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

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.

Sparkforce Camp 2026 flyer

Sparkforce Summer Manufacturing Camp

Girls Exploring Trades, Tech, and Design

For Female Students Ages 13-16

When: June 22-25 Daily 8:30am-4:00pm

Cost: $100

June 22nd, 2026 08:30 AM - June 25th, 2026 04:00 PM

Waubonsee Community College Technical Education Ctr., Rm. 119 Rt. 47 at Waubonsee Dr. Sugar Grove, IL 60554

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.

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

Past Events

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

East Aurora Career Fair 4.22.26

East Aurora High School Career Fair

Please join East Aurora High School at our Career Fair on April 22nd, 2026 from 12pm - 2:30pm. This event is an excellent opportunity to expose our students to job opportunities, vocational training, and other post-secondary avenues. We expect nearly 3,000 freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors to attend!

April 22nd, 2026 11:00 AM - April 22nd, 2026 02:30 PM

: East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora, Illinois 60505