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

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 campus
  • 5:45 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

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.

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 Deadlines

Employer Registration Deadline: September 23, 2026.

Employer Registration Rates (includes 1 table, 2 recruiters, and parking)

Standard Package: $450.00

Non-Profit/Government Package: $200.00

DCEDC and DCNP Member Package: $100.00

NIU Department Package: No Fee

Employer Additional Purchase Items

Additional Recruiters: $25 per recruiter
Electricity: $25
Additional 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

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.

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.

Elgin Community College

Elgin Community College Job Fair

This is a great opportunity to connect with students and job seekers who are eager to explore career opportunities.

There is no cost to register for the event.

We would love to have you join us and be part of this event. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. 

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

Elgin Community 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

5.12.26 West Aurora Mock Interviews

West Aurora Weisner Center Mock Interviews

You are invited to an employer advisory meeting and mock interviews of West Aurora High School Weisner Center students from the Building Trades, Machining and Welding programs.Who is invited: 1.) Employers in the Aurora area interested in learning more about the current programming at the Weisner Center in Building Trades, Machining and Welding.2.) Employers in the Aurora area hiring for positions in Building Trades, Machining and Welding.You don't need any past experience with high school students or in other events like this to participate. We will supply mock questions and all the support you need to be successful.

May 12th, 2026 07:35 AM - May 12th, 2026 02:45 PM

Weisner Center, 1920 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora

5.7.26 Network Event

Naperville 203 Network Event

You are invited to join us for the Naperville 203 Network Event, an opportunity to connect with community leaders, business professionals, internship hosts, and partners who share a commitment to supporting Naperville 203 students.Hosted by the Workforce Innovation Council, this open house-style gathering brings together those already making a difference and those interested in getting involved. It is a chance to build relationships, exchange ideas, and explore new ways to collaborate in preparing students for their futures.Optional Post-Event InvitationAfter the networking event, all attendees are invited to stay and join us for Naperville 203’s INCubatoredu Pitch Night.Where: Same Location - Embassy Suites Schedule:6:00 – 6:45 PM: Student Showcases & Wild Card Presentations6:45 – 9:00 PM: Pitch CompetitionCome support Naperville 203’s young entrepreneurs as they present their innovative ideas and compete for funding to bring their businesses to life. We hope you will stay and celebrate the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of our students.

May 7th, 2026 04:00 PM - May 7th, 2026 06:00 PM

Embassy Suites 1823 Arbriter Ct. Naperville

4.8.26 Spark Career Extravaganza

Spark! Career Extravaganza

On April 28, 2026, Valley Education for Employment System (VALEES) will be organizing an interactive event for ninth graders. Students from Indian Valley Vocational Center (participating high schools include Earlville, Hinckley-Big Rock, Indian Creek, Leland, Newark, Plano, Sandwich, Serena, Somonauk and Yorkville) will attend this career exploration event in the gym at the Fox Valley Family YMCA in Plano, Illinois. Expected attendance is between 500-600 9th graders.  Students will visit each of the 7 Pathway Endorsement Areas (Agriculture; Arts and Communications; Finance and Business; Human and Public Services; Health Sciences and Technology; Information Technology and Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology and Trades). It is strongly encouraged that industry experts bring hands-on activities for students. VALEES will provide breakfast and boxed lunch.Please follow the steps below to complete your registration.  Contact our College and Career Pathway Endorsement Coordinator, Josi Moran at jmoran1@waubonsee.edu or 630-466-2953 with any additional questions.

April 28th, 2026 07:30 AM - April 28th, 2026 02:30 PM

Fox Valley Family YMCA 3875 Eldamain Road- Plano

In the Workplace Aurora series 2026

Develop Your Workforce with East and West Aurora School Districts

Join leaders from East and West Aurora School Districts and the P-20 Network for a dynamic professional development event exclusively for employer partners in the greater Aurora area. Discover how engaging in career awareness, work-based learning, internships and much more can strengthen your workforce strategy and build a future-ready talent pool. Invest two hours with us and help the next generation of Aurora's workforce while advancing your organization's talent goals. This project is supported by the Dunham Foundation. Lunch is included.

April 27th, 2026 11:30 AM - April 27th, 2026 01:30 PM

East Aurora D131 - 310 Seminary Ave. Aurora

Timken 4.24.26

Timken Aurora Bearing Career Fair

On the Spot Interviews!Opportunities for Hourly Production Positions Include:CNC/Machine OperatorsAssembly Set Up OperatorsMaterials CoordinatorsAnd MoreRequirements:High School Diploma or GEDAt least 18 years of agePass BackgroundPass Preemployment Physical/Drug ScreenPreferred Manufacturing ExperienceBenefits Include:Up to 2 weeks of vacation time10 days of Holiday PayOn the Job TrainingMedical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and More401(k) Plan with Company MatchTuition ReimbursementAnd More!

April 24th, 2026 08:00 AM - April 24th, 2026 05:00 PM

901 Aucutt Rd. Montgomery, IL 60538