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

Miles for Manufacturing 9.16.26 event

Miles for Manufacturing 5K

Miles for Manufacturing (M4M) 5K Run/Walk brings the Greater Chicago manufacturing community together to support the next generation of talent. 

The next M4M will occur during IMTS 2026. Registration is open to run or walk, or you can show your support through sponsorship or a donation. Join the movement to strengthen our talent pipelines, one mile at a time.

Early bird registration: $40 for the 5K, $30 for 1-Mile

Why Participate?

Sponsors: Put your brand in front of thousands of IMTS attendees while directly fueling our industry's talent pipeline. Every dollar drives visibility for your company and opportunity for students. Ready to sponsor? Contact Cat Ross at cross@amtonline.org.

Runners & Walkers: Connect with industry colleagues, get moving before a busy show day, and leave your mark by helping fund STEM programs across nationwide.

September 16th, 2026 07:00 AM - September 16th, 2026 12:00 PM

DuSable Harbor in Chicago, 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.

NIU

Fall 2026 College of Engineering/Engineering Technology Job and Internship Fair

The NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Job and Internship Fair is open to all engineering and engineering technology majors. Candidates will be seeking co-ops, internships, and part-time and full-time professional positions.

The CEET Job and Internship Fair attracts over 300 students from the College's 6 different tracks: Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mechatronics Engineering. The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Job and Internship Fair is free for students to attend.

Employer Registration deadline: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Registration Rates for Employers

Included in registration fee: Two recruiters, one, 6-foot (uncovered) table, two chairs, parking for two vehicles (the College of Engineering is not responsible for tickets incurred for campus parking violations), continental breakfast and lunch for two recruiters.

Standard Registration Package: $395

Government and Nonprofit Package:  $195

Fall & Spring CEET Career Fair Registration Package: $700- Register for both the Fall CEET Career Fair (Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026) and Spring CEET Career Fair (Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2027) at a discounted rate. The standard package is included for both event days. 

Electricity is available. You will need to bring your own extension cord.

Tables are uncovered. You will need to bring your own table covering.

Employer Additional Purchase Items: 

Additional table: $395

Additional recruiters over two: $30 each (order for additional lunches must be placed no later than two weeks before the fair)

Payment: Credit card only at time of registration: MasterCard, Visa, and American Express accepted. If payment by check is required, please contact Gary Smith at GSmith8@niu.edu.

Cancelations: No refunds will be provided.

Questions?  Contact Gary Smith at GSmith8@niu.edu or 815-742-7557

September 22nd, 2026 10:30 AM - September 22nd, 2026 03:00 PM

NIU Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, 231 N. Annie Glidden Road, 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.

Elgin Community College

ECC Manufacturing and Technology Center Grand Opening and Open House

Elgin Community College (ECC) is developing a new, 150,000-square-foot Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC) designed to advance workforce development and meet the needs of local employers. This cutting-edge facility will expand ECC’s academic programs in manufacturing, engineering, and technology while addressing the region’s growing demand for skilled workers.

Please join us as we celebrate this exciting new chapter for ECC and our commitment to providing cutting-edge education and training for the workforce of tomorrow.

September 24th, 2026 04:00 PM

Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123

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.

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.

Past Events

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 16th, 2026 11:30 AM - April 16th, 2026 01:30 PM

Aurora Regional Economic Alliance - 43 W. Galena Blvd. Aurora

GE Aerospace-Reagan Workforce Readiness Scholarship

Workforce Readiness Scholarship

The GE Aerospace-Reagan Workforce Readiness Scholarship supports high school seniors pursuing technical training and certifications for careers in aerospace, manufacturing, robotics, and other critical industries. The program will select at least ten scholars annually, with awards of up to $10,000 per year, as part of a $1 million, five-year investment in building America’s future workforce.

March 31st, 2026 06:30 PM - May 1st, 2026 12:00 PM

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