Free Career and Employment Help in Maryland
Job seekers in Maryland can get free help with employment and job training from two organizations:
- American Job Centers - physical locations
- Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE) - online only
Learn about how each free job assistance program can help, and then get connected.
American Job Centers
Job seekers can receive assistance in finding a job at American Job Centers. There are dozens of locations throughout Maryland.
You can get help with:
- career counseling
- job readiness
- employment leads
- resume creation
- cover letters
- networking support
You can access computers, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, phones, and the Internet to enhance your job search.
In addition to helping job seekers, the centers can also help businesses.
They also have a list of job fairs and local recruitment events.
American Job Centers
Job seekers can receive assistance in finding a job at American Job Centers. There are dozens of locations throughout Maryland.
You can get help with:
- career counseling
- job readiness
- employment leads
- resume creation
- cover letters
- networking support
You can access computers, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, phones, and the Internet to enhance your job search..
In addition to helping individuals looking for jobs, the centers can also help businesses.
SNAP Job Training Program
If you receive food stamps/SNAP benefits and are affected by the federal H.R. 1 changes, the SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) program can help. They offer free job training and support to prepare for employment.
Who qualifies?
Marylanders age 16 and older may be eligible when they:
- Receive monthly SNAP benefits
- Do not receive Cash Assistance or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Are able to work after completing the program
Type of job training
SNAP E&T programs typically run for 12 to 16 weeks and provide free training for careers in fields such as:
- Welding
- Construction
- Machine operation
- Manufacturing
- Health care
- Hospitality
- Computer technology and IT
The program also helps individuals overcome barriers to getting a job, whether that's a criminal record, transportation, or clothing; SNAP E&T can help.
After completing training, participants can also receive support finding a job and staying employed.
Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC)
This program helps individuals with professional, executive, technical, managerial, and/or scientific opportunities. The program is free and comparable to the level of support offered by private outplacement services, which can cost thousands of dollars.
POAC is provided by the Maryland Department of Labor's Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.
Popular Employment Searches
Find an employment training program near you, by using these popular job searches.
Adult Education And GED® Support
If you don’t have a high school diploma and want to earn one, several local organizations can help with test prep through adult education and literacy programs.
For testing, GED® Testing Service is the only authorized provider in Maryland.
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Unemployment benefits
These benefits replace part of an employee's income for a limited time for eligible individuals who lost their job, through no fault of their own.
Learn the steps in filing a claim and the weekly claim certification to keep unemployment benefits active.
Health Insurance while looking for a job
If healthcare is lost with the job, individuals may be eligible for:
- Medicaid
- COBRA through their former employer
- Insurance through Maryland Health Connection
Typically, these benefits are available within 60 days of losing the job.
Workers' Compensation
This coverage pays for medical care if the Workers' Compensation claim is accepted. The worker may also receive compensation to partially replace the lost wages.
Workers' compensation insurance does not cover all injuries.
It typically covers injuries caused by an
“accidental personal injury arising out of and in the course of employment.”
Employees must report the accident and injury to your employer. Get an employee Workers’ Compensation claim form or file Form C-1 online.
Learn more about the types of claims you can file, the process, and how to contact Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation Commission.
You can also get answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
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