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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Memphis Area Legal Services, and West Tennessee Legal Services cover the state.

15 Resources

1. Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development — Free

State agency administering unemployment insurance, job placement services through American Job Centers, WIOA workforce training scholarships, and labor market information for Tennessee residents and employers. Residents filing for unemployment should register at Jobs4TN.gov and certify weekly to receive benefits. Job seekers can walk into any American Job Center for free career counseling. Bring photo ID and Social Security card to any workforce center visit.

844-224-5818 · 220 French Landing Dr, Nashville, TN 37243 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Jobs4TN.gov — Free

Tennessee's official job board and career management portal connecting job seekers with employers, training programs, and unemployment insurance services statewide. Users can create a free profile, upload a resume, search thousands of Tennessee job listings, track applications, access career assessments, and file or manage unemployment claims. Create an account with your Social Security number and contact information to unlock all features. The portal is accessible 24/7 from any device.

844-224-5818 · Online resource · Online 24/7

3. American Job Center - Nashville/Davidson County — Free

Career center serving Nashville and Davidson County with free job search assistance, resume writing workshops, interview preparation, occupational skills training, and direct employer connections and hiring events. Serves adults and dislocated workers. Walk-ins welcome during business hours; bringing photo ID, Social Security card, and an updated resume or work history helps staff deliver targeted support. WIOA training scholarships may be available for qualifying residents.

615-862-8890 · 1321 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. American Job Center - Memphis/Shelby County — Free

Career center serving Memphis and Shelby County with free employment services including job search tools, resume assistance, career counseling, occupational skills training referrals, and hiring events. Walk-ins welcome during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and an updated resume or work history to your first visit. WIOA training scholarships may be available for qualifying adults seeking new careers or credentials.

901-636-7171 · 5765 Shelby Oaks Dr, Suite 110, Memphis, TN 38134 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. American Job Center - Knoxville/Knox County — Free

Career center serving Knoxville and Knox County with free job search tools, resume workshops, career counseling, occupational training referrals, and employer connections for East Tennessee residents. Walk-ins welcome during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and an updated resume or work history to your first visit. WIOA training scholarships may be available for qualifying adults seeking new careers or vocational credentials.

865-594-5500 · 2700 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37921 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

6. Tennessee Unemployment Insurance — Free

File and manage unemployment insurance claims online at Jobs4TN.gov or by calling the Tennessee Department of Labor. Eligible claimants must certify weekly, actively search for work, and report any earnings. Benefits are based on recent wage history and last up to 26 weeks. Have your Social Security number, work history for the past 18 months, and separation reason ready when filing. Reemployment services are also available through the American Job Center network.

844-224-5818 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

7. Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee — Free

Workforce development organization offering free job training, career coaching, computer and digital literacy skills, resume assistance, and employment placement services across the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area. Serves adults with barriers to employment including those with criminal records, disabilities, or gaps in employment. Walk in or call to schedule an appointment; bring photo ID and Social Security card to your first career coaching session.

615-742-4151 · 937 Herman St, Nashville, TN 37208 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. American Job Center - Chattanooga/Hamilton County — Free

Career center serving Chattanooga and Hamilton County with free employment services including job search assistance, resume workshops, career counseling, occupational training referrals, and hiring event connections. Walk-ins welcome during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, and an updated resume or work history to your first visit. WIOA training scholarships may be available for qualifying adults seeking new careers or vocational credentials.

423-894-5354 · 4813 Hixson Pike, Suite B, Hixson, TN 37343 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

9. American Job Center - Clarksville/Montgomery County — Free

Career center serving Clarksville, Montgomery County, and the Fort Campbell military community with free employment services including job search assistance, resume workshops, military transition support, occupational training referrals, and employer connections. Walk-ins welcome during business hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, DD-214 if applicable, and an updated resume to your first visit. WIOA training scholarships may be available for qualifying residents.

931-648-5450 · 523 Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37040 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Tennessee Small Business Development Center — Free

Free one-on-one business advising and training workshops for Tennessee entrepreneurs and small business owners through a statewide network of centers hosted at universities and colleges. Services include business plan development, market research, financial projections, loan preparation, and marketing strategy. No income requirements to receive counseling. Bring a business idea or existing business information to your first advising session; appointments are preferred.

615-963-7179 · Centers statewide at universities · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. SBA Tennessee District Office — Free

U.S. Small Business Administration district office serving Tennessee entrepreneurs with access to SBA-guaranteed loan programs, free counseling through SCORE and SBDC partners, government contracting certifications, and disaster recovery assistance. Serves startups and established businesses statewide. Visit the Nashville office or connect with a counseling partner for guidance on business plans, loan applications, licensing, and federal contracting opportunities.

615-736-5881 · 150 4th Ave N, Suite 950, Nashville, TN 37219 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Goodwill Industries of Greater Chattanooga — Free

Workforce development organization providing free job training, career coaching, digital skills instruction, resume assistance, and employment placement services in the Chattanooga area. Serves adults with barriers to employment including those with criminal records, disabilities, or gaps in employment. Walk in or call to schedule an appointment at one of the Chattanooga-area locations; bring photo ID and Social Security card to your first career session.

423-629-2502 · Multiple Chattanooga locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

13. Memphis Goodwill Industries - Career Solutions — Free

Job readiness training, career coaching, resume assistance, digital skills instruction, and employment placement services for Memphis-area residents seeking jobs. Serves adults with employment barriers including criminal backgrounds, disabilities, or limited work history. Walk in or call to schedule an appointment; bring photo ID and Social Security card to your first career coaching session. Multiple Shelby County locations are available to serve West Tennessee residents.

901-323-6221 · 4700 Spottswood Ave, Memphis, TN 38117 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Tennessee Rehabilitation Center — Free

State vocational rehabilitation program helping Tennesseans with physical, cognitive, or mental health disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain competitive employment through individualized assessment, skills training, job placement, and assistive technology. Services are provided at no cost to eligible individuals. Contact the nearest VR office to apply; bring photo ID, Social Security card, and documentation of your disability such as medical records or prior evaluations.

615-313-4714 · 400 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37243 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. Urban League of Middle Tennessee - Workforce — Free

Nashville nonprofit providing career readiness training, resume assistance, job placement, financial literacy education, and workforce development programs for underserved communities in Middle Tennessee. Serves adults seeking stable employment and career advancement. Walk in or call to schedule a workforce services appointment; bring photo ID, Social Security card, and an updated resume or employment history to your first session.

615-254-0525 · 1219 9th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

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.