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

Mazak 2026 poster

GCAMP Summer Manufacturing Tours: Mazak

Join us for a FREE summer tour

  • Explore the educational pathways that align with high wage, high tech careers.
  • Go "behind the scenes" to see how things we use every day are made.
  • Meet engineers, plant operators, and other industry professionals.

Middle school, high school, and college students, along with parents, teachers, and counselors are all encouraged to attend; however, limited spots are available. Registration is required for all participants. 

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore your future career path!

 

Mazak is a global, Japan-based, family-owned manufacturer that specializes in creating advanced CNC machine tools. Mazak provides a wide range of machining solutions for industries ranging from aerospace to medical and consumer reports to construction.

Join for a half-day Micro Experience. Students will:

  • See a variety of machines
  • Receive training on a machine
  • Work on a project to take home
  • Learn about industry career opportunities

June 26th, 2026 09:30 AM - June 26th, 2026 01:30 PM

300 Commerce Dr Schaumburg, IL

Learn more

7.14.26 Crossroads Career Expo

Crossroads Career Expo

Connect with Qualified Candidates. Promote Your Company & Career Field. Strengthen Workforce Pipelines.

The Crossroads Career Expo will take place on July 14 from 12:00 to 5:00 PM at Bell Works in Hoffman Estates, followed by an optional networking event from 5:30 to 8:00 PM hosted by Roll Call Chicagoland.

This sector-focused event will bring together employers, education partners, workforce organizations, and entrepreneurship stakeholders across advanced manufacturing, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and career development fields.

July 14th, 2026 12:00 PM - July 14th, 2026 05:00 PM

Bell Works 2000 Center Dr, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

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.

Gripple 2026 poster

GCAMP Summer Manufacturing Tour: Gripple

Join us for a FREE summer tour

  • Explore the educational pathways that align with high wage, high tech careers.
  • Go "behind the scenes" to see how things we use every day are made.
  • Meet engineers, plant operators, and other industry professionals.

Middle school, high school, and college students, along with parents, teachers, and counselors are all encouraged to attend; however, limited spots are available. Registration is required for all participants. 

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore your future career path!

 

Gripple is an employee-owned business that was established in 1989 as a means of joining agricultural wire fencing together. Today, it's a globally recognized manufacturer, delivering innovative solutions to construction and agricultural markets.

Join us to:

  • See the automated machines they build in-house
  • Learn about jobs in the industry
  • See manufacturing in action!

July 29th, 2026 09:00 AM - July 29th, 2026 11:00 AM

1611 Emily Lane Aurora, IL 60502

Learn more

Smartforce Student Summit 2026 logo

Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2026

The Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2026 brings the latest manufacturing technologies to life through hands-on, engaging learning experiences designed for educators and students. The Summit showcases the industry’s vision for the manufacturing technology classroom of the future: where innovation, digital tools, ad real-world applications come together.

Now in its 28th year, the Summit inspires students to pursue STEM education pathways leading to manufacturing careers, while provide educators with growth opportunities and giving industry a meaningful way to support education systems. Open to students and educators at all levels: K-12 and homeschool programs, community and technical colleges, universities, and adult education.

The Summit is free to attend and includes access to all four IMTS 2026 exhibit halls, spanning more than one million square feet of technology shaping the future of manufacturing in America.

September 14th, 2026 09:00 AM - September 19th, 2026 01:00 PM

McCormick Place – North Building, Hall C

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.

Miles for Manufacturing 9.16.26 event

Miles for Manufacturing 5K

Miles for Manufacturing (M4M) 5K Run/Walk brings the Greater Chicago manufacturing community together to support the next generation of talent. 

The next M4M will occur during IMTS 2026. Registration is open to run or walk, or you can show your support through sponsorship or a donation. Join the movement to strengthen our talent pipelines, one mile at a time.

Early bird registration: $40 for the 5K, $30 for 1-Mile

Why Participate?

Sponsors: Put your brand in front of thousands of IMTS attendees while directly fueling our industry's talent pipeline. Every dollar drives visibility for your company and opportunity for students. Ready to sponsor? Contact Cat Ross at cross@amtonline.org.

Runners & Walkers: Connect with industry colleagues, get moving before a busy show day, and leave your mark by helping fund STEM programs across nationwide.

September 16th, 2026 07:00 AM - September 16th, 2026 12:00 PM

DuSable Harbor in Chicago, IL

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