Career Counselors (Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act)

Customers who are eligible for support through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) can receive intensive job search assistance and counseling, as well as training or career change exploration and support. Career guidance is provided to help identify job opportunities, to assist in job search, resume development, interviewing or networking planning, as needed.

Funding also may be available to help defray the cost of occupational training for eligible customers who need to improve their marketability in order to re-enter the workforce. Funding support is not guaranteed.

After attending a Career Center Seminar or Orientation, customers interested in training should register for a “Training Opportunities Workshop.” If they would like career counseling services, there are many options available listed on our calendar of events or through the WIOA program.

Online Walk-In Career Counseling

Online Walk-In Career Counseling Services are available Tuesdays from 9am to 10am and Thursdays from 1pm to 2pm to receive information and advice on a variety of job search and career counseling.

Click the link to join us in Zoom Online Walk-In Career Counseling Services

You will be in a waiting room until a career counselor is ready for you. Counseling sessions will be 10-15 minutes.

Military Veteran Information and Support

Veterans receive priority for career center services. Please contact the Veteran Specialist to learn more about training grants, benefit programs, and to receive job counseling and job development support and guidance.

Youth Opportunities for ages 14-24

Please register for a Youth Orientation to receive guidance on job search planning, job opportunities, GED or MCAS preparation, support and referrals. Information is available on Work Readiness Certificate Programs, as well as referrals to other youth organizations, such as the Westover Job Corp. Youth Counselors are available for assistance and guidance. (Customers who are between 18 and 24 also have the option to use adult services, if that is preferred.)

Services for People Living with Disabilities

A Disability Resource Counselor and walk-in career counselors are available to help with general job counseling and advice, and a Job Developer works with job ready customers who are eligible for Ticket to Work support. An SSI Benefits Specialist is available by appointment, and a MRC Counselor may be seen by appointment to discuss training and other opportunities. Adaptive equipment is available upon request.

Unemployment Insurance questions & claims assistance

• If you need to file an unemployment claim please call (877) 626-6800, or you can do so online at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits
• Helpful Unemployment Information and More: https://masshireholyoke.org/helpful-unemployment-links/
• Unemployment Website: https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online

Bilingual ESOL, GED, and Adult Basic Education Referrals

Please make an appointment with the JUNTOS ABE Referral Specialist to learn more about available day or evening classes and programs at Adult Basic Education programs in the community.

Re-entry Services

Career Counselors and Reentry Specialists are available to provide individual guidance, job development to eligible customers, and referrals to supportive community programs, as well as workshops designed to help customers with a criminal record learn how to identify & overcome employment barriers. Ex-offenders receive assistance identifying job opportunities, as well as guidance on job search planning and preparation

Homeless Services

If you are homeless or believe you will be, support and information is available. Please see a Walk-in Career Counselor. A very good summary of local supportive services also is available in the Resource Center. Please contact the Reception Desk for more information.

Mature Workers

Career Counseling, Job search assistance, and workshops are available for individuals who think they need support because of obstacles they might encounter because of age barriers.