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 Rhode Island

8 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 Rhode Island

Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

8 Resources

1. Goodwill Industries of Southern NE — Free

Job training, career development, and employment services at Goodwill's Houghton Street campus in Providence. Fathers can access free career coaching, skills assessments, digital literacy, and connections to employer partners across Rhode Island. Walk in during business hours or call to schedule. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, resume if available, and a list of work history and training when meeting with a career counselor.

401-861-2080 · 100 Houghton St, Providence, RI 02904 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. RI Vocational Rehabilitation — Free

Employment services for Rhode Island residents with disabilities through the state Office of Rehabilitation Services on Fountain Street in Providence. Counselors help fathers with disabilities pursue training, job placement, assistive technology, and supported employment. Call to request intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, medical documentation of your disability, and any prior education or work records to your eligibility appointment.

401-421-7005 · 40 Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Urban League of RI – Employment — Free

Career development, job placement, and workforce training for Rhode Island residents at the Urban League of Rhode Island's Broad Street office in Providence. Programs support fathers, youth, and adults facing barriers to employment with resume help, interview prep, and sector training. Call for intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of residency, and a list of prior work and training when meeting with a career counselor.

401-351-5000 · 30 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Dorcas International – Employment — Free

Job training and employment services for refugees, immigrants, and other eligible Rhode Island residents at Dorcas International on Elmwood Avenue in Providence. Programs include English language support, resume help, interview prep, and connections to employer partners for fathers and families. Call during business hours to schedule intake. Bring photo ID, work authorization documents, Social Security card, and any prior education or training records.

401-784-8600 · 645 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

5. Year Up – RI Employment — Free

Free one-year job training and internship placement program for young adults ages 18-29 in Rhode Island, based on Kilvert Street in Warwick. Fathers in that age range can develop skills in IT, finance, and customer service while earning a stipend and college credit. Call or apply online to start. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, high school diploma or equivalent, and proof of income when attending info sessions.

401-273-9771 · 475 Kilvert St, Warwick, RI 02886 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Amos House – Job Training — Free

Culinary arts training and job readiness programs at Amos House on Friendship Street in Providence, serving Rhode Island residents rebuilding after homelessness, incarceration, or addiction. Fathers completing the programs earn skills and connections for food-service careers alongside meals, case management, and housing support. Call to start intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any current court, housing, or recovery paperwork.

401-272-0220 · 415 Friendship St, Providence, RI 02907 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

7. Building Futures RI — Free

Pre-apprenticeship construction training for Rhode Island adults from underserved communities, based at the Blackstone Valley Place campus in Lincoln. Fathers can earn OSHA credentials and prepare for union apprenticeships in the building trades while receiving support services. Call during business hours to learn about upcoming cohorts and attend info sessions. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior construction or training records.

401-919-2741 · 30 Blackstone Valley Pl, Lincoln, RI 02865 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

8. RI Small Business Development Center — Free

Free business counseling, training, and entrepreneurship support for Rhode Island residents through the RI Small Business Development Center based at URI in Kingston. Fathers exploring self-employment can meet with advisors on business plans, financing, licensing, and marketing. Call or register online for workshops and one-on-one appointments. Bring photo ID, a draft business idea or plan, and any financial records you have to advising sessions.

401-874-7232 · Kingston, RI 02881 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · 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.