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.

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.

Three rivers manufacturing association logo

TREES 6th Grade Career Discovery Day

The Three Rivers Education for Employment System (TREES) is excited to host a 6th Grade Career Discovery Day on Tuesday, November 5th at Joliet Junior College—and we invite you to be part of it.

6th graders from Will and Grundy counties will rotate through interactive, hands-on career stations, giving them a chance to explore different careers and see your work in action.

We are looking for community partners to get involved in a way that works best for you:

  • Exhibitor: Host a hands-on career station
  • Planning Member: Help shape the experience and activities
  • Sponsor: Support the event and student experience

We are also seeking partners who can help identify additional businesses to host stations and provide volunteers to engage with students throughout the day.

Please feel free to share this opportunity with others who may be interested in connecting with students and supporting career exploration.

November 5th, 2026 09:00 AM - November 5th, 2026 12:00 PM

Joliet Junior College

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

FMA Sparkforce

Scholarships for Students with a Manufacturing Focus

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers. Explore 3 scholarships open now.March 31st deadline.

March 29th, 2026 12:00 PM - March 31st, 2026 11:59 PM

3.25.26 Job Fair pic

Annual Regional Job Fair

Alignment Collaborative for Education and the Northern Kane County Regional Vocational System Region 110 invite you to their Annual Regional Job Fair.This job fair provides a valuable opportunity to connect with students from the following high schools:Community Unit School District 300Dundee Crown High School Jacobs High SchoolHampshire High SchoolCommunity Unit School District 301Central High SchoolCommunity Unit School District 303St. Charles EastSt. Charles NorthSchool District U-46Bartlett High SchoolElgin High SchoolLarkin High School South Elgin High SchoolStreamwoodStudents from the region’s CTE programs will come prepared with resumes in hand, eager to meet with you, learn more about your organization, and explore potential entry-level job opportunities within your company. The job fair is also a wonderful opportunity to promote part-time summer positions with sophomore, junior, and senior level students present. Why Participate?✅ Meet motivated, work-ready high school students✅ Promote your organization and available job opportunities✅ Support local workforce development and talent pipelinesREGISTER by FEBRUARY 20th- it is free, quick, and easy! If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out:📩 Alignment Collaborative for Education – Edgar Montes | montesace@align4edu.org📩Northern Kane County Regional Vocational System – Todd Stirn | t.stirn@central301.net

March 25th, 2026 09:00 AM - March 25th, 2026 02:00 PM

Elgin Community College’s Field House Events Center (Building J)

Lake County Tech Logo

Tech Campus Career Expo Registration

Tech Today: Dedicated to TomorrowRegistration opens Friday, January 16 at 8:00 a.m.: Tech Campus Career Expo 2026 RegistrationRegistration closes March 4th$25 registration fee, with all proceeds supporting our Career Expo Partnership ScholarshipThanks to you, we raised $4,000 for students last yearCareer Expo Day logistics will be shared in mid-FebruaryAdditional Ways to PartnerGuest speaking opportunitiesTeam-Based Challenge MentorshipCTE Month (February) engagementsAnd so much more… Give Me TEN+TECH50 Work-Based Learning ProgramStudents are still seeking internships. We assume liability, and students receive a stipend after completing 60 hours.Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our future-ready students.

March 19th, 2026 12:00 AM - March 19th, 2026 11:59 PM

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