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

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.

Past Events

Award applications now open. Application deadline: February 8th.

GCAMP Outstanding Manufacturing Awards Application Deadline

Don't miss the deadline for submitting applications for the:Outstanding Manufacturing Student of the YearOutstanding Manufacturing Educator of the YearDeveloping Our Future AwardThe Outstanding Manufacturing Student Award celebrates future makers and creators.  The winner receives a $500 cash prize and is honored at the VIA Spark Awards.The Outstanding Manufacturing Educator Award recognizes educators who are instrumental in developing the next generation of makers and creators. The winner receives a $500 cash prize, $500 for classroom needs, and is honored at the VIA Spark Awards.The Developing our Future Award recognizes a manufacturer who is going above and beyond the rest to support the next generation of manufacturers. Winners are honored at the VIA Spark Awards.

December 18th, 2025 11:40 AM - February 8th, 2026 11:59 PM

Dekalb Mfg roundtable 12.3.25

Dekalb Manufacturing Workforce Roundtable

The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation and Valley Industrial Association invite you to a Manufacturing Workforce Roundtable on Wednesday, December 3, from 3:30–5:00 PM.This session is designed to be an open, exploratory discussion about the current and emerging workforce needs of DeKalb County manufacturers. Across the region, different counties have adopted different strategies to strengthen their talent pipelines. We’d like to better understand what an ideal workforce support structure could look like specifically for DeKalb County.We will share regional workforce insights and examples of practices used elsewhere—to help guide conversation. The direction of any future efforts will be shaped entirely by the perspectives and priorities shared in this room.

December 3rd, 2025 03:30 PM - December 3rd, 2025 05:00 PM

2179 Sycamore Road, Suite 102 Dekalb, IL 60115

ECC Expo

ECC Apprenticeship Expo

Apprenticeships are more than just training programs—they are a proven way to build a reliable talent pipeline, reduce turnover, and upskill your workforce. By combining classroom learning with structured on-the-job training, apprenticeships help employers ensure employees have the exact skills needed to succeed in their industry.New to Apprenticeships? Join us at the 2025 Apprenticeship Expo to learn more about how apprenticeships can be a powerful tool for the future of your business.Active Apprenticeship Employer? Host a table during the expo to share information about your training programs with high school students, community members, and job seekers who are eager to get started.

November 20th, 2025 09:00 AM - November 20th, 2025 12:00 PM

1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, IL 60123 Building E

Waubonsee logo

CAD/Engineering Program Advisory Meeting

We are seeking your input regarding best practices in the field, equipment and technology needs for the program, and the skills and/or credentials you are seeking in employment candidates. Your feedback is critical for the success of our students. Attend In Person or Remotely- receive the link after completing registration.Please consider joining us or sending a representative from your organization.  Visit our website for more details about this program:Computer-Aided Design and DraftingPlease register by 11/12 or contact agaspar@waubonsee.edu. 

November 14th, 2025 07:30 AM - November 14th, 2025 09:00 AM

In Person at Waubonsee Community College- Sugar Grove Campus- Collins Hall 205 (North Entrance-N1 Parking Lot) OR Attend Remotely

Manufacturing workshop one pager

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 workshopComplete 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