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

Manufacturing Job Fair 10.24.25

Career & Job Placement Center Manufacturing Job Fair

Explore career opportunities in one of the fastest-growing and most innovative industries. 

-Connect directly with recruiters and hiring managers
-Network with professionals and learn about career paths in modern manufacturing
-Discuss job openings & learn how to apply
-Gain insights into industry trends

October 24th, 2025 11:00 AM - October 24th, 2025 01:00 PM

College of Lake County Grayslake Campus Student Street

Learn more

11.6.25 D300 Career Fair

District 300 Pathway & Career Fair

Help D300 students explore future career paths, connect with local industries, and get a head start on preparing for the workforce. 

We invite local employers and community organizations to host a table and showcase career opportunities. 

Who: Local employers & community organizations are invited to host tables. This open to all D300 middle and high school students and their families. 

What: Host a table at our Pathway & Career Fair

Questions? Email Mr. Jon Anderson, Coordinator of College and Career Readiness jonathan.anderson@d300.org  

Register: Using the link

November 6th, 2025 06:00 PM - November 6th, 2025 08:00 PM

Jacobs High School- Field House. 2601 Bunker Hill Dr. Algonquin

Learn more

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Maximizing Potential- Virtual Workshop on Disability Employment

You are invited!


Discover practical strategies to tap into a valuable yet often-overlooked talent pool, enhance workplace inclusion, and access available state resources for disability employment. This complimentary virtual workshop—offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in collaboration with the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services and Stannum Core Solutions—is tailored specifically for small to mid-sized Illinois manufacturers. Participating companies will gain insights into how disability inclusion can strengthen workplace culture, boost innovation, and improve overall productivity.


Who is eligible?


Manufacturing companies in Illinois with fewer than 500 employees. We invite you to register for the upcoming virtual workshop on Thursday November 13, 2025.

Prior to the workshop


Complete a short, 10-minute survey to help us tailor our content to better meet your needs. As a token of appreciation, the first 200 eligible respondents will receive a $10 Starbuck gift card. They survey will remain open through October 15.


https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_efgVUZBnH0q9djw

 

November 13th, 2025 09:00 AM - November 13th, 2025 12:00 PM

Virtual

Learn more

College Career Readiness header 2.27.26

College, Career & Wellness Fair

West Aurora High School, Batavia High School, and Yorkville High School are pleased to announce a collaborative College, Career & Wellness Fair on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at West Aurora High School.

This annual event has drawn strong student participation from across Kane, Kendall, and DuPage counties, and we are excited to continue that tradition. We would love for your organization to join us in providing students with valuable resources and opportunities that support their college and career readiness.

February 27th, 2026 09:00 AM - February 27th, 2026 11:00 AM

West Aurora High School 1201 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506

Learn more

Past Events

National Workforce Development Day poster

National Workforce Development Day Program

Join us in celebration of National Workforce Development Day!GCAMP, in partnership with the Village of Hoffman Estates, IMEC Illinois, and Harper College will be hosting an event to provide manufacturers with solutions to their workforce challenges. A panel discussion and Q & A will follow the keynote by Ray Ziganto, Director of Innovation and Resources at Valley Industrial Association of Illinois.

September 17th, 2025 09:00 AM - September 17th, 2025 10:30 AM

Harper College 1200 W. Algonquin Road Wojcik Conference Center, Building W Palatine, IL 60067

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GCAMP Trivia Night Fundraiser

Join us & support GCAMP's Trivia Night!Get ready for a one-of-a-kind Trivia Night Fundraiser—held at employee-owned Gripple, a world-leading manufacturer of wire joining & tensioning systems!Join us Wednesday, July 30 for an unforgettable evening of friendly competition, great food, and industrial-strength fun!Here’s what’s in store:Doors open at 4:00 PMTeam Trivia begins at 4:30 PM (teams of 3–5 people, come with your team or join one at the event!)Dinner included2 drink tickets per guestPrizes for the top TWO teamsWhether you're a trivia pro or just here for the fun, you’ll love this behind-the-scenes peek at a high-tech manufacturing facility—turned party zone for one night only!Location:Gripple, Inc.1611 Emily Lane, Aurora, ILSpace is limited, so grab your team and RSVP soon!Let’s raise some money and have a blast doing it—see you at Gripple on July 30!

July 30th, 2025 04:00 PM - July 30th, 2025 07:30 PM

Gripple Inc. 1611 Emily Ln Aurora IL 60502

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3D CAD Solid Modeling

Learn SolidWorks software and techniques to produce three-dimensional solids. Emphasis will be placed on creating and rendering 3D solid models, modifying, editing commands and dimensioning. This exploratory course is a good starting point for students interested in design and/or engineering.Monday to Thursday, July 28-3112:30pm-4pmYEHSC-0003-108, $299See page 46 for more information.

July 28th, 2025 12:30 PM - July 31st, 2025 04:00 PM

College of DuPage 425 Fawell Blvd, Technical Education Center (TEC), Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

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Weld On!

Students learn about welding, metal fabrication, and safety measures from COD faculty through a mixture of lectures and hands-on competencies designed to foster a deeper appreication of the trade. The program highlights training and helps students map out career goals.Monday to Thursday, July 28-318am-1pmYEHSC-0003-210, $299See page 46 for more information.

July 28th, 2025 08:00 AM - July 31st, 2025 01:00 PM

College of DuPage 425 Fawell Blvd, Technical Education Center (TEC), Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

College of DuPage logo

Cutting Edge Creators

Explore the high-tech world of manufacturing using CNC (Computerized Numerically Controlled) Equipment in the COD manufacturing labs. Students will learn how CNC has revolutionized industry, discuss potential career pathways, and learn how to create a CNC G-Code programs program to make an individualized project during this hands-on camp. Family members are invited on the final afternoon as students present their final projects. Monday-Friday, July 21-259am-2:50pmYEEXC-0002-102, $249See page 31 for more information.These camps give students the opportunity to explore the world of manufacturing. Camps include training on industry-standard equipment and field trips to local manufacturing facilities. Students should be dropped off and picked up in the Technical Education Center (TEC). A youth aide will be present for sign-in beginning at 8:45am each day. All students must be picked up within 15 minutes of class ending time. Please contact the Continuining Education Youth Coordinator at (630)942-2208 if before and after supervision is needed. Students should bring a sack lunch.

July 21st, 2025 09:00 AM - July 25th, 2025 02:50 PM

College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Technical Education Center (TEC), Room 0014