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

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.

D219 Career Fair

D219 Focus On Your Future: Career Resource Fair

Niles Township High School District 219, Skokie, will be hosting its Annual Community-Wide FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE: Career Resource Fair.  

All area students (grades 8-12 from D219 and other public and private institutions), parents and community members are invited to attend this Career Resource Fair to meet with representatives from local companies, organizations and institutions which offer post-secondary, non-traditional options including associate degrees, certificate programs, apprenticeships, or other job training credentials, as well as gap-year, study-abroad experiences, and summer enrichment programs.

Note to Institutional and Industry Partners

If your business/organization/institution offers such post-secondary, non-traditional, career-oriented options as listed, this upcoming event may be of interest to you. Help current and soon-to-be graduating high school students discover fulfilling careers that can be attained through non-traditional education and training.

  • EVENT REGISTRATION: Please complete the registration form
  • SET-UP: D219 will provide 1 table and two chairs unless you notify us otherwise, and a table top sign with the business name and the brief description provided in the registration form.
  • ARRIVAL: 4:30pm - 5:45pm  (details included in confirmation email)
  • Light Dinner will be provided. 

*BUSINESSPERSON/GUEST WILL NEED TO BRING A VALID PHOTO ID: DRIVER'S LICENSE or STATE PHOTO ID to enter our campus

November 5th, 2026 06:00 PM - November 5th, 2026 08:00 PM

Niles West High School 5701 Oakton St. Skokie, 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.

St. Charles MFG Trades Summit Poster 11.10.26

St. Charles Manufacturing & Trades Summit

Manufacturers and trades businesses in Kane, Kendall and DeKalb counties, join us for a one-day summit exploring career paths and workforce solutions. WorkNet Batavia will be bringing together employers, emerging workforce, training and education partners and economic development groups to respond to business needs and emerging workforce interests.

November 10th, 2026 08:30 AM - November 10th, 2026 04:00 PM

Q Center: 1405 N 5th Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174

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.

Stevenson High School Logo

2027 Stevenson HS Summer Job Fair

Help students explore career opportunities!

Help Stevenson High School students explore work opportunities – jobs, volunteer opportunities, or internships – for Summer 2027.

800 students are expected to attend during their lunch periods.

FYI: The Expo is open to the community after 4:00 PM. Anyone can walk in.

Contact Linda Bloomfield, Career Resource Specialist, at lbloomfield@d125.org for more information or to register.

February 12th, 2027 10:45 AM - February 12th, 2027 02:00 PM

Adlai E. Stevenson High School 1 Stevenson Drive Lincolnshire, IL 60069

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

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

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 DeadlinesEmployer Registration Deadline: September 23, 2026.Employer Registration Rates (includes 1 table, 2 recruiters, and parking)Standard Package: $450.00Non-Profit/Government Package: $200.00DCEDC and DCNP Member Package: $100.00NIU Department Package: No FeeEmployer Additional Purchase ItemsAdditional Recruiters: $25 per recruiterElectricity: $25Additional 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

Directions 2026 flyer

Directions College and Career Fair

The goal is to provide every student with Special Education Services and Section 504 Services access to an academic and/or a career-oriented opportunity after high school and equip every student with the knowledge they need to succeed after graduation.Our consortium of school administrators, school counselors, and special educators include representatives from Barrington Community Unit School District 220, Township High School District 211, High School District 214, St. Viator High School, and Harper College.Combined, our schools serve more than 3,000 students who receive special education or Section 504 services. This event is intended to reach hundreds of potential future students.Parking Location: Park in Lot 14 using the Roselle Road Entrance to campus5:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Student/Parent Registration (Wojcik Conference Center, Building W)6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Keynote Panel (Wojcik Conference Center, Building W)6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. College & Career Fair- Building A (2nd Floor Entrance)

September 29th, 2026 06:00 PM - September 29th, 2026 08:00 PM

Harper College- 1200 West Algonquin Rd., Palatine, IL 60067

TREES employer partner breakfast 9.29.26

TREES Employer & Partner Breakfast

Hosted by TREES (Three Rivers Education for Employment System), this regional breakfast brings together employers, industry leaders, educators, and community partners to strengthen connections between education and the workforce. Participants will learn how students across Will and Grundy counties are gaining career-ready skills through real-world learning experiences, hear from employers already making an impact, and explore meaningful ways to support the next generation of talent. Whether you are currently engaged with local schools or looking for ways to get involved, this event provides an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and help shape the future workforce.

September 29th, 2026 07:30 AM - September 29th, 2026 09:00 AM

Joliet Junior College- 1215 Houbolt Road - J Building