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

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.

ohs

Find Your Future Fridays

Participate in Find Your Future Fridays (FYFF) at Oswego High School! 

Give students opportunities to explore a wide variety of career pathways by connecting with industry professionals.

The events will take place during students' lunch periods. The event is set up so that students can stop by, ask questions, and have informal conversations. 

No presentation is required. You're welcome to bring small display items, promotional materials, hands-on examples, or other items that help showcase your organization, career, or educational programs. 

Consider presenting on October 2nd for Engineering Day or on October 16th for Transportation, Mechanical & Manufacturing Day.

First come, first serve participation.

October 16th, 2026 10:00 AM - October 16th, 2026 01:00 PM

4250 IL-71, Oswego, IL 60543

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

Elgin Community College Fall Job Fair

Employers - if you want to get your jobs in front of hundreds of people, register to attend the fair! It's free to participate. 

Employers must pre-register and be approved to attend.

October 20th, 2026 09:00 AM - October 20th, 2026 12:00 PM

Elgin Community College; 1700 Spartan Drive Elgin, IL 60123; Main Campus, Bldg. J, Gymnasium

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

Barrington High School is excited to invite you to our fourth annual Career Expo, a dynamic event designed to inspire and inform students about a wide range of career opportunities. 
 

We’re thrilled to offer students in grades 8–12 the chance to explore career pathways, engage directly with professionals like you, and gain valuable insight into the skills and education needed for success in today’s workforce. Last year we had over 2400 high school students and 600 8th graders attend the expo.

We would be honored to have your organization participate and showcase the exciting opportunities you offer. 

RSVP by September 18th.

October 21st, 2026 10:15 AM - October 21st, 2026 02:30 PM

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

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.

Illuminate Career Pathways 10.23.26

Illuminate Career Pathways

The second annual City of Aurora Illuminate Career Pathways Event for 9th grade students from the greater Aurora area is Friday, October 23, 2026 at Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove Campus. 

We are seeking employer partners that are excited to speak to young people about career pathways within their industry and to host a booth with an interactive display or hands on demonstration. This is NOT the traditional college and career fair. These are younger students that need hands-on experiences with industry professionals to make informed career choices. 

October 23rd, 2026 07:30 AM - October 23rd, 2026 02:30 PM

Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove Campus Route 47 at Waubonsee Dr., Sugar Grove, 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

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

Thomas Jefferson Middle School logo

TJMS Career Fair

We are excited to invite you to participate in the Thomas Jefferson Middle School Career Fair. This event allows students to explore different career paths, ask questions, and begin thinking about their futures. FORMAT: Students will visit tables for each Career. No presentations or substantial preparation are necessary! Note: there will not be a long break for lunch as all students will visit during their social studies classes, which occur during every class period. Breakfast and lunch items will be easily accessible for "grab and go" and you are welcome to take breaks as desired. WE WILL PROVIDE: Table space and a chairBreakfast items + coffeeLunch (please let us know of dietary restrictions on the REGISTRATION FORM)Table signage with your name, title, and professionExcited studentsYOU BRING: Fill out the REGISTRATION FORM (LINK BELOW)Enthusiasm for your career and anything you can think of to engage the students or spark their imaginations about your career typeYour Driver's License - for security/check-in purposesProviding your full name and Date of birth in advance will help TJMS office staff to expedite the security process (tell us on the REGISTRATION FORM)"Low tech" visual aids - Electricity access will be difficult due to the layout in the gymnasium, however we may be able to make it work. SCHEDULE: 7:00 - 7:15 am - Check-in (morning and all-day participants) - most participants are attending for the full day, so it may take a few minutes to get everyone checked-in.7:30 am - School day begins2:10 pm - School day ends - however, it may be difficult to get out of the building and parking lot immediately due to student pick-upFAQ: Do I need to create a presentation? No, just come with enthusiasm for your career. Students will only have a few minutes to get inspired. Can I bring candy/swag items for the students? No, thank you. District 15 policy does not allow food/candy to be distributed to students. Swag may be acceptable, however it should be small, with an educational focus and there should be enough for all 620 students. We would like the students to focus on the opportunity to learn about careers. 

April 22nd, 2026 07:00 AM - April 22nd, 2026 02:10 PM

3805 Winston Drive, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 (enter through the main doors)

SD 308 logo

Oswego SD 308 College and Career Fair

SD 308 is hosting a College and Career Fair at Oswego East High School to allow students the opportunity for postsecondary exploration and planning. This event is open to all SD 308 students and students from surrounding areas.Industry partners who are interested in hosting a table should complete the interest form connected to this event page.Due to limited space and the need to ensure representation from all career pathways, we will reach out and confirm spaces once the industry partner attendee list is finalized.

April 16th, 2026 06:00 PM - April 16th, 2026 08:00 PM

Oswego East High School