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.
14 Resources
1. Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) — Free
State agency administering unemployment insurance, job training programs, and labor market information for Washington workers and employers. Dads who recently lost a job can apply for unemployment benefits online at esd.wa.gov or by phone. The agency also connects workers with WorkSource career centers for job search help and retraining opportunities. Call 800-318-6022 Mon and Wed-Fri 8am-4pm, Tue-Thu 8am-12pm. Have your work history, Social Security number, and employer info ready when applying.
800-318-6022 · 212 Maple Park Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501 · Mon/Wed/Fri 8am-4pm; Tue/Thu 8am-12pm · Visit Website
2. WorkSource Seattle-King County — Free
Free career center offering job search assistance, resume workshops, interview prep, skills training, and hiring events for Seattle-King County job seekers. Dads can walk in during business hours or call to schedule an appointment with a career advisor. Services include computer access, job listings, training referrals, and connections to employer hiring events. Bring a resume if you have one. Located at 2024 3rd Ave, 2nd Floor, Seattle. Open Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm. Call 206-436-8600.
206-436-8600 · 2024 3rd Ave, 2nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98121 · Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
3. WorkSource Pierce (Tacoma) — Free
Pierce County's one-stop career center providing free job search tools, skills assessments, training referrals, and employer connections for Tacoma-area job seekers. Dads can access computer terminals for job applications, meet with career advisors, and attend free resume and interview workshops. Located at 2121 S State St, Suite 300, Tacoma. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4:45pm. Call 253-593-7300 to schedule an appointment or get information on available training programs.
253-593-7300 · 2121 S State St, Suite 300, Tacoma, WA 98405 · Mon-Fri 9am-4:45pm · Visit Website
4. WorkSource Spokane — Free
Eastern Washington's primary career center offering free employment services including job listings, training referrals, career counseling, resume help, and veteran-specific support. Dads can walk in or schedule an appointment with a career advisor. Computer access available for job applications and skills assessments. Located at 130 S Arthur St, Spokane. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Call 509-532-3120. Veterans receive priority services and dedicated case management through the WorkSource Veterans Program.
509-532-3120 · 130 S Arthur St, Spokane, WA 99202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
5. WorkSource Vancouver (Clark County) — Free
Southwest Washington career center providing free job search assistance, career workshops, employment training, and business services to Clark County residents. Dads can access computer terminals, meet with career advisors, and attend job fairs. Located at 204 SE Stonemill Dr, Suite 215, Vancouver. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Call 360-735-5010 to schedule an appointment or ask about available training programs and local employer connections. No cost for job seeker services.
360-735-5010 · 204 SE Stonemill Dr, Suite 215, Vancouver, WA 98684 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
6. Evergreen Goodwill Job Training (Seattle) — Free
Free job training, GED preparation, digital literacy classes, and career placement helping community members across five Northwest Washington counties including King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, and San Juan. Dads can enroll in training programs for in-demand jobs, get career coaching, and receive job placement assistance. Located at 700 Dearborn Pl S, Seattle. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm. Call 206-329-1000 or visit evergreengoodwill.org to learn about current training offerings.
206-329-1000 · 700 Dearborn Pl S, Seattle, WA 98144 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website
7. Goodwill Milgard Work Opportunity Center (Tacoma) — Free
Free employment training center in Tacoma offering job readiness training, career coaching, computer skills classes, and direct connections to local employers. Dads can walk in or call to enroll in job readiness workshops, get help with resumes and interview preparation, and connect with hiring employers. Located at 714 S 27th St, Tacoma. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Call 253-573-6508 or visit goodwillwa.org for current class schedules and program enrollment information.
253-573-6508 · 714 S 27th St, Tacoma, WA 98409 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
8. Washington Unemployment Insurance — Free
State unemployment benefits program providing temporary financial assistance to eligible Washington workers who lost their job through no fault of their own. Dads can apply online at esd.wa.gov or by calling 800-318-6022. Have your work history for the past 18 months, Social Security number, and employer contact information ready. Weekly benefit amounts are based on prior wages. You must actively search for work and report earnings each week. Payments are issued via direct deposit or debit card.
800-318-6022 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone Mon/Wed/Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website
9. Seattle Jobs Initiative — Free
Nonprofit connecting low-income Seattle residents with living-wage careers through industry-specific training, education, and wraparound support services. Dads can enroll in sector-based training programs in fields like construction, healthcare, and technology. Support includes case management, childcare assistance referrals, and transportation help. Located at 1200 12th Ave S, Suite 160, Seattle. Call 206-628-6975 or visit seattlejobsinitiative.com to learn about current programs and eligibility. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
206-628-6975 · 1200 12th Ave S, Suite 160, Seattle, WA 98144 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
10. WorkSource Tri-Cities (Kennewick) — Free
Career center serving the Tri-Cities area (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) with free job search resources, skills training, career workshops, and connections to local employers. Dads can access computers for job applications, meet with career advisors, and attend job fairs. Located at 815 N Kellogg St, Suite D, Kennewick. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Call 509-734-5900 for appointment scheduling or information on available training programs and employer connections. No cost for job seeker services.
509-734-5900 · 815 N Kellogg St, Suite D, Kennewick, WA 99336 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
11. Pioneer Human Services - Employment — Free
Statewide nonprofit providing job training, placement services, and transitional employment for individuals with barriers to employment including justice involvement, substance abuse history, and homelessness. Dads facing re-entry or long-term unemployment can access paid work experience, vocational training, and job placement support. Located at 7440 W Marginal Way S, Seattle. Call 206-766-7000 or visit pioneerhumanservices.org to learn about programs and eligibility. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.
206-766-7000 · 7440 W Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
12. Tacoma Urban League - Employment — Free
Free job training, career coaching, and employment placement services for Tacoma-Pierce County residents with a focus on underserved communities and minority populations. Dads can receive resume help, interview coaching, job referrals, and connections to local employers. Located at 2550 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm. Call 253-383-2007 to schedule an intake appointment and learn about available training programs and employer partnerships in the Tacoma area.
253-383-2007 · 2550 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
13. Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave — Free
State program providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year for new parents, family caregiving, or serious medical needs. Most Washington workers who have worked 820 hours in the past year are eligible. Dads can use this benefit after the birth or adoption of a child. Benefits replace a portion of wages — typically 60-90% depending on income. Apply online at paidleave.wa.gov or call 833-717-2273. Notify your employer at least 30 days in advance when possible.
833-717-2273 · Online application · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; online 24/7 · Visit Website
14. USAJobs - Washington Federal Employment — Free
Official federal government job board listing thousands of federal positions across Washington State including military installations, national parks, VA hospitals, and federal agencies. Dads seeking stable, benefits-rich federal employment can search usajobs.gov by location, job series, and salary. Creating a free account lets you save searches, upload your resume, and track applications. Federal jobs include competitive salaries, health benefits, retirement, and paid leave. Visit usajobs.gov — available online 24/7.
Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website