Best Job & Career in Michigan — 15 resources

About Job & Career for Women

Job and career resources for women run through the 2,400+ American Job Centers (AJCs) nationwide, the Department of Labor's Women's Bureau, and SBA Women's Business Centers. AJCs offer free job search, resume help, and WIOA-funded training (often

0,000+ in tuition for in-demand occupations). WANTO grants fund women entering nontraditional trades like construction, electrical, and HVAC. Registered Apprenticeships pay workers during training, and organizations like Chicago Women in Trades, Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW), and Dress for Success support entry and re-entry. For formerly incarcerated women, programs like the Center for Employment Opportunities provide transitional jobs. This directory includes AJCs, WBCs, apprenticeships, and women-focused workforce programs.

Job & Career in Michigan

Michigan family courts (a division of circuit court) handle custody and related matters in each of its 83 counties, with Friend of the Court offices providing investigation, mediation, and enforcement support. The Office of Child Support runs statewide enforcement. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, and Sterling Heights are the largest metros. Michigan Legal Help and the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence support women.

15 Resources

1. Michigan Works! — Free

Michigan Works! is a Michigan workforce resource helping mothers with job training, career coaching, and reemployment services. Dial (800) 285-9675 for an initial conversation about your situation. Hours are Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. No fee for eligible women, with intake handled confidentially.

(800) 285-9675 · Multiple MI locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Free

State job board for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce who need vetted, plain-language information on resume review, interview prep, job placement, and career counseling. Hours 24/7 online — free for qualifying women.

(800) 285-9675 · Online platform · 24/7 online · Visit Website

3. Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit — Free

Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit serves women in Detroit and surrounding Michigan communities with job training, career coaching, and reemployment services. Dial (313) 964-3900 for an initial conversation about your situation. Available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; the team can answer questions about documents and timing. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(313) 964-3900 · 3111 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48208 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Michigan Small Business Development Center — Free

Michigan Small Business Development Center is a Michigan workforce resource helping mothers with job training, career coaching, and reemployment services. Dial (616) 331-7480 for an initial conversation about your situation. Service hours run Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; ask about after-hours options if needed. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

(616) 331-7480 · Multiple MI locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Focus: HOPE — Detroit — Free

Focus: HOPE — Detroit works with women across Michigan on job training, career coaching, and reemployment services. Reach the team at (313) 494-5500 to schedule a screening. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm — confirm by phone before driving in. Free for qualifying Michigan mothers and their children.

(313) 494-5500 · 1200 Oakman Blvd, Detroit, MI 48238 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Year Up Detroit — Free

Year Up Detroit is the go-to workforce resource in the Detroit area for job training, career coaching, and reemployment services. Call (313) 656-3000 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm — confirm by phone before driving in. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

(313) 656-3000 · 1 Woodward Ave Suite 300, Detroit, MI 48226 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. CareerOneStop — Free

US Department of Labor career, training, and job search portal. Find American Job Centers near you for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce who need vetted, plain-language information on resume review, interview prep, job placement, and career counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. America's Job Centers — Free

Free in-person career help, training referrals, and job search assistance at 2,400+ AJC locations nationwide for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce who need vetted, plain-language information on resume review, interview prep, job placement, and career counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. DOL Women's Bureau — Free

US Department of Labor agency promoting good jobs and equity for working women. Resources and data. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce who need vetted, plain-language information on resume review, interview prep, job placement, and career counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Dress for Success — Free

Free professional attire and career development services for women entering the workforce. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce who need vetted, plain-language information on resume review, interview prep, job placement, and career counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. Bottomless Closet — Free

Free interview-appropriate clothing and career development for women seeking economic independence. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce who need vetted, plain-language information on resume review, interview prep, job placement, and career counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Goodwill Career Services — Free

Free job training, career counseling, and placement at Goodwill centers nationwide for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce who need vetted, plain-language information on resume review, interview prep, job placement, and career counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Women Employed — Free

Improving the economic status of women through advocacy and career navigation services. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce who need vetted, plain-language information on resume review, interview prep, job placement, and career counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. SCORE — Free Business Mentors — Free

Free mentoring and business education for entrepreneurs, including women business owners. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce who need vetted, plain-language information on resume review, interview prep, job placement, and career counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. SBA Office of Women's Business Ownership — Free

US Small Business Administration support for women entrepreneurs including Women's Business Centers. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women entering, re-entering, or advancing in the workforce who need vetted, plain-language information on resume review, interview prep, job placement, and career counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many job & career resources are in Michigan?
Women's Corner tracks 15 job & career resources for women in Michigan.
Are job & career resources in Michigan free?
15 of the 15 listed job & career resources in Michigan are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Michigan have job & career resources?
Listings span cities including Detroit.
What are some examples of job & career resources in Michigan?
Featured entries include Michigan Works!, Pure Michigan Talent Connect, Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, Michigan Small Business Development Center, Focus: HOPE — Detroit.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
6 of 15 Michigan job & career listings include phone numbers.
Where do I get free job training?
Your local American Job Center (find at CareerOneStop.org or call 1-877-872-5627) offers free training, resume help, and job placement through the WIOA program. Goodwill, Dress for Success, and Bottomless Closet provide job-readiness, interview clothing, and coaching. Community colleges run short-term certificate programs (CNA, medical billing, IT) under
,000 that lead to immediate jobs.
Are there programs that hire single mothers?
Yes. Many employers partner with Goodwill, YWCA, and Workforce Boards on second-chance and single-mom hiring tracks — childcare assistance, flexible schedules, and tuition reimbursement included. Look at 'Family Forward NC' style state initiatives, certified Family-Friendly employers, and federal contractors (required to support working parents). Healthcare and logistics are the fastest-growing single-mom-friendly fields.
How do I write a resume after years out of the workforce?
Skip the chronological format — use a functional or hybrid resume that leads with skills (organization, budgeting, time management, problem-solving from caregiving counts). Reframe volunteer work, PTA, and freelance work as professional experience. Free help: American Job Centers, Dress for Success Career Center, LinkedIn's free resume builder, and the SBA Women's Business Centers.
What if I have a criminal record?
You still qualify for most jobs — Ban-the-Box laws in 37 states delay background questions until later in hiring. Federal contractors can't ask about records on the initial application. The Federal Bonding Program insures employers against loss for hiring you. Many states allow expungement of certain records after a waiting period — ask legal aid about clearing your record.