Employment/Job Training

In this section, find out about:
● Programs for Youth & Teens
● Help Finding a Job & Making Ends Meet
● Programs for People with Disabilities
● Programs for Refugees & Immigrants
● Unemployment Compensation
● Online Job Searches

● PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH & TEENS ●
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is a work program for adults age 17 and older that helps pay for college. AmeriCorps members tutor kids, build homes and work on various projects full-time or part-time over a 9 to 12 month period or during the summer in many locations throughout Ohio and the US. In exchange for their services, participants receive money to pay for college or help pay back student loans.
51 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2916 or (800) 942-2677
- www.americorps.gov
Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC) Youth Works Program
Disadvantaged youth throughout Ohio can enroll in summer or year-round programs to improve career skills and learn how to be successful in the workplace. The sites change from year to year, and paid jobs are offered to in-school and out-of-school youth ages 14 to 25. They also offer free employment services, career resources and job fairs.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 559-5052 or (614) 236-5627
- www.cowic.org
City Year Columbus
City Year Columbus is a division of AmeriCorps. City Year brings together youth ages 17 to 24 from diverse backgrounds for a demanding year of full-time community service and leadership development. Participants work in local schools and may receive education awards, scholarships and paid stipends.
88 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 586-4540 or (614) 586-4520
- www.cityyear.org/columbus.aspx
Columbus State Community College Orientation to Trades and Apprenticeships Program (OTAP)
Offers an 8-week job training program to prepare students 18 years and older for employment in skilled trades (such as carpentry, plumbing, truck driving, etc). They help students learn skills to land a job and “earn while they learn."
315 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 287-5905
- www2.cscc.edu
Columbus Urban League (CUL) Career Services Department
CUL is dedicated to empowering African Americans and disadvantaged persons. The STEP program provides summer employment for youth ages 14 to 18 with a low income. They also offer programs for youth 18 to 24 years of age who are out of school and looking for career options and the ability to earn more money. They offer scholarships for vocational training and free help finding a job.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300, ext. 106
- www.cul.org
Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools
Offers free programs for high school juniors and seniors at more than 15 school districts in central Ohio. They offer job training, career programs, college prep classes, GED classes, ESL training and help finding a job. They also offer free summer camps for students in grades 6 to 8 explore career options. They also have options for students with special needs.
4300 Amalgamated Place, Groveport, Ohio 43125
(614) 836-4530 or (614) 836-5725
- www.eastland-fairfield.com
Godman Guild TEEN After School & Summer Program
This free program teaches teens life skills, prepares them to find a job, tutors them and helps them explore career opportunities and get into college. They also have paid internships and trips. Interested youth must commit to 1 to 2 days a week after school during the school year. To qualify for this free program, teens ages 14 to 18 must be from a family with a low to moderate income and in high school.
303 East Sixth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 294-5476
- www.godmanguild.org
Godman Guild Transitions Program
Helps young adults make a successful transition to college, trade school or apprenticeship program. To qualify for this program, students should already have a GED or high school diploma. This program helps students explore careers, apply for financial aid, prepare for college placement tests and earn money for books and supplies.
303 East Sixth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 294-5476
- www.godmanguild.org
Henkels & McCoy Community Success Center
Connects youth (in-school and out-of-school) and adults with free employment, training and educational programs in Franklin County. The center provides free walk-in job assistance on weekdays. Help includes access to computers and copiers for job searches, help writing a resume, access to job fairs and training opportunities, youth internship programs and practice with interviews.
1336 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 221-3398
- www.henkels.com
Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC)
Internships at OWC are career exploration and skill-building programs in a wildlife education center setting. They work with area schools to schedule volunteer internships of varying lengths during the summer and school year. High school and college students can volunteer for school credit, fulfill community service obligations or learn more about animal-related professions.
6131 Cook Road, Powell, Ohio 43065
(614) 734-9453
- www.ohiowildlifecenter.org
Wright Choice Success Center
Wright Choice has programs that allow high school and college students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds and students with disabilities to explore career opportunities.
6230 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 802-2364
- www.wrightchoice.org
Youth Build Columbus
Provides full-year job and education training programs and offers hands-on work experience for central Ohio youth ages 17 to 21 who have dropped out of school. Participants can receive their high school diploma while learning residential construction or nurse assisting skills.
1183 Essex Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 291-0805
- www.youthbuildcolumbus.info
● HELP FINDING A JOB & MAKING ENDS MEET ●
Alvis House Community Reentry Center
Provides free job training and career services for ex-offenders and those who have been involved in the criminal justice system.
1991 Bryden Road, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0660 or (614) 223-1499
- www.alvishouse.org
Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC)
Free extensive one-stop employment services for young and old, working and unemployed. Services include walk-in access to a career resource room, job fairs and job postings. They also offer free support in preparing resumes, finding a job, GED preparation, and training in English as a second language (ESL). Financial assistance is offered to those who qualify, through an appointment.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 559-5052
- www.cowic.org
Christian Job Corps
This faith-based program at the Stowe Baptist Center provides 8-week job readiness, mentoring and life skills classes for unemployed men and women. Other sites exist throughout Ohio.
888 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 445-6776
- http://stowecenter.com
Columbus Metropolitan Library Job Help Centers
Has designated spaces in all locations of the Columbus Metropolitan Library that are dedicated to helping the people of central Ohio find jobs. Helpful staff are prepared to assist customers one-on-one with application processes, or customers can attend classes to learn basic e-mail skills, online job searching, resume help and basic computer training, all for free. They also offer free career coaching sessions.
96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-2ASK or (614) 645-2275
- www.columbuslibrary.org
Columbus Public Health (CPH) Job Help List
Click below to find a helpful up-to-date list of job programs and resources in the Columbus area.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6450
- http://publichealth.columbus.gov
Columbus Urban League (CUL) Career Services Department
For those who are new to the workforce, unemployed, looking for a better job, seeking a fresh start, or just wanting to start a career, free programs are available. They offer assistance with resumes and online job applications, job placement, employment counseling, summer programs and internet access. Programs are offered for youth (age 14 and older) and adults. CUL is dedicated to empowering African Americans and people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300, ext. 106
- www.cul.org
Community Employment Assistance Network (CEAN)
Provides free monthly meetings on the second Thursday of every month at various locations to help job seekers connect with employers, agencies, educators and career coaches. Go online to find out more details. The Shared Resource Network has a helpful free podcast for teens looking for their first job.
PO Box 65, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
- http://eddiepowell.com
Community Kitchen
Serves economically disadvantaged persons living on the southeast side of Columbus and helps families obtain needed resources such as housing and employment information at the family resource drop-in center on Tuesdays through Fridays. Bus passes are given to newly employed individuals to assist them with transportation to work before they receive their first pay check.
640 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-6428
- www.communitykitchencolumbus.org
Faith Mission Resource Center
The resource center gives job seekers access to phones, fax, computers and bus passes. Frequent activities include setting up employment interviews, writing resumes, utilizing private voicemail, learning about training opportunities within the community, accessing job hotlines and conducting housing searches.
315 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
614) 224-6617
- www.faithmissionofohio.org
Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS)
This is the government agency responsible for basic financial, medical and social service programs in Franklin County. They also provide training in job skills, career guidance and job placement. Go online to the Community Portal to access valuable information ranging from food assistance, cash assistance, health information, job training, child care and more. Each center serves different zip codes.
  • 1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
    (614) 212-1999
  • 1721 Northland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 233-2000
  • 3723 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207
    (614) 233-2000
  • 314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    (614) 233-2000
 - www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/jafs
Gladden Community House
Serving Franklinton and its surrounding neighborhoods, they assist with many neighborhood issues and help with employment options.
183 Hawkes Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 227-1600
- www.gladden-us.org
Godman Guild Career Services
Offers free job training, free information sessions, help finding a job, computer classes and free babysitting during their two-week job readiness class. They have a walk-in computer lab to help with job searches, and they sponsor hiring events with local employers.
303 East Sixth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 294-5476
- www.godmanguild.org
Goodwill Columbus Career Closet
Provides free job interview outfits and work clothing to women in need in the central Ohio area, by referral from a community agency. The general public can also purchase a wide range of work and business clothing at reasonable prices.
  • 2100 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 583-0400
  • 358 S. Hamilton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43230
    (614) 476-6177
  • 6665 Sawmill Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017
    (614) 792-9177
 - www.goodwillcolumbus.org
Goodwill Columbus Work Readiness Program
This free program is open to anyone, with or without a disability, who is looking for assistance with their job search. Classes are one week long and are for Franklin County residents who are 18 years of age or older, and out of high school.
1331 Edgehill Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 583-0103 or (614) 583-0446
- www.goodwillcolumbus.org/workforce
Impact Community Action Employment Plus Program
Offers free employment services to individuals with a low income, as well as job coaching, paid job training and computer classes.
700 Bryden Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 453-1712
- www.impactca.org
Jewish Family Services (JFS)
Offers free employment counseling, career coaching, resume writing services and help finding a job. Services are available for all job seekers in Franklin County. They also provide support for those who have lost their jobs or are new to the country and need help.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 237-9675
- www.jfscolumbus.org/jobseeker.asp
National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS)
Provides job training, workplace readiness, computer basics, resume writing and career coaching for adults. They also have mentoring programs for youth.
899 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 857-1811
- www.ncusolutions.org
New Directions Career Center (NDCC)
Works with all people over age 18 and specializes in assisting women making career transitions (although they help many men as well). They help people regardless of their ability to pay, and offer free and low-cost monthly workshops open to the public on interviewing skills, financial literacy, how to manage utility bills, understanding credit scores and more. Financial aid scholarships, bus passes and childcare assistance are also available.
199 East Rich Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 849-0028
- www.newdirectionscc.org
Salvation Army Career Enhancement Center
Provides free career guidance for all Franklin county residents, with a priority given to those living in certain zip codes (43203, 43205, 43211, 43222 and 43224). They offer workshops on creating a resume, filling out job applications, networking and interviewing. Walk-in orientation sessions are available on Monday mornings.
966 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 358-2612
- www.salvationarmycolumbus.org
South Side Learning & Development Centers
Offers 30 days of free child care (based on availability) for children ages 6 weeks to 8 years old (6 weeks to 5 years old during the school year) to Franklin County parents seeking employment or in job training programs. They also work with the family to help the parents find employment.
255 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 444-1529
- http://southsidelearning.org
Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM)
STOP (Steps to Overcome Poverty) is a unique faith-based self-sufficiency program that helps families help themselves. The program teaches goal planning, budget training, employment coaching and resume writing, all to help families get out of poverty. The program is for residents of the Westerville School District.
175A East Broadway, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 899-0196
- www.warmwesterville.org/services
● PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ●
CAP4Kids Resources for People with Disabilities & Special Needs
Are you looking for job programs for youth and adults with special needs and disabilities? Find resources in the special needs section of CAP4Kids by clicking below.
- Go to CAP4Kids Special Needs Page
● PROGRAMS FOR REFUGEES & IMMIGRANTS ●
Asian American Community Services (AACS)
Offers free career development resources, citizenship classes, computer training programs and English classes for Asians living in central Ohio.
4700 Reed Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220
(614) 220-4023
- http://aacsohio.org
Center for Latin Hope (Centro Esperanza Latina)
Gives Latino youth who did not finish school the education and training needed to learn to be self-sufficient. They also provide job opportunities for unemployed adults, English classes, computer classes, job coaching, resume preparation and other services. Classes are free, and child care is provided.
2300 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 358-3584 or (614) 275-1825
- www.centerforlatinhope.org
Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)
Provides free employment counseling, skills training, job placement help and translation services for refugees and legal immigrants.
  • 3628 Bexvie Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
    (614) 235-5747
  • 4889 Sinclair Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 840-9634 0r (614) 987-1644
  • 3000 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    (614) 279-1354
 - www.cris-ohio.com/employmentservices.html
Empleos & Employment
Their online job search helps Latinos find employment (especially bilingual jobs), as well as other resources in the community such as scholarship programs, local events, job fairs and community services.
6059 Frantz Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 790-8894
- www.empleosandemployment.com
Hispanic Employment Program (HEP)
Ensures that Hispanics have an equal opportunity to compete in all aspects of federal employment. Their website has information about career opportunities, community resources, events and activities for the Hispanic community.
PO Box 3990, Columbus, Ohio 43218
- www.landandmaritime.dla.mil
Jewish Family Services (JFS)
Provides services for refugees with a low income to help with entry into the workforce, job interview preparation and support services.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 237-9675
- www.jfscolumbus.org/jobseeker.asp
Latino Empowerment Outreach Network (LEON)
LEON develops and supports programs that educate and empower Latinos in the community. Their focus is on health, education, family issues, leadership and advocacy. Visit their job listings page to find local job listings.
PO Box 16215, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(888) 538-5366
- http://leongroup.org
Somali Community Association of Ohio
Helps Somalis with writing resumes, finding jobs, learning English and addressing personal needs.
3422 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 262-4068
- www.somaliohio.org/services/job.htm
Somali Women & Children’s Alliance (SWCA)
Their job readiness program prepares Somali immigrants for the job market and helps them find jobs in the community. Participants learn language skills, computer basics and interview skills.
2210 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 473-9999
- www.swaca.org
● UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION ●
Ohio Unemployment Benefits
To apply for unemployment compensation, call or go online. Have available your social security number, your driver’s license and information about all employers you have worked for in the past 18 months.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Toll-free Hotline: (877) 644-6562
- http://unemployment.ohio.gov
● ONLINE JOB SEARCHES ●
Internet Sites
www.ohio.jobing.com
www.franklincountyohio.gov
https://csc.columbus.gov/webapp
https://ohiomeansjobs.com
www.columbuslibrary.org/jobhelp
www.indeed.com
www.employmentguide.com
www.jobnewscolumbus.com
www.monster.com
columbus.craigslist.org
www.usajobs.gov
www.thesrn.com
http://careers.ohio.gov
www.careerboard.com
www.snagajob.com
www.jobhuntersbible.com
www.jobsincolumbus.com
www.careerjet.com
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CAP4Kids does not recommend or endorse the agencies or resources listed on the site. This is an informational site only. We encourage users to carefully review and evaluate all services and decide what is best to meet the needs of their families.