If you are looking for job training, career help, or support re-entering the workforce, One-Stop Career Centers — now officially called American Job Centers in most states — are the federal government's main delivery point for those services. This page explains what you can get at a center and how to access their services.

They operate in every state, are free to use, and serve a wide range of people: recently laid-off workers, adults who never finished high school, veterans, immigrants, people with disabilities, and workers who are employed but need to earn more. The state list at the bottom links to more specific information by state.

What One-Stop Career Centers Are

American Job Centers are funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration and operate under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The CareerOneStop network — maintained by the Department of Labor — connects the centers and provides the national locator tool. The centers are sometimes called One-Stop Career Centers, American Job Centers, or AJCs depending on the state. They refer to the same system.

To find a center in your area, use the locator at https://www.careeronestop.org/ or call 1-877-872-5627. Most centers are open weekdays and many now offer some services by phone or video for people who cannot come in person.

What to Expect When You Walk In

You do not need an appointment for your first visit at most locations. Bring a photo ID and, if you have one, a copy of your resume or a summary of your work history. Staff will ask about your employment background and what kind of work you're looking for. From there, they connect you to the services and programs that fit your situation.

Basic services — job search help, access to computers and job listings, resume review, and career counseling — are available to anyone who walks in regardless of income. More intensive services, including funded training programs, require an eligibility assessment.

Adult Education and Job Readiness Services

Every center offers adult education and job readiness programs. These are open to job seekers of all backgrounds.

Adults who need to improve their reading, writing, or math skills can enroll in the Adult Basic Skills program at no cost. Centers also offer computer literacy workshops covering the software most employers use today. For people whose first language is not English, ESL classes are available at many centers and through referral partners.

Adults who never finished high school can use the center to prepare for a GED or high school equivalency diploma. Counselors explain where to take the official test, how to register, and what to study. Earning a GED meaningfully increases both earning potential and job stability. Classes are available in nearly every state through the center or its education partners.

Senior Employment — SCSEP

Adults 55 and older can enroll in the Senior Community Service Employment Program, known as SCSEP. The program places eligible older adults in part-time community service positions while helping them update their job skills and transition into permanent employment. Participants earn a modest income during the placement and receive ongoing support from career counselors.

SCSEP is income-based with more details on the NHPB SCSEP program page. Ask a center counselor whether you meet the eligibility requirements in your area.

On-the-Job Training

Many centers coordinate On-the-Job Training placements, commonly called OJT. Under OJT, a local employer hires you and trains you in a specific role while receiving partial wage reimbursement through WIOA funding. You earn a paycheck from day one. The training period is defined upfront in a written agreement and is tied to the complexity of the position.

OJT works well for people who learn better through hands-on experience than classroom instruction. The center works with participating local employers and matches candidates to open positions. Ask a counselor which employers in your area currently have active OJT agreements.

Apprenticeships

Registered Apprenticeships are another path the centers actively support. An apprenticeship combines paid work, structured on-the-job learning, and classroom instruction — and ends with an industry-recognized credential. Participants earn wages throughout the program, not just after it.

Apprenticeships operate across most states and industries, though they are most common in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology trades. See out guide to what is an apprenticeship. Programs are typically sponsored by a local employer or trade organization. You can search for registered apprenticeship openings nationally at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ or ask a center counselor about programs in your region.

Vocational and Short-Term Certificate Programs

Centers can refer you to short-term vocational training in fields with strong local job demand. Common areas include nursing assistant, medical technician, truck driving, dental assistant, computer programming, and construction trades. These skills may be beneficial for a number of roles, even a side hustle job. Counselors use local labor market data to confirm which fields actually have openings in your area before recommending a program.

If you qualify for WIOA training funds, those can be used to pay for approved programs through an Individual Training Account. Talk to a counselor about which training providers in your area are on the state's approved list.

High School and College-Age Programs

Recent high school graduates and college-age individuals can also use American Job Center services. Centers provide referrals to local colleges, vocational schools, and accredited training programs. Specialists help you compare course offerings, tuition costs, and available scholarships or grants.

Youth ages 14 to 24 have access to dedicated WIOA youth services at many centers. Those services include academic support, career counseling, work experience placements, and help connecting with local employers. Out-of-school youth — including those who have dropped out or aged out of foster care — are a priority population under WIOA.

Job Search and Career Development

Resume reviews and mock interviews are standard at every center. Career coaches meet with clients to refine their resume and cover letter or simulate job interviews to build confidence. Remote coaching by phone or video is available at many sites.

Centers also offer access to the National Work Readiness Credential (NWRC) in many regions. The NWRC verifies that a candidate has the basic workplace skills employers look for in entry-level hiring. It is assessed through real-world tasks covering problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

Computer-based training in Microsoft Office, digital communication, and online job application systems is available at most locations. Many employers now use applicant tracking software and online portals — knowing how to navigate those systems gives job seekers a practical advantage.

What to Ask When You Visit

When you go in, ask specifically about open training programs in your field of interest. Ask whether supportive services — such as transportation or childcare assistance — are currently funded in your local area. Ask whether there are active OJT placements or apprenticeship programs available. Many programs are funded on a fiscal-year cycle, so availability can change throughout the year. Going early in the program year generally gives you more options.

Find a Center and State-Specific Information

Use the official locator at https://www.careeronestop.org/ to find the American Job Center nearest you. You can also call the national help line at 1-877-872-5627. Most centers are open weekdays; call ahead to confirm hours and whether an appointment is recommended for your first visit.

For state-specific workforce programs, center information, and any state-level training initiatives beyond the federal baseline, select your state below.