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 Wisconsin

5 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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin circuit courts hear family matters in each of its 72 counties, with Family Court Counseling services providing mediation and custody studies. The Bureau of Child Support operates under DCF. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha are the largest cities. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare, and the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee cover the state.

5 Resources

1. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development — Free

State agency administering unemployment insurance, workforce training, job placement, apprenticeship, labor standards, and Vocational Rehabilitation services across Wisconsin. Fathers can file UI claims, access job training, and get career services through the statewide job center network. Call the Madison office with program questions or visit jobcenterofwisconsin.com. Keep your Social Security number, recent pay stubs, and employer contact information ready when calling or applying online for services.

608-266-3131 · 201 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance — Free

State unemployment insurance program - file and manage claims online at dwd.wisconsin.gov/ui with weekly certification, claim status tracking, and reemployment services. Fathers who lost a job through no fault of their own can apply. Available online 24/7; phone support weekdays. Gather Social Security number, driver's license, employer information for the last 18 months, and bank info for direct deposit before starting your application for fastest processing.

414-435-7069 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm · Visit Website

3. Goodwill Industries of Southeast Wisconsin — Free

Workforce development organization offering job training, career coaching, resume help, interview prep, and employment placement services across the Milwaukee area through its Good Career Academy and retail operations. Fathers can walk in to any Goodwill store career center or call the main office. Services free and open to job seekers. Bring photo ID, resume if available, and a list of recent work history to your first career center visit.

414-847-4200 · 5400 S 60th St, Greendale, WI 53129 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Goodwill NCW (North Central Wisconsin) — Free

Workforce development agency serving north-central Wisconsin with job training, career coaching, resume help, interview prep, and employment placement services. Fathers can walk in to any Goodwill store career center or call the main office. Serves counties across north-central Wisconsin. Services free and open to job seekers. Bring photo ID, resume if available, and a list of recent work history and employer contacts to your first career center visit.

920-968-6800 · 1800 Appleton Rd, Menasha, WI 54952 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. WRTP/BIG STEP (Milwaukee) — Free

Milwaukee workforce development center providing construction trades pre-apprenticeship training, apprenticeships, career pathways, and employer connections including for manufacturing and service industries. Fathers interested in the trades can call or walk in to learn about upcoming cohorts and requirements. Serves Milwaukee area. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, high school transcripts or GED, and a resume if available to intake for fastest enrollment consideration.

414-342-9787 · 3841 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208 · 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.