Job Search & Career Training

Ohio Means Jobs 

A free job and career resource center. They prioritize aiding veterans and their families, dislocated workers, and individuals with barriers to employment. Learn More >

1916 Central Parkway Cincinnati, OH, 45214 

513-946-7200 

Benefits:

Cincinnati Works

A free career and financial coaching program for adults 18+ helping people find jobs that help them reach their goals. Learn More >

708 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

513-744-WORK

Benefits:


City Link Center

5 free career training programs combine hands-on training with internships and provide industry-recognized certifications. Free info sessions Mondays 10-11:30am or Wednesdays 1-2:30pm

800 Bank Street, Cincinnati, OH 45214

513-357-2000

CincySmiles Dental Assistant Training

Certified Dental Assistant training. Students leave the program qualified to garner a salary of $35,000 to $40,000 annually with the ability to grow and advance within the profession. Learn More >


5310 Rapid Run Road Suite 101, Cincinnati, OH 45238

CSF@cincysmiles.org

513-621-0248

Freestore Foodbank

2 free programs combine hands-on training to earn industry certifications while earning $100/week. Opportunity to transfer course credits earned to a local college towards a degree. Support services from Freestore help you stay on track.

112 E Liberty Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

513-482-7292

Cincinnati COOKS! >

First Course

A 10-week course where students learn the mechanics of a commercial kitchen from chefs and professionals and earn a ServSafe certification. Students also learn professional and life skills to ensure success in the food service industry and in their personal lives. Course topics include: food safety, food inventory and storage, basic nutrition and knife skills.

Second Course

Continue your education in this 8-week Second Course advanced program that provides higher skills training for management and employment in fine dining restaurants.

Earn College Credits

After completing both Cincinnati COOKS! and Second Course, you can further your education at Cincinnati State, transferring credits toward earning an Associate Degree in Culinary Management through the College of Business Technology.


LIFT the Tristate >

Logistics, Inventory Management, Facilities Management and Transportation (LIFT)

A 12-week free hands-on training program based in Northern Kentucky where students learn from experienced warehouse personnel at Freestore Foodbank, take specialized Gateway Community and Technical College coursework, as well as links to local employment through program partners. Program includes transportation, clothing, and lunch.

Certifications You Can Earn

Earn College Credits

Earn 3 credit hours through Gateway College for each certificate program you pass (Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) and/or Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)).

CAA Career Pathways

4 free programs combine solid classroom study with hands-on training and provide industry-recognized credentials to set the foundation for long-term rewards. Support services from CAA  help you stay on track.


Blueprint for Success > 

Provides young adults (18+) with classroom instruction and hands-on training in the construction field along with intensive supportive services to address barriers to self-sufficiency including:

CDL DRIVER TRAINING >

Take the wheel and start a new career through the CAA Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program.  

Tech Works >

IT training from basic computer literacy to industry certification. This program is ideal for individuals who need basic computer knowledge to obtain employment or who are interested in starting a career in the IT field.  

Vocational Training >

A partnership with the Cincinnati State Workforce Development Center to provide industry credential training. Receive state and/or national recognized curriculum and certified professional instruction in path to earn an Industry Certification in the areas of:

Healthcare Career Training

Eligibility:

For People with a Criminal Record

Center for Employment Opportunities

Helping people who have recently been released from prison (felonies and misdemeanors accepted, excluding charges of sex offenses) and are ready to take their life in a new direction through employment. Learn More >

800 Bank Street, Cincinnati, OH 45214

(513)-357-2000

Benefits:







The Phoenix Program

A free career and financial coaching program for adults 18+ with a criminal record.  Learn More >

708 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

513-744-WORK

Benefits:

Easterseals

One-on-one solutions to the unique challenges faced by each individual to find sustainable employment.  

2901 Gilbert Av, Cincinnati, OH 45206

513-281-2316

Benefits:




Felon-Friendly Companies

Scroll through the listing below of felon-friendly companies and second chance employers listed on the Voice of Black Cincinnati webpage:

For Women

Higher Her >

A 4-week women's career development program that helps women gain professional skills, accelerate their job search, and build confidence through weekly training sessions, one-on-one career coaching, mock interviews with Cincinnati employers, and networking in a supportive environment. 

ariversharper@dfscincy.org

513-651-3372

Benefits:







Rise >

A free upskilling certification program designed for moms and women of color, creating access to career advancement by harnessing the power of community and support - in six months or less. No prior experience or degree is required to successfully be accepted into the program, or complete any of the certification tracks.


RISE@themomproject.com


Benefits:


ADVANCE >

A 12-week intensive professional development training program offered to African-American women in Metro Cincinnati. The program consists of a mix of training in soft skills, leadership development, financial literacy, and life skills. This program also includes a mentorship event, job fair, and speaker series. Cost is $100. 


info@gennowcincy.org

513-237-1292

Benefits:

For Youth (Ages 14-24)

Leading Men's Fellowship >

Leading Men Fellows are men aged 18-24 who participate in a year-long, residency-style program which provides an opportunity to build professional skills while preparing students to become early childhood educators. Must be a man aged 18-24 who has a high school diploma/GED, but not a college degree who passes the background check.

Benefits:

This innovative program that can help work-eligible youth (ages 14-24) build career paths, find employment and break the cycle of poverty. Must receive Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance or receive services through the JFS PRC program.


Benefits:


Enroll:

Provides young adults (16-24) who did not complete high school the opportunity to improve their lives. Participants learn the construction trades by rehabbing low-income properties while also working toward their high school diploma or GED.


Benefits:


Enroll:



A free program for youth (16- 24**) to teach "skills they need to become employable and independent and to place them in meaningful jobs or further their education." The program takes about 18+ months to complete.

1409 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45214

513-651-2000

Benefits:


This year-round case management and employment program supports youth (14-24) moving out of poverty through education, training, and employment. Talbert House is the lead agency with collaborative partners: Greater Cincinnati Urban League, Hamilton County Action Agency, and Easterseals.

Benefits:

For People with Disabilities or Mental Illnesses

IKRON specializes in providing services to adults and youth with mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders, and/or physical disabilities to "help each person recognize and value his or her self-worth, skills, and talents, as well as his or her work skills, in order to obtain a job in the community. Additionally, [their] integrated services offer a full range of supports that individuals can use and access as needed."


Benefits:


Enroll:

United Way (Call 211)

Speak to a trained professional who can connect you to essential community services — 24/7, 365 days a year. Translation services available.

Their certified information and referral specialists are trained to listen, engage, ask questions, assess your needs and connect you to a community resource from our large database of local providers in the tristate.


Search United Way's Database of Assistance Sources >


How to Contact United Way

Dial 211 or 513-721-7900

Text "211CARES" to 51555

Online Request - https://www.uwgc.org/get-help/united-way-211/intake-form


What Can 211 Help With?

The 211 service can help you find and access a number of resources (kind of like a Google search specifically for finding assistance for your situation). Below are just a few of the things they can help you find:

BASIC NEEDS: Food, Clothing, Cleaning Supplies, Low-Income Help, Transportation, Community Meals, Fresh Food, Housing, Child Care, Baby Supplies (Food, Diapers, etc.)

HOUSING: Tenant Rights, Public Housing, Rent Assistance, Mortgage Help, Homelessness, Relocation, Section 8, Care Shelters (Abuse, Youth, Elderly, Homeless, Women, Families), Senior Housing, Housing Complaints, Emergency Assistance

UTILITIES: We can help if you're struggling to pay bills or deposits for Electric/Power, Gas, Heat, Sewer, Water, Telecommunications (including Internet Access) and more.

MENTAL SERVICES: Support Groups, Therapy Referrals, Care Providers, Family Counseling, Counseling Providers, Adult and Child Behavioral Health Programs and Support, Bereavement and Grief Support, Identifying Mental Health Support Providers, Psychiatric Support Services, Specialized Support Hotlines.

HEALTH CARE: Health Screenings, Diagnostic Services, Substance Abuse Services, Immunization, Disability Information, New Parent and Expectant Parent Servies, Vaccinations, Prescription Medication Discounts, and more.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: Job Training, Career Fairs, Continuing Education, Employment Agencies, General Employment Resources and Career Counseling Services.