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 Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas handle family matters in each of its 60 judicial districts. The Pennsylvania Child Support Program operates through county domestic relations sections. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading are the major metros. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh), and MidPenn Legal Services cover most of the state.

15 Resources

1. Philadelphia Works — Free

Philadelphia's workforce development board connecting job seekers to career training, employment opportunities, paid apprenticeships, and specialized programs for young adults and disconnected workers. Philadelphia Works funds training programs through PA CareerLink Philadelphia sites. Fathers seeking employment or funded job training in Philadelphia can visit a Philadelphia PA CareerLink location or call Philadelphia Works to get connected to appropriate services.

215-963-2100 · 1617 John F Kennedy Blvd, 13th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Partner4Work (Pittsburgh Workforce Board) — Free

Workforce development organization for the Pittsburgh region connecting job seekers, employers, and training providers through career readiness programs and WIOA-funded services. Partner4Work oversees PA CareerLink Pittsburgh sites and funds training for income-eligible job seekers. Fathers in the Pittsburgh area seeking employment, job training, or career support can visit a local PA CareerLink or contact Partner4Work for referrals.

412-552-7090 · 650 Smithfield St, Suite 2400, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Philadelphia OIC — Free

Nonprofit providing tuition-free job training and career development in Philadelphia including professional certifications, GED and HiSET preparation, digital literacy, financial empowerment, and reentry support for returning citizens. Philadelphia OIC serves adults with barriers to employment. Fathers seeking free job training, certifications, or reentry support in Philadelphia can call or walk in to apply for programs.

215-236-7700 · 1231 N Broad St, 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19122 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania — Free

Comprehensive workforce development and job training in western Pennsylvania including career coaching, resume assistance, tech skills training, and TANF EARN employment programs for public assistance recipients. Goodwill SW PA serves job seekers with barriers to employment. Fathers seeking employment support, job training, or TANF EARN services in the Pittsburgh region can call or visit a Goodwill career services center.

412-632-1839 · 118 52nd St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) — Free

State agency helping Pennsylvanians with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment through vocational counseling, job training, college funding, and assistive technology. OVR is free for qualifying individuals with a documented physical, mental, or learning disability. Fathers with disabilities who need support entering or staying in the workforce can contact their nearest OVR district office to apply for services.

1-800-442-6351 · 651 Boas St, 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17121 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Year Up Philadelphia — Free

Free one-year intensive training program in Philadelphia for young adults ages 18-29 providing technical skills development in IT and financial operations, college credits, paid corporate internships, and comprehensive support services. Year Up also offers professional mentorship and job placement assistance. Young adult fathers in Philadelphia who are underemployed or looking for a career launch can apply at yearup.org.

215-670-9324 · 1400 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. PA CareerLink - Reentry Services — Free

Specialized workforce services for individuals reentering society from incarceration, providing job search assistance, skills assessment, resume help, and connections to employers willing to hire returning citizens. PA CareerLink reentry services are available at CareerLink locations statewide. Fathers reentering from prison can walk in to a CareerLink to access employment services and referrals to job training programs.

1-833-750-5627 · Multiple locations statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Goodwill Keystone Area (Central PA) — Free

Provides job training, career services, and employment programs in central Pennsylvania including Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, and surrounding counties. Goodwill Keystone Area serves job seekers with barriers to employment including returning citizens, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited work history. Fathers seeking employment support or free job training in central PA can call or visit a Goodwill career services location.

717-232-0291 · 1150 Goodwill Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17101 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Jewish Employment and Vocational Service (JEVS) - Philadelphia — Free

One of Philadelphia's largest workforce development organizations providing career counseling, job placement assistance, skills training, and supportive services for all Philadelphia job seekers. JEVS serves individuals of all backgrounds and specializes in helping people with barriers to employment. Fathers seeking employment, job training, or career transition support in Philadelphia can call JEVS Human Services to schedule an intake appointment.

215-854-1800 · 1845 Walnut St, Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19103 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Urban Affairs Coalition - Employment Programs (Philadelphia) — Free

Philadelphia workforce development organization connecting residents to job training, apprenticeships, and career pathways in growing industries including healthcare, construction, and technology. UAC manages multiple workforce initiatives and partners with employers to create job opportunities for Philadelphia residents. Fathers seeking employment or apprenticeship connections in Philadelphia can contact UAC for program referrals and job search support.

215-851-1700 · 1207 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

11. PA Department of Labor & Industry — Free

State agency overseeing workforce programs, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation claims, and labor law enforcement across Pennsylvania. Fathers who have lost their jobs can file for unemployment compensation online at uc.pa.gov. The agency also provides employer information, labor standards enforcement, and connects workers to PA CareerLink workforce services. Call 888-313-7284 for unemployment compensation assistance.

717-787-5279 · 651 Boas St, Harrisburg, PA 17121 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Dress for Success - Allentown — Free

Provides professional attire, career coaching, and workforce development programs for women reentering the workforce in the Lehigh Valley area. Dress for Success Allentown helps women build confidence and employability through free interview suits, professional clothing, job search workshops, and career development support. Fathers seeking to support a partner or family member's job search in the Lehigh Valley can refer them to this organization.

484-223-1289 · 31 S Commerce Way, Suite 375, Bethlehem, PA 18017 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm by appointment

13. Center for Workforce Information & Analysis (CWIA) — Free

Pennsylvania's labor market information center providing free career exploration tools, wage data, job outlook projections, and industry profiles to help with career planning and decisions. The CWIA website is a free public resource at workstats.dli.pa.gov. Fathers exploring career changes, researching earnings potential, or helping their children plan for education and careers can use CWIA's data tools to make informed decisions.

717-787-3265 · 651 Boas St, Room 220, Harrisburg, PA 17121 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; website 24/7 · Visit Website

14. Apprenticeship & Training Office - PA — Free

State office promoting registered apprenticeship programs across Pennsylvania in construction, healthcare, IT, and manufacturing trades with earn-while-you-learn opportunities. Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction leading to industry credentials. Fathers interested in entering a skilled trade through an apprenticeship can visit the PA Department of Labor website or their nearest PA CareerLink for current openings.

717-787-6997 · 651 Boas St, Harrisburg, PA 17121 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Pittsburgh Technology Council - Workforce Programs — Free

Connects job seekers to tech industry opportunities in the Pittsburgh region through career fairs, networking events, and workforce development partnerships with technology companies. The Pittsburgh Technology Council is the voice of the regional tech community. Fathers with tech backgrounds or interest in transitioning into the technology sector can visit pghtech.org to explore career events, job postings, and training resources.

412-687-8700 · 6022 Broad St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 · Mon-Fri 9am-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.