Unemployed or underemployed, there is help waiting for you! The American Job Centers, AKA One-Stop Centers, is an effort to address the workforce development needs of Hawaii through a collaboration of state and local organizations. This service is offered to both residents seeking jobs and to businesses that want to employ them. There are four American Job Centers, one for each county providing no cost services to employers and those looking for employment. This rich network of services are free to anyone as is job search assistance and use of the resource center computers. Unemployed and underemployed individuals seeking jobs and job search assistance may receive customized services for free. For those who meet federal eligibility guidelines, additional services are available for: skill testing, in depth career counseling, and access to training for in-demand jobs.
“Services for job seekers include career counseling, HireNet Hawaii support, skills training, job search assistance and a resource center; while businesses can receive recruiting and job training assistance, along with labor market information.”
American Job Centers Hawaii
The services above are part of the federal “Workforce Investment Act of 1998.” The federal government categorizes these services for adults as follows:
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Adult Program – Unemployed adults (age 18+) from low-income families and employed adults who have not achieved self-sufficiency are eligible for training services, in addition to career counseling, case management, and employment and support services.
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Dislocated Worker Program – People who are laid off as a result of business closure or downsizing are eligible for retraining and reemployment services. There is no income criteria for this program.
Visit a center to learn more about the services that are available.
