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

NIU logo

Fall 2026 All-Majors Internship & Job Fair

The Northern Illinois University All-Majors Internship and Job Fair is open to all majors and is for employers seeking current students, graduating seniors, alumni, and community members for internships and full-time, part-time, and on-campus jobs.

Students: There is no fee to attend, and pre-registration is not required. To help with checking in at the career fair, download the Huskie Career Launchpad (Suitable) app before you arrive. This event is Business Passport, Honors Engaged and Huskie Career Launchpad approved.

Parking and Entrance:

  • No parking pass required.
  • Employers follow signs for "Employer Parking" to Lot C1 and use Entrance 1.
  • All others follow signs for "Candidate Parking" to Lot C2 and use Entrance 2. 

Huskie Bus Routes: 2R and 2L will take you to entrance 5 of the Convocation Center.

Employer Registration Packages and Deadlines

Employer Registration Deadline: September 23, 2026.

Employer Registration Rates (includes 1 table, 2 recruiters, and parking)

Standard Package: $450.00

Non-Profit/Government Package: $200.00

DCEDC and DCNP Member Package: $100.00

NIU Department Package: No Fee

Employer Additional Purchase Items

Additional Recruiters: $25 per recruiter
Electricity: $25
Additional Table: $250 – Employers bringing more than 4 recruiters must purchase a second table.

Payment: MasterCard, Visa, American Express and checks accepted. Registration is not final until payment has been received. 

Cancellation Fee: Cancellations received after September 23, 2026, will not be refunded.

No Shows: Registration fees will not be refunded.

September 30th, 2026 01:00 PM - September 30th, 2026 04:30 PM

NIU Convocation Center: 1525 West Lincoln Hwy., 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.

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.

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.

10.21.26 Barrington HS Career Fair

Barrington High School Career Expo

Save the Date for Barrington High School's 4th Annual Career Expo. 

As part of their ongoing commitment to preparing students for life after high school, this event gives students the chance to explore different career paths, connect with professionals, and gain insight into what it takes to pursue their interests.

More information to come! Email Career Counselor Marie Mirabella at mmirabella@barrington220.org with questions.

October 21st, 2026 12:00 AM - October 21st, 2026 11:59 PM

Barrington High School: 616 W Main St, Barrington, IL 60010

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.

SME Education Foundation logo

SME Education Foundtion Scholarships for High School Seniors

The SME Education Foundation awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing manufacturing and engineering related courses at two- or four-year technical schools, community colleges and universities within the United States or Canada. Students can apply for the scholarships below through our online application during our annual acceptance period starting on November 1 and ending on February 1.

Several different opportunities and their criteria can be found by clicking the "Learn More" button.

November 1st, 2026 12:00 AM - February 1st, 2027 11:59 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.

Past Events

Grant Community High School

Grant Community High School Career Fair

The fair will take place in our Fieldhouse from 9:25 to 3:10. Registration will close on March 4th.1700+ studentsCertificationsJuniors & Seniors

March 18th, 2026 09:25 AM - March 18th, 2026 03:10 PM

285 Grand Ave, Fox Lake, IL 60020

North Chicago Community HS logo

North Chicago Community High School

North Chicago Community High School will be hosting our Annual Career Fair for all students on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 10:30  A.M.- 2:50 P.M with company arrival beginning at 9 A.M. Lunch will be provided around noon.  Please complete this form before Friday, January 30, 2026.  Additional information will be sent to participants the first week of February.850+ attendees9-12 gradeInternship ready

March 17th, 2026 09:00 AM - March 17th, 2026 02:50 PM

1717 17th St, North Chicago IL 60064

Lake Park High School logo

Lake Park High School District 108 Career Fair

The purpose of this event is to create awareness and exposure for students about career paths and opportunities across a variety of industries and to have our students engage in conversations with industry professionals as they plan for their postsecondary options. The event will provide students with an immersive learning opportunity to connect with industry professionals to learn about their many career options and paths after high school. Lake Park values our professional community and we are looking forward to including you in this important educational event for our students. Sign up by February 20th.Have fun talking about your career with our students! We ask that each participant provide some sort of hands-on activity or demonstration (video, activity) to engage students in learning about their industry.  Our goal is to have individuals represent their organization/industry/businesses to provide engaging, practical, and informative booths that represent all of the Illinois recognized career pathway endorsements. Approximately 1200 students will be visiting the various participants from grades 9 and 10 at the Lake Park East Campus. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.  

March 16th, 2026 07:55 AM - March 16th, 2026 02:56 PM

Lake Park High School - East Campus 600 Medinah Rd Roselle, IL 60172

Spark Save the Date 2026

2026 Spark Awards Gala

Join us and celebrate the accomplishments of manufacturers in the areas of Culture, Innovation, Operational Excellence, Safety, Social Responsibility, and Workforce Development.  Also celebrate GCAMP Awards: The Manufacturing Student and Manufacturing Educator of the Year, and the winner of the Developing Our Future Award.Join us at The Abbington in Glen Ellyn on March 11th as we celebrate manufacturing excellence.  We have so many brilliant companies who have made it to the finals of our Benchmarking competition, and the winners will be revealed at our Awards Dinner. We cherish this event as an opportunity to form amazing connections, learn about the innovative things happening in our community, and celebrate some of our incredible members.5:00 Registration/Networking5:30pm Dinner6:30pm Awards7:30pm Dessert Reception/NetworkingYour ticket includes dinner, dessert, and 2 drink tickets (good for soft drinks, beer, or wine) and coffee bar. A cash bar will also be available.

March 11th, 2026 05:00 PM - March 11th, 2026 09:00 PM

Abbington Banquets 3S002 Route 53 Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

3.6.26 Bolingbrook High School Career Fair

Bolingbrook High School Career Fair

College, Trade, and Military Career FairAs a valued exhibitor, your presence will help inform and inspire students about the many possibilities that lie ahead—whether through college programs, trade schools, apprenticeships, or direct workforce opportunities.Let us know if you are interested in partnering with Valley View School District. We hope you’ll join us in shaping the future of our students!

March 6th, 2026 09:00 AM - March 6th, 2026 01:30 PM

365 Raider Way, Bolingbrook, IL 60440