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

Manufacturing workshop one pager

Maximizing Potential- Virtual Workshop on Disability Employment

You are invited!


Discover practical strategies to tap into a valuable yet often-overlooked talent pool, enhance workplace inclusion, and access available state resources for disability employment. This complimentary virtual workshop—offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in collaboration with the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services and Stannum Core Solutions—is tailored specifically for small to mid-sized Illinois manufacturers. Participating companies will gain insights into how disability inclusion can strengthen workplace culture, boost innovation, and improve overall productivity.


Who is eligible?


Manufacturing companies in Illinois with fewer than 500 employees. We invite you to register for the upcoming virtual workshop on Thursday November 13, 2025.

Prior to the workshop


Complete a short, 10-minute survey to help us tailor our content to better meet your needs. As a token of appreciation, the first 200 eligible respondents will receive a $10 Starbuck gift card. They survey will remain open through October 15.


https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_efgVUZBnH0q9djw

 

November 13th, 2025 09:00 AM - November 13th, 2025 12:00 PM

Virtual

Learn more

Waubonsee logo

CAD/Engineering Program Advisory Meeting

We are seeking your input regarding best practices in the field, equipment and technology needs for the program, and the skills and/or credentials you are seeking in employment candidates. Your feedback is critical for the success of our students. 

Attend In Person or Remotely- receive the link after completing registration.

Please consider joining us or sending a representative from your organization.  Visit our website for more details about this program:

Computer-Aided Design and Drafting

Please register by 11/12 or contact agaspar@waubonsee.edu

November 14th, 2025 07:30 AM - November 14th, 2025 09:00 AM

In Person at Waubonsee Community College- Sugar Grove Campus- Collins Hall 205 (North Entrance-N1 Parking Lot) OR Attend Remotely

Learn more

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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

Learn more

Past Events

Illuminate Career Pathways 10.24.25

Illuminate Career Pathways

Business & Industry Partners NeededSupport City of Aurora freshmen, including those from East and West Aurora High Schools, Batavia High School, and Kaneland High School, as they explore careers in the greater Aurora area.Host an interactive booth!

October 24th, 2025 07:30 AM - October 24th, 2025 02:00 PM

Waubonsee Community College, Route 47 @ Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL, Akerlow Hall--Room 202 (Use the North Entrance)

Waubonsie Valley High School logo

Waubonsie Valley High School Career Fair

Waubonsie Valley High School would like to cordially invite you to participate in our Career Connections Program designed to help students explore future career and educational choices. Our Career Fair is back this year, and we could not be more excited for our students to participate in this great event. Our Career Fair will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, with arrival at 8:30 am. This day serves as a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain insights regarding potential careers and the preparation necessary to pursue their post-secondary plans.Professionals are invited to host a booth in our field house where students will rotate through during our five lunch periods from 9:18-1:33. All freshmen will attend the fair the first half of each lunch period, and upperclassmen will have the opportunity to participate throughout all lunch periods or by attending the fair with a class. Continental Breakfast, starting at 8:30 am, and boxed lunches are provided to all fair attendees.We truly feel that your real-world experiences will help motivate students to continue exploring the vast opportunities they have available upon completion of their education at Waubonsie Valley High School. Please feel free to share this invitation with others in your network! We thank you in advance for sharing your valuable time and insight with our students. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

October 23rd, 2025 08:30 AM - October 23rd, 2025 02:00 PM

Waubonsie Valley High School 2590 Ogden Avenue Aurora, IL 60504

Barrington 10.23 save the date

Barrington HS Career Expo

Barrington High School is excited to announce our 3rd Annual Career Expo. As part of our commitment to preparing students for their futures, this event offers an opportunity for them to explore a variety of career pathways, connect with industry professionals, and learn what it takes to pursue the careers they’re passionate about.

October 23rd, 2025 12:00 AM - October 23rd, 2025 11:59 PM

616 W Main St, Barrington, IL 60010 (Main Gym)

Waubonsee logo

Machine Tool Technology Advisory Board Meeting

The Industry and Technology Division at Waubonsee Community College invites you to attend an Advisory Committee meeting in support of the certificate and degree programs in the Machine Tool Technology Program.  We are seeking your input regarding best practices in the field, equipment and technology needs for the program, and the skills and/or credentials you are seeking in employment candidates.  One of the key discussions will involve potentially shifting from NIMS accreditation to SACA certifications. Your feedback is critical for the success of our students. Please consider joining us or sending a representative from your organization.  Visit our website for more details about this program: Machine Tool Technology

October 22nd, 2025 03:30 PM - October 22nd, 2025 04:30 PM

Route 47 @ Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL Akerlow Hall—Room 202 North Entrance--Park in N4 or N8 Lot

Three rivers manufacturing association logo

Counselor Workshop

Connecting Education to Industry  What does it really mean to be college and career ready? This full-day professional development workshop brings together counselors, directors, and social workers with local employers to explore employment trends, in-demand skills, and real-world pathways for students. Participants will: Tour a local business as a guest of an executive. Learn directly from business leaders about workplace expectations. Gain insights into Will/Grundy labor markets, career options, and training opportunities. Return with tools to better guide students toward success.  Bonus: Earn 6.5 ISBE Professional Development Units or CEUs for Social Work at no cost—sponsored by TREP. There is no fee to attend - this workshop is fully sponsored by TREP and USF.Space is limited – Register today! 

October 21st, 2025 08:00 AM - October 21st, 2025 03:00 PM

University of St. Francis, Joliet Sue Manner Turk Theater, Tower Hall