Events

On the GCAMP Calendar of Events you will find:

  • Career/Job Fairs – These are hiring events, often held in anticipation of an upcoming high school or community college graduation, meant to help graduating students find jobs.   Manufacturers - find your next employees here!
  • Career Expos - (also sometimes called Showcases or Trades Fairs) These events are slightly different from job fairs.   They are geared towards younger students to encourage them to pursue a career in industry.   The students at these events are not seeking jobs yet, but they are looking for information about possibly pursuing careers in industry.   Manufacturers are invited to these events to introduce the next generation to the field of manufacturing. 
  • Mock Interviews -These events are for students to learn interviewing skills.  Industry professionals are needed to help conduct the mock interviews, and employers sometimes find potential real-life hires at mock interviews.
  • Advisory Meetings – These meetings allow industry experts an opportunity to give their input on how educators can refine their programs for current trends and technology.  These are great events to connect industry with education.
  • Competition Judge Requests – Student skills competitions are great ways for members of industry to meet skilled students and educators.  Plus, they are often a fun way for those in industry to volunteer their time and give back to the community. 
  • Awards & Scholarships - Awards refer to contests or competitions for people, frequently students, in manufacturing.  Scholarships on our page are for students to help fund their education beyond high school.   See the scholarship descriptions for more details. 

Do you have an upcoming event that you would like us to add to the GCAMP Events calendar?  Tell us about it! 

Upcoming Events

PMA Foundation Logo and Image

PMA Educational Foundation Scholarship Deadline

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP/TOOLING AWARD
 

OPENS OCTOBER 1, 2025
& CLOSES FEBRUARY 1, 2026

The Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation (PMAEF), in cooperation with PMA Districts, is offering scholarships/tooling awards of $500 - $3000 to individuals seeking a career in the metalforming industry. Each award is for one year and will be granted based on academic merit. Applicants may reapply for consideration the following year.

Learn more about Eligibility, Requirements, Selection Process, and Award Procedures at the link!

October 1st, 2025 12:00 AM - January 31st, 2026 11:59 PM

Learn more

Manufacturing workshop one pager

Maximizing Potential- Virtual Workshop on Disability Employment

You are invited!


Discover practical strategies to tap into a valuable yet often-overlooked talent pool, enhance workplace inclusion, and access available state resources for disability employment. This complimentary virtual workshop—offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in collaboration with the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services and Stannum Core Solutions—is tailored specifically for small to mid-sized Illinois manufacturers. Participating companies will gain insights into how disability inclusion can strengthen workplace culture, boost innovation, and improve overall productivity.


Who is eligible?


Manufacturing companies in Illinois with fewer than 500 employees. We invite you to register for the upcoming virtual workshop on Thursday November 13, 2025.

Prior to the workshop


Complete a short, 10-minute survey to help us tailor our content to better meet your needs. As a token of appreciation, the first 200 eligible respondents will receive a $10 Starbuck gift card. They survey will remain open through October 15.


https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_efgVUZBnH0q9djw

 

November 13th, 2025 09:00 AM - November 13th, 2025 12:00 PM

Virtual

Learn more

Waubonsee logo

CAD/Engineering Program Advisory Meeting

We are seeking your input regarding best practices in the field, equipment and technology needs for the program, and the skills and/or credentials you are seeking in employment candidates. Your feedback is critical for the success of our students. 

Attend In Person or Remotely- receive the link after completing registration.

Please consider joining us or sending a representative from your organization.  Visit our website for more details about this program:

Computer-Aided Design and Drafting

Please register by 11/12 or contact agaspar@waubonsee.edu

November 14th, 2025 07:30 AM - November 14th, 2025 09:00 AM

In Person at Waubonsee Community College- Sugar Grove Campus- Collins Hall 205 (North Entrance-N1 Parking Lot) OR Attend Remotely

Learn more

ECC Expo

ECC Apprenticeship Expo

Apprenticeships are more than just training programs—they are a proven way to build a reliable talent pipeline, reduce turnover, and upskill your workforce. By combining classroom learning with structured on-the-job training, apprenticeships help employers ensure employees have the exact skills needed to succeed in their industry.

New to Apprenticeships? Join us at the 2025 Apprenticeship Expo to learn more about how apprenticeships can be a powerful tool for the future of your business.

Active Apprenticeship Employer? Host a table during the expo to share information about your training programs with high school students, community members, and job seekers who are eager to get started.

November 20th, 2025 09:00 AM - November 20th, 2025 12:00 PM

1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, IL 60123 Building E

Learn more

College Career Readiness header 2.27.26

College, Career & Wellness Fair

West Aurora High School, Batavia High School, and Yorkville High School are pleased to announce a collaborative College, Career & Wellness Fair on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at West Aurora High School.

This annual event has drawn strong student participation from across Kane, Kendall, and DuPage counties, and we are excited to continue that tradition. We would love for your organization to join us in providing students with valuable resources and opportunities that support their college and career readiness.

February 27th, 2026 09:00 AM - February 27th, 2026 11:00 AM

West Aurora High School 1201 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506

Learn more

Past Events

11.6.25 D219 Career Fair Flyer

District 219 "Focus on Your Future" Career Expo & Job Fair

District 219 invites you to participate in our annual "Focus on Your Future" Career Expo and Job Fair. Please note that we're holding this event only once this year, making it an especially valuable opportunity to connect with our exceptional students and engaged parent community.This event provides a unique platform for you to showcase your outstanding programs and employment opportunities directly to our high school students. We encourage all partners to join us in helping students discover diverse career pathways, build meaningful connections with industry professionals like yourself, and gain valuable insights into their future career and employment options.We look forward to your participation in this important community event! 

November 6th, 2025 06:00 PM - November 6th, 2025 08:00 PM

Niles North High School 9800 Lawler Ave., Skokie

11.6.25 D300 Career Fair

District 300 Pathway & Career Fair

Help D300 students explore future career paths, connect with local industries, and get a head start on preparing for the workforce. We invite local employers and community organizations to host a table and showcase career opportunities. Who: Local employers & community organizations are invited to host tables. This open to all D300 middle and high school students and their families. What: Host a table at our Pathway & Career FairQuestions? Email Mr. Jon Anderson, Coordinator of College and Career Readiness jonathan.anderson@d300.org  Register: Using the link

November 6th, 2025 06:00 PM - November 6th, 2025 08:00 PM

Jacobs High School- Field House. 2601 Bunker Hill Dr. Algonquin

FVCC Open house 11/6/25

FVCC Open House

November 6th, 2025 05:30 PM - November 6th, 2025 08:00 PM

Maple Park, 47W326 Keslinger Rd, Maple Park, IL 60151, USA

GCAMP MFG Breakfast 11.6.25

GCAMP Manufacturing Breakfast and Facility Tour

The VIA, GCAMP and Waubonsee Community College invite Manufacturers and Community Members to a Manufacturing Breakfast at the new Technical Education Center (TEC) on the Sugar Grove Campus.A strong community needs a competitive workforce. Enter Waubonsee’s Technical Education Center (TEC) — a building specially designed to meet the rigorous training and educational needs of 21st century technicians, the makers and doers that drive the regional economy and beyond.This exciting new building gives students, the local workforce, and the wider community more of what they need — increased enrollment capacities, enhanced curricular possibilities, greater opportunity for industry partnerships, and more.

November 6th, 2025 08:30 AM - November 6th, 2025 10:30 AM

Waubonsee Community College Route 47 @ Waubonsee Dr. Sugar Grove, IL 60554

Manufacturing Job Fair 10.24.25

Career & Job Placement Center Manufacturing Job Fair

Explore career opportunities in one of the fastest-growing and most innovative industries. -Connect directly with recruiters and hiring managers-Network with professionals and learn about career paths in modern manufacturing-Discuss job openings & learn how to apply-Gain insights into industry trends

October 24th, 2025 11:00 AM - October 24th, 2025 01:00 PM

College of Lake County Grayslake Campus Student Street