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 South Carolina

10 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 South Carolina

South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.

10 Resources

1. SC Department of Employment & Workforce — Free

Unemployment benefits, job listings, and workforce development programs for South Carolina workers and fathers seeking employment. DEW administers unemployment insurance, operates SC Works centers, and offers online job matching from the Gadsden Street headquarters. Call or visit online weekdays to file a claim or search jobs. Bring a photo ID, Social Security number, and employer information when filing for unemployment.

803-737-2400 · 1550 Gadsden St, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Goodwill Industries – SC — Free

Job training, placement, and career development services for South Carolina fathers and residents seeking work. Goodwill offers resume help, digital skills classes, and reentry support at centers including the Eagle Road hub in North Charleston. Call or visit weekdays to enroll. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior employment or training records to help staff match you to programs and openings.

803-799-3011 · 2150 Eagle Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Midlands Workforce Development — Free

Employment services, on-the-job training, and career counseling for Columbia-area fathers and job seekers. Staff offer skills assessments, training scholarships, and employer connections at the Taylor Street office. Call or visit weekdays to speak with a career advisor. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card, resume if available, and recent pay stubs so advisors can match you with appropriate programs and openings.

803-744-1670 · 700 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Upstate SC Alliance – Workforce — Free

Connects Upstate job seekers and fathers with employers across the 10-county region. The Alliance publishes industry reports, talent pipelines, and job leads from the Verdae Boulevard office in Greenville. Call or visit online weekdays to explore career paths and training. Job seekers can also use the Alliance's partners to find SC Works centers, Goodwill training, and technical college programs that fit their backgrounds.

864-283-2300 · 124 Verdae Blvd #202, Greenville, SC 29607 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Charleston Trident Urban League — Free

Job readiness, training, and employment services for Charleston-area fathers and underserved residents. The League offers resume help, digital skills classes, and reentry employment support at the Dorchester Road office. Call or walk in weekdays to begin intake. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior employment or training records. Services are free and focus on connecting clients to stable careers.

843-722-7337 · 4290 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. SC Vocational Rehabilitation — Free

Employment services and job training for South Carolina fathers and residents with disabilities. SCVRD counselors assess abilities, assist with training or education, and help with placement from the Boston Avenue headquarters and local offices statewide. Call or visit weekdays to request an intake. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card, medical records documenting your disability, and any prior school or employment records.

803-896-6500 · 1410 Boston Ave, West Columbia, SC 29170 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Apprenticeship Carolina — Free

Connects South Carolina job seekers, including fathers, with registered apprenticeship opportunities across skilled trades, healthcare, and manufacturing. Staff coordinate employer partnerships and apprentice recruitment from the Executive Center Drive office in Columbia. Call during weekday hours or visit online to find open apprenticeships. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card, and a resume when applying to partner employers.

803-896-5410 · 111 Executive Center Dr, Columbia, SC 29210 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

8. SC Works – Greenville Center — Free

Job search, career counseling, and training services at the main Greenville workforce center. SC Works provides resume help, computer access, WIOA training funding, and employer recruitment events at the University Ridge location. Call or walk in weekdays to begin intake. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card, resume if available, and recent pay stubs when registering so advisors can match you with openings.

864-467-3640 · 301 University Ridge #5300, Greenville, SC 29601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Goodwill Job Connection – Greenville — Free

Free career coaching, resume help, and job placement services for Greenville-area fathers and job seekers. Staff run computer labs, interview workshops, and employer recruiting events at the Haywood Road job center. Call or walk in weekdays to start working with a career coach. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior employment or training records so staff can build a strong job-search plan with you.

864-467-3288 · 115 Haywood Rd, Greenville, SC 29607 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Columbia Urban League — Free

Job readiness, workforce development, and career services for Columbia-area fathers and underserved residents. Staff offer training, resume help, and employer connections at the Barnwell Street office. Call or walk in weekdays to begin intake and career planning. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior employment or training records. Services are free and focus on long-term employment and family economic stability.

803-799-8150 · 1400 Barnwell St, Columbia, SC 29201 · 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.