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

Mike Rowe Scholarship

Work Ethic Scholarships

At mikeroweWORKS, we know the real world doesn’t run on a once-a-year deadline. Training programs start and bills show up year-round. As a result, we've decided to expand our application window and give more hardworking men and women the chance to apply when they’re ready and when funding matters most. This year, you can apply for a scholarship any time between February 23, 2026 until October 31, 2026.

Requirements: 

  • Enroll in an approved program
  • Sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
  • Answer 4 questions about the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
  • Make a video.
  • Have 2 solid references from a teacher or boss.
  • Verify your school costs.
  • Provide high school or college transcript.

February 23rd, 2026 12:00 AM - October 31st, 2026 11:59 PM

Learn more

This is not a GCAMP event, but is one that we believe in. This event aligns with our shared goal of connecting students and job seekers with real manufacturing career opportunities. Any inquiries, including event logistics and registration, should be directed to the hosting organization.

GCAMP, proud to be Chicagoland’s manufacturing workforce connector.

5.7.26 Network Event

Naperville 203 Network Event

You are invited to join us for the Naperville 203 Network Event, an opportunity to connect with community leaders, business professionals, internship hosts, and partners who share a commitment to supporting Naperville 203 students.

Hosted by the Workforce Innovation Council, this open house-style gathering brings together those already making a difference and those interested in getting involved. It is a chance to build relationships, exchange ideas, and explore new ways to collaborate in preparing students for their futures.

Optional Post-Event Invitation

After the networking event, all attendees are invited to stay and join us for Naperville 203’s INCubatoredu Pitch Night.

Where: Same Location - Embassy Suites 

Schedule:

  • 6:00 – 6:45 PM: Student Showcases & Wild Card Presentations
  • 6:45 – 9:00 PM: Pitch Competition

Come support Naperville 203’s young entrepreneurs as they present their innovative ideas and compete for funding to bring their businesses to life. We hope you will stay and celebrate the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of our students.

May 7th, 2026 04:00 PM - May 7th, 2026 06:00 PM

Embassy Suites 1823 Arbriter Ct. Naperville

Learn more

This is not a GCAMP event, but is one that we believe in. This event aligns with our shared goal of connecting students and job seekers with real manufacturing career opportunities. Any inquiries, including event logistics and registration, should be directed to the hosting organization.

GCAMP, proud to be Chicagoland’s manufacturing workforce connector.

5.12.26 West Aurora Mock Interviews

West Aurora Weisner Center Mock Interviews

You are invited to an employer advisory meeting and mock interviews of West Aurora High School Weisner Center students from the Building Trades, Machining and Welding programs.

Who is invited: 
1.) Employers in the Aurora area interested in learning more about the current programming at the Weisner Center in Building Trades, Machining and Welding.
2.) Employers in the Aurora area hiring for positions in Building Trades, Machining and Welding.

You don't need any past experience with high school students or in other events like this to participate. We will supply mock questions and all the support you need to be successful.

May 12th, 2026 07:35 AM - May 12th, 2026 02:45 PM

Weisner Center, 1920 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora

Learn more

In the Workplace Aurora series 2026

Develop Your Workforce with East and West Aurora School Districts

Join leaders from East and West Aurora School Districts and the P-20 Network for a dynamic professional development event exclusively for employer partners in the greater Aurora area. Discover how engaging in career awareness, work-based learning, internships and much more can strengthen your workforce strategy and build a future-ready talent pool. Invest two hours with us and help the next generation of Aurora's workforce while advancing your organization's talent goals. This project is supported by the Dunham Foundation. Breakfast is included.

June 11th, 2026 08:30 AM - June 11th, 2026 10:30 AM

West Aurora Weisner Center - 1920 W. Galena Blvd. Aurora

Learn more

This is not a GCAMP event, but is one that we believe in. This event aligns with our shared goal of connecting students and job seekers with real manufacturing career opportunities. Any inquiries, including event logistics and registration, should be directed to the hosting organization.

GCAMP, proud to be Chicagoland’s manufacturing workforce connector.

mHub logo

mHUB ROBOT Build & Bash

Join mHUB for a family-friendly Build & Bash robot competition! Whether you're an amateur, a first-time builder, or an expert just looking to have fun and show how it's done, this event is for you. All attendees will have the opportunity to build DIY robots with technical guidance and take part in obstacles and a bracketed battle later in the day.

​Want a leg up? Purchase a "kit" at check-out to ensure you have all the materials you need to dominate.

​Feeling confident in your creation? Enter the bracket competition onsite and wrap up the day with epic head-to-head battles starting at 4PM.

*Kids 5-years old and under do not need a ticket

June 20th, 2026 01:00 PM - June 20th, 2026 04:00 PM

1623 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

Learn more

This is not a GCAMP event, but is one that we believe in. This event aligns with our shared goal of connecting students and job seekers with real manufacturing career opportunities. Any inquiries, including event logistics and registration, should be directed to the hosting organization.

GCAMP, proud to be Chicagoland’s manufacturing workforce connector.

Past Events

4.8.26 Spark Career Extravaganza

Spark! Career Extravaganza

On April 28, 2026, Valley Education for Employment System (VALEES) will be organizing an interactive event for ninth graders. Students from Indian Valley Vocational Center (participating high schools include Earlville, Hinckley-Big Rock, Indian Creek, Leland, Newark, Plano, Sandwich, Serena, Somonauk and Yorkville) will attend this career exploration event in the gym at the Fox Valley Family YMCA in Plano, Illinois. Expected attendance is between 500-600 9th graders.  Students will visit each of the 7 Pathway Endorsement Areas (Agriculture; Arts and Communications; Finance and Business; Human and Public Services; Health Sciences and Technology; Information Technology and Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology and Trades). It is strongly encouraged that industry experts bring hands-on activities for students. VALEES will provide breakfast and boxed lunch.Please follow the steps below to complete your registration.  Contact our College and Career Pathway Endorsement Coordinator, Josi Moran at jmoran1@waubonsee.edu or 630-466-2953 with any additional questions.

April 28th, 2026 07:30 AM - April 28th, 2026 02:30 PM

Fox Valley Family YMCA 3875 Eldamain Road- Plano

In the Workplace Aurora series 2026

Develop Your Workforce with East and West Aurora School Districts

Join leaders from East and West Aurora School Districts and the P-20 Network for a dynamic professional development event exclusively for employer partners in the greater Aurora area. Discover how engaging in career awareness, work-based learning, internships and much more can strengthen your workforce strategy and build a future-ready talent pool. Invest two hours with us and help the next generation of Aurora's workforce while advancing your organization's talent goals. This project is supported by the Dunham Foundation. Lunch is included.

April 27th, 2026 11:30 AM - April 27th, 2026 01:30 PM

East Aurora D131 - 310 Seminary Ave. Aurora

Timken 4.24.26

Timken Aurora Bearing Career Fair

On the Spot Interviews!Opportunities for Hourly Production Positions Include:CNC/Machine OperatorsAssembly Set Up OperatorsMaterials CoordinatorsAnd MoreRequirements:High School Diploma or GEDAt least 18 years of agePass BackgroundPass Preemployment Physical/Drug ScreenPreferred Manufacturing ExperienceBenefits Include:Up to 2 weeks of vacation time10 days of Holiday PayOn the Job TrainingMedical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and More401(k) Plan with Company MatchTuition ReimbursementAnd More!

April 24th, 2026 08:00 AM - April 24th, 2026 05:00 PM

901 Aucutt Rd. Montgomery, IL 60538

Township High School District 211

2026 District 211 Senior Job Fair Application

Space is limited!This event is for graduating Senior students from Palatine, Fremd, Conant, Schaumburg, and Hoffman Estates High Schools who have indicated upon graduation they will be entering the workforce and seeking full-time employment opportunities.Company reps arrive at 8:00 a.m. Students will attend between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Please complete the linked form if you are interested in participating in the D211 Senior Job Fair and email your responses to Paula Waterman at pwaterman@d211.org If you submit your application before Monday, February 9, 2026, we will reserve and confirm your space at our event by Friday, February 13, 2026.  Applications received after Friday, February 13, will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified by March 26th if space is available.

April 23rd, 2026 08:00 AM - April 23rd, 2026 12:00 PM

Schaumburg High School 1100 W Schaumburg Road

mHub logo

iBIO LabShare Free-Cycle Event

Calling all Educators and Start-Ups!Get ready to stock your classrooms and labs for free! iBIO's LabShare Free-Cycle is an event offering donated new or gently used lab supplies, equipment, and materials for your classroom or lab.Cost: FREE (just bring your work/school ID and something to carry your items home in!)Location: Free and paid street parking is available around the building. The Green and Pink lines stop at Ashland and Lake just one block south of mHUB. The CTA 9 bus also has a stop right in front of mHUB.What You'll Find:Reusable: Glassware, Plasticware, Tube Racks, and FunnelsEquipment: Microscopes, Water Baths, Electronic Serological Pipette Controller, Shakers, pH Meters, Table-top IncubatorsConsumables such as pipettes, tips, kimwipes, plastic syringes, and SO MUCH MORE!The Baxter Center for Science Education will also have supplies available for donation to teachers.Please note: All equipment and supplies are available on a first come, first served basis. You must take your items home with you.

April 22nd, 2026 02:00 PM - April 22nd, 2026 06:00 PM

1623 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA