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

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

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.

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

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.

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

3.5.26 ACC Career Fair

Wilco ACC Tech & Trades Career Fair

You are cordially invited to the 2026 Wilco Area Career Center Tech & Trades Career Fair. If you are looking for your next Entry-Level new hire or Apprentice then look no further. Wilco ACC will have our best & brightest High School Seniors on hand to meet with you and discuss their possible role in your organization. Seniors will have copies of their resume available for your consideration.The event will be hosted at the Wilco ACC campus from 8am to 2pm. Refreshments will be provided for our Guests. Please see the link below for the registration flyer. If you have any additional comments, questions or concerns please reach out to me at: nmoran@wilcoacc.org

March 5th, 2026 08:00 AM - March 5th, 2026 02:00 PM

Wilco Area Career Center, 500 Wilco Dr, Romeoville, IL 60446, USA

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

D300 2.5.26 Event

District 300 Postsecondary, Career, & Transition Fair

Purpose:To provide D300 junior and senior students with opportunities to explore and plan for life after high school.What to Expect:Students from all 3 D300 high schools will have the opportunity to interact with various employers, community partners, and postsecondary institutions to learn more about career options available and planning their lives after high school.If you are willing to host a table and interact with students sharing information related to various career paths, then we could use your help!*Lunch will be provided to our partners who are in attendance. 

February 5th, 2026 08:00 AM - February 5th, 2026 01:00 PM

Dundee-Crowd High School: 1500 Kings Road, Carpentersville, 60110

TCD Spring Open House

TCD Winter 2026 Open House

Please join us for our Winter Open House.Experience programs that ignite curiosity and drive resultsMeet educators who truly care about your successJoin a vibrant community where learning comes aliveFor more information contact Izzy Castillo, Coordinator of Regional Partnerships, at izzyc@daoes.org

January 15th, 2026 06:30 PM - January 15th, 2026 08:00 PM

301 South Swift Rd Addison, IL 60101

Award applications now open. Application deadline: February 8th.

GCAMP Outstanding Manufacturing Awards Application Deadline

Don't miss the deadline for submitting applications for the:Outstanding Manufacturing Student of the YearOutstanding Manufacturing Educator of the YearDeveloping Our Future AwardThe Outstanding Manufacturing Student Award celebrates future makers and creators.  The winner receives a $500 cash prize and is honored at the VIA Spark Awards.The Outstanding Manufacturing Educator Award recognizes educators who are instrumental in developing the next generation of makers and creators. The winner receives a $500 cash prize, $500 for classroom needs, and is honored at the VIA Spark Awards.The Developing our Future Award recognizes a manufacturer who is going above and beyond the rest to support the next generation of manufacturers. Winners are honored at the VIA Spark Awards.

December 18th, 2025 11:40 AM - February 8th, 2026 11:59 PM