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

Stevenson High School Logo

2027 Stevenson HS Career Expo & High School Pathways

Career Ready, Trades, and Military Expo

This event is specifically tailored for students eager to explore vocational careers, trade programs, military service, and entry-level career pathways directly after high school.

We are actively seeking partners who offer high school student-focused programs or training pathways. Whether you can join us for the March expo or simply want to share details about your high school initiatives, we would love to connect.

Email Linda Bloomfield, Career Resource Specialist, at lbloomfield@d125.org to register.

March 3rd, 2027 02:00 PM - March 3rd, 2027 07:30 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

7.14.26 Crossroads Career Expo

Crossroads Career Expo

Connect with Qualified Candidates. Promote Your Company & Career Field. Strengthen Workforce Pipelines.The Crossroads Career Expo will take place on July 14 from 12:00 to 5:00 PM at Bell Works in Hoffman Estates, followed by an optional networking event from 5:30 to 8:00 PM hosted by Roll Call Chicagoland.This sector-focused event will bring together employers, education partners, workforce organizations, and entrepreneurship stakeholders across advanced manufacturing, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and career development fields.

July 14th, 2026 12:00 PM - July 14th, 2026 05:00 PM

Bell Works 2000 Center Dr, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

FMA Sparkforce

Fabricators and Manufacturers Association Foundation scholarships

Spring 2027 ScholarshipsWho is eligible: Students majoring in programs that lead to careers in manufacturing. Must be currently enrolled in or entering a certificate or degree program of 12 or more credit hours, with at least a 2.5 GPA for trade, community or technical colleges and a 3.0 GPA for universities. Recommended fields of study are listed here:  https://www.fmamfg.org/foundation/scholarships/eligibility-fields-of-study-nbt-scholarshipsAmount: Depends on the scholarship.Deadline: Scholarships are award in spring and fall. The next round of applications will be accepted between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2026.

July 1st, 2026 12:00 AM - September 30th, 2026 11:59 PM

Mazak 2026 poster

GCAMP Summer Manufacturing Tours: Mazak

Join us for a FREE summer tourExplore the educational pathways that align with high wage, high tech careers.Go "behind the scenes" to see how things we use every day are made.Meet engineers, plant operators, and other industry professionals.Middle school, high school, and college students, along with parents, teachers, and counselors are all encouraged to attend; however, limited spots are available. Registration is required for all participants. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore your future career path! Mazak is a global, Japan-based, family-owned manufacturer that specializes in creating advanced CNC machine tools. Mazak provides a wide range of machining solutions for industries ranging from aerospace to medical and consumer reports to construction.Join for a half-day Micro Experience. Students will:See a variety of machinesReceive training on a machineWork on a project to take homeLearn about industry career opportunities

June 26th, 2026 09:30 AM - June 26th, 2026 01:30 PM

300 Commerce Dr Schaumburg, IL

Sparkforce Camp 2026 flyer

Sparkforce Summer Manufacturing Camp

Girls Exploring Trades, Tech, and DesignFor Female Students Ages 13-16When: June 22-25 Daily 8:30am-4:00pmCost: $100

June 22nd, 2026 08:30 AM - June 25th, 2026 04:00 PM

Waubonsee Community College Technical Education Ctr., Rm. 119 Rt. 47 at Waubonsee Dr. Sugar Grove, IL 60554

mHub logo

mHUB ROBOT Build & Bash

​Join mHUB for a family-friendly Build & Bash robot competition! Whether you're an amateur, a first-time builder, or an expert just looking to have fun and show how it's done, this event is for you. All attendees will have the opportunity to build DIY robots with technical guidance and take part in obstacles and a bracketed battle later in the day.​Want a leg up? Purchase a "kit" at check-out to ensure you have all the materials you need to dominate.​Feeling confident in your creation? Enter the bracket competition onsite and wrap up the day with epic head-to-head battles starting at 4PM.​*Kids 5-years old and under do not need a ticket

June 20th, 2026 01:00 PM - June 20th, 2026 04:00 PM

1623 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA