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 Dakota

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 Dakota

South Dakota circuit courts hear family matters in each of its seven judicial circuits. The Division of Child Support operates under DSS. Sioux Falls and Rapid City are the largest cities. Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services provide civil legal aid statewide (with special mandates serving tribal communities).

10 Resources

1. South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation — Free

State employment services including job search assistance, unemployment insurance, and workforce programs administered from Pierre. Staff help fathers apply for benefits, find job openings, and connect with training. Bring photo ID, Social Security number, and recent work history when applying for unemployment. Local career centers across the state offer computer access, resume help, and job fairs weekdays.

(605) 773-3101 · 700 Governors Dr, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. SDWORKS Job Bank — Free

Online job board connecting South Dakota job seekers with employers statewide, operated by the Department of Labor and Regulation. Fathers can create a profile, upload a resume, and apply to openings around the clock. The platform also advertises internships, apprenticeships, and veteran-priority positions. Have an updated resume, contact information, and a list of job preferences ready before creating an account to save time.

(605) 773-3101 · Online platform · 24/7 online

3. Goodwill of the Great Plains — Career Services — Free

Job training, career counseling, and employment placement services offered by Goodwill at the 41st Street location in Sioux Falls. Programs support people with disabilities, returning citizens, and workers seeking new skills. Fathers can call or walk in to learn about workshops, computer labs, and one-on-one coaching. Bring photo ID, resume draft, and work history to appointments. Services are free for qualifying participants.

(605) 336-8894 · 3101 W 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Lutheran Social Services — Employment Program — Free

Job readiness training and employment assistance for underserved community members provided by Lutheran Social Services at the 41st Street office in Sioux Falls. Programs help fathers, refugees, and people in transition prepare for the workforce through coaching, skills training, and placement. Bring photo ID, resume if available, and any past work history to intake. Services are often free and confidential for qualifying clients.

(605) 221-2100 · 705 E 41st St Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. SD Small Business Development Center — Free

Free business counseling and training for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners across South Dakota, headquartered in Vermillion. Advisors help with business plans, financing, and marketing. Fathers exploring self-employment can schedule a confidential session. Bring business ideas, draft plans, and any financials to meetings. Appointments are available weekdays in person, by phone, or by video during business hours.

(605) 677-5287 · 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. SD Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act — Free

Federally funded WIOA job training and career services for adults, dislocated workers, and young adults in South Dakota administered through the Department of Labor and Regulation. Eligible fathers can access paid training, credentials, and supportive services. Apply at local career centers. Bring photo ID, Social Security number, work history, and income documentation to intake to determine eligibility and develop a training plan.

(605) 773-3101 · Statewide through career centers · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Sioux Falls Development Foundation — Jobs — Free

Economic development organization connecting job seekers with Sioux Falls area employers through recruitment events and workforce partnerships. The Phillips Avenue office promotes the region to new businesses and supports existing employers. Fathers relocating to Sioux Falls can use the site to learn about employer hiring, training pipelines, and community programs. Staff can also refer job seekers to partner workforce providers.

(605) 339-0103 · 200 N Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. SD Department of Corrections — Reentry Jobs — Free

Employment assistance for individuals reintegrating after incarceration in South Dakota, coordinated through the Department of Corrections in Pierre. Reentry programs connect returning fathers with jobs, training, housing, and mentorship. Bring photo ID, release paperwork, and any work or training records to appointments. Staff can help obtain vital documents and connect participants with community partners for continued support after release.

(605) 773-3478 · 3200 E Hwy 34, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. SD Urban Indian Health — Job Placement — Free

Employment services for Native American job seekers in urban South Dakota areas through SD Urban Indian Health in Sioux Falls. Services include career counseling, training referrals, and placement support alongside health services at the Minnesota Avenue campus. Fathers who are enrolled or descendants of federally recognized tribes can call or visit to apply. Bring tribal documentation and work history when meeting with staff.

(605) 336-0860 · 2601 S Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Black Hills Works — Employment Services — Free

Employment training and job placement for individuals with disabilities in western South Dakota delivered by Black Hills Works in Rapid City. Services include vocational assessments, supported employment, and community-based instruction. Fathers who are caregivers or job seekers with disabilities can call the Range Road office to discuss eligibility. Bring photo ID, any prior evaluations, and documentation of disability to intake.

(605) 716-4000 · 3650 Range Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702 · 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.