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

Mike Rowe Scholarship

Work Ethic Scholarships

At mikeroweWORKS, we know the real world doesn’t run on a once-a-year deadline. Training programs start and bills show up year-round. As a result, we've decided to expand our application window and give more hardworking men and women the chance to apply when they’re ready and when funding matters most. This year, you can apply for a scholarship any time between February 23, 2026 until October 31, 2026.

Requirements: 

  • Enroll in an approved program
  • Sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
  • Answer 4 questions about the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
  • Make a video.
  • Have 2 solid references from a teacher or boss.
  • Verify your school costs.
  • Provide high school or college transcript.

February 23rd, 2026 12:00 AM - October 31st, 2026 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.

ATDM logo

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing scholarships

Funded through the U.S. Navy, ATDM scholarships are for four months/600 hours of training in additive manufacturing, CNC maching, non-destructive testing, quality control inspection or welding. The goal of the program is to have a steady and sustainable flow of qualified naval shipbuilding and repair for submarines, but graduates land careers in all different manufacturing sectors. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research runs and hosts the program in Danville, Va. 

Who is eligible: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate or have GED, seeking employment within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), willing to relocate for training and/or employment, and able to pass a drug screening and background check. 

Amount: Full scholarships are available for the entire four-month training period, including housing.

June 7th, 2026 12:00 AM - June 7th, 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.

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.

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.

Past Events

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

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

MCC logo

MCC Manufacturing Industry Council Breakfast

Manufacturing and industry partners are invited to join McHenry County College for our 16th Annual Manufacturing Industry Council Breakfast.EVENT SCHEDULE 7:15–8 a.m. — Breakfast, Networking, MCC Resource Zone & Self-Guided Tours8–9 a.m. — Main Program9–10 a.m. — Advisory Committee Meetings

October 7th, 2026 07:15 AM - October 7th, 2026 10:00 AM

McHenry County College Main Campus, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012 Engagement Hall & Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation

Mfg Day Oct 6 pic

Three Rivers Manufacturing Association MFG Day

Showcase your company — be an exhibitor at the 11th Annual MFG Day!We are excited to announce that TRMA’s MFG Day event will be held this year on October 6th, and exhibitor registration is open!Each year, MFG Day gives students the opportunity to explore the incredible career paths available in manufacturing, connect with local companies, and experience firsthand the innovation happening in our industry. We are expecting around 900 students to attend this year, and your company’s presence truly helps make this event such a meaningful and successful experience for them.If you already know your company would like to participate as an exhibitor, we encourage you to register early.We are looking forward to another amazing year and appreciate your continued support in inspiring the next generation of manufacturers!

October 6th, 2026 09:00 AM - October 6th, 2026 01:00 PM

JJC Event Center 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431

Foster Hiring Fair

Congressman Bill Foster’s Job & Career Fair

EmployersCongressman Bill Foster, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and Waubonsee Community College, invites employers to participate in an upcoming Job & Career Fair designed to connect qualified candidates with businesses looking to hire.Why Participate? This event offers employers the opportunity to meet job seekers face-to-face, showcase career opportunities, and fill open positions with top talent from our community.Registration Deadline: Register by September 25, 2026

October 1st, 2026 08:30 AM - October 1st, 2026 01:00 PM

Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove Campus Academic and Professional Center