North Carolina free job training and employment programs.
Thousands of individuals in North Carolina receive free employment as well as career assistance from programs offered by the government and non-profits. Most of the assistance is available at NCWorks Career Centers, which are located across the state listed below. Career counselors and other professionals assist the unemployed and those looking to start a new career. For information on centers or referrals, dial 855-629-6757.
Job programs and employment resources for veterans
Services are offered for veterans in North Carolina. The state is the home of hundreds of thousands of former military personnel, including many in the Fayetteville area. Priority for any employment assistance will always be provided to veterans and their spouses.
Most of the resources are administered by the NC Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions as part of the NCWorks Centers. Staff are located in over 80 local workforce job centers across the state. They offer military members high caliber job training and employment services. As indicated, all veterans (and their surviving spouses if applicable) receive preference from the state and federal government on any resources available. This is required by federal government, state, and local laws.
Some of what may be provided includes the following. Receive referrals to training services in your town or city. The NCWorks centers are a great place for general information about current job vacancies in your region, and military personnel will be notified before others when a position is available. There are also special services for disabled veterans.
Workshops are held too. This includes sessions on resume writing, how to improve interviewing skills, and computer training. Many of these workshops can help veterans gain or enhance the skills that are needed in the competitive and fairly high tech North Carolina workforce.
Free training and career services for the under or unemployed
For the general population, the NCWorks Career Centers offer some or all of the following. The exact programs offered will vary by location due to funding and the needs of the local population. A number of diverse non-profit partner agencies work together to provide services to the unemployed and others.
There will be labs on site that offer free computer and internet access. This can help people with job searches and applying. Databases contain information on employers, so you can do your due diligence when applying. Or use the computer lab to gain new skills.
Meet with a career specialist from North Carolina that can help with resume preparation and get information on the local job market. The counselors can also offer career guidance and assessment. These specialists often work with the human resource departments of businesses in North Carolina so they can help candidates network.
Other services include information on training and education, access to free classes, workshops, and other resources for training. Or get help in filing for unemployment insurance claims or other government benefits. If a low income job seeker needs financial support, then there may be assistance paying for laptops as well as free computers.
Solutions are offered for Job Seekers. The North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions helps many people find their next job or gain a new skill. This is available for a diverse background of clients, including Veterans, Older workers/seniors, Youth, Migrant farm workers, disabled, and even former offenders and prisoners.
If you are struggling with the loss of a job or looking for the next step in your career, employment services can help. Assistance is for anyone, regardless of background, age, or sex. For example, if you are currently in the agriculture industry, high tech, or a veteran, services can give you what you need to impress potential employers. Work with a counselor on searching for a new full time position. Or learn how to enroll into federal government or North Carolina sponsored job training and skill building programs.
The state offers what is known as a Toolkit. This is for dislocated workers, job seekers, and anyone that is pursuing a career change. As part of this Toolkit, you will be able to use internet sites that provide valuable information and/or services to those workers who have separated from employment. Or use resources that can help you learn about and build bridges to organizations. Receive ongoing and follow up guidance and support in your job search efforts.
Several programs are focused on the youth in North Carolina. Most of this is funded by the federal government Workforce Investment Act and administered from the JobLink Career Centers. This includes anyone who is under the age of 21. The programs can connect young people and teenagers to quality educational and available employment opportunities, including internships.
People at risk of dropping out of school or college, or those that are currently out-of-school, are an important target market of the program. Many businesses and local employers need to fill job vacancies in the knowledge-driven economy, and if youth are trained and motivated they can help meet this need.
The job assistance programs connect young people with both high quality secondary and post secondary (such as college) educational opportunities. Also learn about high-growth and in demand employment opportunities. State residents under the age of 21 can be prepared for those opportunities. The state, working with counselors, will try to increase their success in school and in the local workplace.
NCWorks Career Centers partner with schools, workforce training providers, non-profit community organizations, businesses and others. All of this ensures coordination of youth funds and services in North Carolina. In addition, traditional employment and job training activities are available. These can help clients develop leaderships skills, explore opportunities for community service, and more. Youth will be able to work directly with a counselor throughout this process.
Many older residents in North Carolina are looking to renter the job market as well. The reasons can vary. Maybe they need additional money to save prior to retirement, or maybe a spouse became ill. Regardless of your reason, counselors can help people over the age of 55 get the skills and experience they need. The federal government created Senior Community Service Employment Program will place qualified, lower income applicants in part time jobs where they can get experience and also earn an income.
While not a main focus of the JobLink Centers, the locations will often have information on federal and state government benefits that the unemployed can apply for. This includes health care (Medicaid), groceries (from food stamps) and cash assistance from filing for unemployment. Many families need some short term support as they seek a new job.
Locations of free job centers in North Carolina
There are many locations across the state. For details, dial 855-629-6757, which is the main customer service number.
Alamance County JobLink Career Center 2640 S. Columbine Street Burlington, North Carolina 27215 Phone: 336-570-6800
Alleghany County Counties include Alleghany and Ashe 115 Atwood Street, Suite C Sparta, North Carolina 28675 Call the center 336-372-5476 at for referrals and information on job programs.
Anson County JobLink Career Center 116 W. Wade Street Wadesboro, NC 28170 Call 704-694-6551
Asheville Career Center at ESC is for Buncombe Address is 48 Grove Street Asheville, NC 28801 828-251-6200 The center has information on local job openings in central and the western part of the state, among other programs offered.
High Country Workforce Development Board Avery and Watauga Counties Primary address 428 Pineola Street Newland, North Carolina 28657 828-737-5419
Beaufort County JobLink Career Center Address of center is 1385 John Small Avenue Washington, North Carolina 27889 Telephone - 252-946-3116
Bertie County Main address is 1001 South King Street Windsor, NC 27983 Phone: 252-794-5616
Bladen County - Lumber River Workforce Development Board Main address is 401 Mercer Mill Road Elizabethtown, NC 28337
Brunswick County, Cape Fear 5300-7 Main Street Shallotte, NC 28470 Main phone: 910-754-6120
Burke County JobLink Career Center 720 East Union Street Morganton, NC 28655 828-438-6161
Cabarrus County 2275 Kannapolis Highway Concord, NC 28027 Phone: 704-786-3183
Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board of Caldwell County Main address - 2855 Hickory Boulevard Hudson, NC 28638 Phone: 828-759-4680
Carteret County Location is 309 Commerce Avenue Morehead City, NC 28557 Phone number of the center is 252-726-7151
Caswell County JobLink Career Center 331 Piedmont Drive Yanceyville, NC 27379 Phone: 336-694-5707
Catawba and Alexander County Address is 3301 Highway 70 SE Newton, NC 28658 Main number is 828-466-5596
Charlotte/Mecklenburg JobLink Career Center-South Blvd./ Employer Engagement Center 5125-A South Blvd./ 1401 W. Morehead St. Charlotte, North Carolina 28217/20208 704-527-3195
Clay County 55 Riverside Circle Hayesville, NC 28904 828-389-6301
Cleveland County - Region C Workforce Development Board Main location is 404 E. Marion Street Shelby, NC 28150 Call 704-480-5414 for information on services.
Columbus County 4564 Chadbourn Hwy. Whiteville, North Carolina 28472 910-642-7141 x318
A second office is at 913 Jefferson Street Whiteville, North Carolina 28472 Phone: 910-642-0146
Craven County and the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board Main address is 2836 Neuse Blvd. New Bern, NC 28560 Call the location at 252 514-4828
Cumberland County 410-414 Ray Avenue Fayetteville, NC 28301 Telephone - 910-323-3421 Call for assistance for employment matters.
Northeastern Workforce Development Board This offices provide employment assistance to Perquimans, Gates, Dare, and Hyde Main office is at 2522 S. Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959 252-480-3500
Duplin County 192 Magnolia Ext. Kenansville, North Carolina 28349-0349 Main number is 910-296-1478
Durham County JobLink Career Center Location is 1105 S. Briggs Avenue Durham, NC 27703 Call the center for information - 919-560-6880
Edgecombe/Nash County JobLink Career Center - Turning Point Workforce Development Board Address: 121 Fairview Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Phone: 252-977-3306
Forsyth County The non-profit that offers the program is Goodwill Industries of Northwest N.C., Inc 2701 University Pkwy, P.O. Box 4299 Winston-Salem, NC 27105 (336) 724-3625
Northwest Piedmont Workforce Development Board Counties covered - Forsyth, Davie, Surry, and Stokes 450 West Hanes Mill RoadSuite 101 Winston Salem, North Carolina 27105 336-776-6720 Another office is at Forsyth Tech C.C.West Campus, 1300 Bolton Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Call 336-734-7748.
Franklin County Main address is 90 Tanglewood Drive Louisburg, NC 27549 Call - 919-496-6250
Gaston County JobLink Career Center Primary address is 1391 Bessemer City Road Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Call the location at 704-853-5328 for information.
Gaston County Workforce Development Board 7220 Wilkinson Blvd. Handley Hall Belmont, NC 28012 704-266-5005
Graham County Main address is 347 Rodney Orr Bypass Robbinsville, NC 28771 Call 828 479-3376
Granville County Location is 111 Hilltop Village Oxford, NC 27565 Main phone number is 919-693-2686
Greene County and the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Center 818 Hwy 91 North Snow Hill, NC 28580 Phone - 252-747-5689
Greensboro/High Point/Guilford Workforce Development Board Main location is at 303 North Raleigh Street Greensboro, North Carolina 27401 Call 336-373-5922/885-8826 for details on services. Or use the center at 607 Idol Street, High Point, NC 27261, call 336-885-8826/373-5922
Halifax/Northampton County JobLink Career Center 1620 E. Tenth Street Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina 27870 252-537-4188
Harnett County and Triangle South 101 Hunt Valley Drive Dunn, NC 28334 910-891-2915 A second location for the region is at 1137 E. Cornelius Harnett Blvd in Lillington, NC 27546. Call 910-814-4042.
Haywood County Address: 1170 North Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786 Telephone: 828-456-6061
Henderson County Blue Ridge Community College 180 West Campus Drive Flat Rock, NC 28731 828-694-1755/1753
Hendersonville JobLink Career Center at ESC Counties - Henderson Location is 26 Francis Road Hendersonville, North Carolina 28792 828-693-1703
Hertford County Address is 109 Community College Road Ahoskie, NC 27910 Main number - 252-862-1257
Hoke County 304 Birch Street Raeford, NC 28376 Call 910-875-5059 for hours.
Iredell County - Centralina Workforce Development Board 470-A North Broad Street Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 704-664-4225 A second site can be found here. 133 Island Ford Road Statesville, NC 28625 Telephone: 704-878-4241
Johnston County - Clayton Corners Shopping Center 11671 US HWY 70 Clayton, NC 27520 Dial 919-585-4805 to speak to a specialist. Two other options are available. Center is at 245 College Road, Smithfield, NC 27577, dial 919-209-2094 A third location can be found 224 Peedin Road, Smithfield, NC 27577. Main phone 919-934-0536.
Jones County - Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board 509 NC Highway 58 North, LCC Jones County Center Trenton, NC 28585 252-448-4791
Lee County, Triangle South Workforce Development Board Supports both Lee and Chatham. 1909 Lee Avenue Sanford, North Carolina 27330 919-775-2241
Lenoir County - Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board Address - 231 Highway 58 South Kinston, NC 28502-0188 Call the center at 252-527-6223
Lincoln County 529 N. Aspen Street Lincolnton, NC 28092 704-735-8035
Macon County JobLink Career Center Counties - Macon, Jackson, Swain Location is 427 Harrison Avenue Franklin, NC 28734 Call - 828-369-9534
Madison County Main location is 4646 U.S. Highway 25-70, AB Tech - Madison Campus Marshall, North Carolina 28753 Telephone number is 828-649-2577
Martin County - Region Q Workforce Development Board Primary address is 407 East Blvd Williamston, North Carolina 27892 Main number is 252-792-7816
McDowell County Center is at - 316 Baldwin Avenue Marion, NC 28752 828-659-6001
High Country Workforce Development Board of Yancey and Mitchell County 100 Kim Thickets Road Spruce Pine, NC 28777 828-765-7758
Montgomery County JobLink Career Center 1011 Page Street Troy, North Carolina 27371 Telephone: 910-572-3641
Moore County Address is 245 Shepherd Trail Aberdeen, North Carolina 28315 Dial 910-944-7697 for intake.
Mountain Area JobLink Career Center of Buncombe 340 Victoria Road; Maple Building; A-B Technical Community College Campus Asheville, NC 28802 828-255-2500
New Hanover County Primary center is 717 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28401 Call the center at 910-251-5777 Supports the unemployed, seniors, and older workers in the coastal region.
Onslow County 461 Western Blvd Jacksonville, North Carolina 28546 Dial 910-347-212
Regional Orange County Partnership Workforce Development Board 503 West Franklin Street Chapel Hill, NC 27516 919-969-3032
Pamlico County JobLink Career Center Address - 705 Main Street Bayboro, NC 28515 Phone: 252-745-9934
Northeastern Workforce Development Board Counties covered - Camden, Currituck, Pasquotank, Chowan 422 McArthur Street Elizabeth City, NC 27909 Telephone: 252-331-4798
Pender County 904-A S. Walker Street Burgaw, NC 28425 910-259-0240
Person County, Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board Address is 145 Weeks Drive Roxboro, North Carolina 27573 336 599-3109
Pitt County JobLink Career Center 3101 Bismarck Street Greenville, NC 27834 Telephone number is 252-355-9067 Call for referrals or to make an appointment with a career counselor.
Randolph County JobLink Career Center - Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board Location is 629 Industrial Park Avenue Asheboro, NC 27205 Call for information - 336-633-0304
Richmond County 115 West Franklin Street Rockingham, North Carolina 28379 910-997-9180
Robeson County - Lumber River Workforce Development Board Address is 289 Corporation DriveSuite B Lumberton, NC 28358 910-618-5500
Rockingham County and the Northwest Piedmont Workforce Development Board 8340 NC 87 Reidsville, North Carolina 27320 (336) 634-5600
Rowan County 1904 South Main Street Salisbury, North Carolina 28144 704-639-7529
Rutherford and Polk County JobLink Career Center Main address is 139 East Trade Street Forest City, North Carolina 28043 828-245-9841
Sampson County 115 North Boulevard Clinton, NC 28328 Call 910-592-5756 for intake
Scotland County JobLink Career Center 303 N. Main Street Laurinburg, NC 28352 910-276-4260
Stanly County Main address is 2215 US Highway 52 North Albemarle, North Carolina 28001 704-982-2183
Thomasville JobLink and DavidsonWorks, Inc., Workforce Development Board 211 W. Colonial Drive Thomasville, North Carolina 27360 Call 336-474-2655 for hours.
Transylvania County - Mountain Area Workforce Development Board 98 East Morgan Street, Suite 290 Brevard, North Carolina 28712 Phone - 828-884-3214
Tri-County JobLink Career Center, Southwestern Workforce Development Board 800 US Hwy 64 West Murphy, NC 28906 828-837-7407
Centralina Workforce Development Board of Union County Location is 1125 Skyway Drive Monroe, NC 28110 704-283-7541
Vance County 945-G West Andrews Avenue Henderson, North Carolina 27536 252-438-7324
Capital Area Workforce Development Board of Wake County There are several centers in the region. The locations are as follows.
- One center is at 742-F East Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511, 919-469-1406
- A second location is available. 2809 E. Millbrook Road, Wake County Human Services Center, Raleigh, NC 27604-2849, main phone: 919-431-4005
- Or stop by a site at 3351 Carl Sandburg Court, Raleigh, NC 27610, dial 919-212-3849
- Location is 220 Swinburne Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27610, 919-250-3770
- 130 N. Judd Parkway, NE, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, call 919-557-1121
Warren County The center is at 309 N. Main Street Warrenton, NC 27589 252-257-3230
Wayne County JobLink Career Center Main address is 2006 Wayne Memorial Drive Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534 Telephone number: 919-731-7950
High Country Workforce Development Board Supports counties of Ashe and Wilkes 312 Wilkesboro Avenue, Midtown Plaza North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 336-651-2540/336-667-1205
Wilson County JobLink Career Center 302 Tarboro Street West Wilson, NC 27893 Call 252-234-1129
Yadkin County Location is 246 East Main Street Yadkinville, North Carolina 27055 336-679-7833
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