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

Foster Hiring Fair

Congressman Bill Foster’s Job & Career Fair

Employers

Congressman Bill Foster, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and Waubonsee Community College, invites employers to participate in an upcoming Job & Career Fair designed to connect qualified candidates with businesses looking to hire.

Why Participate? 

This event offers employers the opportunity to meet job seekers face-to-face, showcase career opportunities, and fill open positions with top talent from our community.

Registration Deadline: 

Register by September 25, 2026

October 1st, 2026 08:30 AM - October 1st, 2026 01:00 PM

Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove Campus Academic and Professional Center

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.

PMAEF logo

Educational Scholarship/Tooling Award

The Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation (PMAEF), in cooperation with PMA districts, is offering scholarships/tooling awards of $500 – $3000 to individuals seeking careers 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.

Applicants must:

  • Be a high school senior or a current post-secondary student.
  • Be enrolled in one of the following:
    • Metalforming, manufacturing, technology, engineering, robotics or automation programs
    • Trades, job training, apprenticeship, machining, CNC, tool & die, welding or stamping certificate programs
    • An accredited institution offering at least 20 contact hours in a related field
  • Be pursuing further education for a career in manufacturing through a post-secondary institution, trade/technical school or apprenticeship program.
  • Meet listed requirements to be considered for this scholarship.

October 5th, 2026 07:00 AM - January 31st, 2027 11:55 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.

Mfg Day Oct 6 pic

Three Rivers Manufacturing Association MFG Day

Showcase your company — be an exhibitor at the 11th Annual MFG Day!

We are excited to announce that TRMA’s MFG Day event will be held this year on October 6th, and exhibitor registration is open!

Each year, MFG Day gives students the opportunity to explore the incredible career paths available in manufacturing, connect with local companies, and experience firsthand the innovation happening in our industry. We are expecting around 900 students to attend this year, and your company’s presence truly helps make this event such a meaningful and successful experience for them.

If you already know your company would like to participate as an exhibitor, we encourage you to register early.

We are looking forward to another amazing year and appreciate your continued support in inspiring the next generation of manufacturers!

October 6th, 2026 09:00 AM - October 6th, 2026 01:00 PM

JJC Event Center 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431

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.

MCC logo

MCC Manufacturing Industry Council Breakfast

Manufacturing and industry partners are invited to join McHenry County College for our 16th Annual Manufacturing Industry Council Breakfast.

EVENT SCHEDULE

  •  7:15–8 a.m. — Breakfast, Networking, MCC Resource Zone & Self-Guided Tours
  • 8–9 a.m. — Main Program
  • 9–10 a.m. — Advisory Committee Meetings

October 7th, 2026 07:15 AM - October 7th, 2026 10:00 AM

McHenry County College Main Campus, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012 Engagement Hall & Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation

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.

Naperville 203 logo

Career Motive-8

This year marks the fifth Career Motive-8, and we are excited to continue connecting more than 1,200 Naperville 203 eighth grade students with businesses and professionals from across our community.

Career Motive-8 is a school-day career exploration event where students participate in a field trip experience at Naperville Yard, interacting with businesses through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and conversations about careers and future opportunities.

Set-Up: Thursday evening, October 15 (times will be shared closer to the event)

Thank you for helping connect students to future career pathways and opportunities in our community.

October 16th, 2026 08:00 AM - October 16th, 2026 02:00 PM

Naperville Yard, 1601 Legacy Cir, Naperville, IL 60563

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

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-MileWhy 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

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

Jacobs High School Volunteer Fair 2026

Jacobs High School Volunteer & Employment Fair

Jacobs High School is excited to invite local employers and community organizations to participate in this event, which will provide juniors and seniors with an opportunity to connect directly with community partners offering part-time employment, volunteer opportunities, community service, career exploration, and other real-world experiences.This event will be the first industry, employer, and community partner event of the school year supporting the College and Career Readiness Department. It is designed to help students build connections, explore future opportunities, and continue working toward becoming college and career ready.We hope your organization will consider joining us and hosting a table for this opportunity to engage with Jacobs High School students.

August 11th, 2026 10:45 AM - August 11th, 2026 01:45 PM

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

Gripple 2026 poster

GCAMP Summer Manufacturing Tour: Gripple

Join us for a FREE summer tourExplore 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-houseLearn about jobs in the industrySee manufacturing in action!

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

1611 Emily Lane Aurora, IL 60502

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