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

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

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.

NIU

Fall 2026 College of Engineering/Engineering Technology Job and Internship Fair

The NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Job and Internship Fair is open to all engineering and engineering technology majors. Candidates will be seeking co-ops, internships, and part-time and full-time professional positions.

The CEET Job and Internship Fair attracts over 300 students from the College's 6 different tracks: Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mechatronics Engineering. The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Job and Internship Fair is free for students to attend.

Employer Registration deadline: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Registration Rates for Employers

Included in registration fee: Two recruiters, one, 6-foot (uncovered) table, two chairs, parking for two vehicles (the College of Engineering is not responsible for tickets incurred for campus parking violations), continental breakfast and lunch for two recruiters.

Standard Registration Package: $395

Government and Nonprofit Package:  $195

Fall & Spring CEET Career Fair Registration Package: $700- Register for both the Fall CEET Career Fair (Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026) and Spring CEET Career Fair (Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2027) at a discounted rate. The standard package is included for both event days. 

Electricity is available. You will need to bring your own extension cord.

Tables are uncovered. You will need to bring your own table covering.

Employer Additional Purchase Items: 

Additional table: $395

Additional recruiters over two: $30 each (order for additional lunches must be placed no later than two weeks before the fair)

Payment: Credit card only at time of registration: MasterCard, Visa, and American Express accepted. If payment by check is required, please contact Gary Smith at GSmith8@niu.edu.

Cancelations: No refunds will be provided.

Questions?  Contact Gary Smith at GSmith8@niu.edu or 815-742-7557

September 22nd, 2026 10:30 AM - September 22nd, 2026 03:00 PM

NIU Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, 231 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb, IL 60115

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.

Elgin Community College

ECC Manufacturing and Technology Center Grand Opening and Open House

Elgin Community College (ECC) is developing a new, 150,000-square-foot Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC) designed to advance workforce development and meet the needs of local employers. This cutting-edge facility will expand ECC’s academic programs in manufacturing, engineering, and technology while addressing the region’s growing demand for skilled workers.

Please join us as we celebrate this exciting new chapter for ECC and our commitment to providing cutting-edge education and training for the workforce of tomorrow.

September 24th, 2026 04:00 PM

Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123

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

UMW 2026 poster

GCAMP Summer Manufacturing Tours: UMW

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! UMW is a family-owned, woman-owned precision machining facility specializing in machining hydraulic manifolds. They also provide services to the automative, construction, agriculture, and printing industries, among others. Join us to:See their 25+ CNC machinesLearn about precision CNC Milling and moreLearn about jobs in the industrySee manufacturing in action

June 10th, 2026 10:00 AM - June 10th, 2026 11:30 AM

601-605 Lunt Ave Schaumburg, IL

5.12.26 West Aurora Mock Interviews

West Aurora Weisner Center Mock Interviews

You are invited to an employer advisory meeting and mock interviews of West Aurora High School Weisner Center students from the Building Trades, Machining and Welding programs.Who is invited: 1.) Employers in the Aurora area interested in learning more about the current programming at the Weisner Center in Building Trades, Machining and Welding.2.) Employers in the Aurora area hiring for positions in Building Trades, Machining and Welding.You don't need any past experience with high school students or in other events like this to participate. We will supply mock questions and all the support you need to be successful.

May 12th, 2026 07:35 AM - May 12th, 2026 02:45 PM

Weisner Center, 1920 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora

5.7.26 Network Event

Naperville 203 Network Event

You are invited to join us for the Naperville 203 Network Event, an opportunity to connect with community leaders, business professionals, internship hosts, and partners who share a commitment to supporting Naperville 203 students.Hosted by the Workforce Innovation Council, this open house-style gathering brings together those already making a difference and those interested in getting involved. It is a chance to build relationships, exchange ideas, and explore new ways to collaborate in preparing students for their futures.Optional Post-Event InvitationAfter the networking event, all attendees are invited to stay and join us for Naperville 203’s INCubatoredu Pitch Night.Where: Same Location - Embassy Suites Schedule:6:00 – 6:45 PM: Student Showcases & Wild Card Presentations6:45 – 9:00 PM: Pitch CompetitionCome support Naperville 203’s young entrepreneurs as they present their innovative ideas and compete for funding to bring their businesses to life. We hope you will stay and celebrate the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of our students.

May 7th, 2026 04:00 PM - May 7th, 2026 06:00 PM

Embassy Suites 1823 Arbriter Ct. Naperville

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