment services for residents of Clackamas County through the local WorkSource Oregon center in Oregon City. Call 503-657-0188 during weekday business hours or visit clackamasworkforce.org for services and schedules. Services are free. Bring photo ID and a current resume to your first visit; staff help with job searches, resume writing, interview prep, and training program referrals.

503-657-0188 · 365 Warner Milne Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045 · 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.