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

Mike Rowe Scholarship

Work Ethic Scholarships

At mikeroweWORKS, we know the real world doesn’t run on a once-a-year deadline. Training programs start and bills show up year-round. As a result, we've decided to expand our application window and give more hardworking men and women the chance to apply when they’re ready and when funding matters most. This year, you can apply for a scholarship any time between February 23, 2026 until October 31, 2026.

Requirements: 

  • Enroll in an approved program
  • Sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
  • Answer 4 questions about the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
  • Make a video.
  • Have 2 solid references from a teacher or boss.
  • Verify your school costs.
  • Provide high school or college transcript.

February 23rd, 2026 12:00 AM - October 31st, 2026 11:59 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.

ATDM logo

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing scholarships

Funded through the U.S. Navy, ATDM scholarships are for four months/600 hours of training in additive manufacturing, CNC maching, non-destructive testing, quality control inspection or welding. The goal of the program is to have a steady and sustainable flow of qualified naval shipbuilding and repair for submarines, but graduates land careers in all different manufacturing sectors. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research runs and hosts the program in Danville, Va. 

Who is eligible: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate or have GED, seeking employment within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), willing to relocate for training and/or employment, and able to pass a drug screening and background check. 

Amount: Full scholarships are available for the entire four-month training period, including housing.

June 7th, 2026 12:00 AM - June 7th, 2027 11:59 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.

FMA Sparkforce

Fabricators and Manufacturers Association Foundation scholarships

Spring 2027 Scholarships

Who 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-scholarships

Amount: 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

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.

North American Die Casting Association Logo

North American Die Casting Association Scholarships

Who is eligible: College/university/technical school students (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral) who have worked at a die casting company in the past 12 months (David Laine Intern and Scholarship Program) or graduate engineering students (Steven J. Harmon Scholarship).

August 1st, 2026 12:00 AM - October 1st, 2026 11:59 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.

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.

Past Events

Foster Hiring Fair

Congressman Bill Foster’s Job & Career Fair

EmployersCongressman Bill Foster, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and Waubonsee Community College, invites employers to participate in an upcoming Job & Career Fair designed to connect qualified candidates with businesses looking to hire.Why Participate? This event offers employers the opportunity to meet job seekers face-to-face, showcase career opportunities, and fill open positions with top talent from our community.Registration Deadline: Register by September 25, 2026

October 1st, 2026 08:30 AM - October 1st, 2026 01:00 PM

Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove Campus Academic and Professional Center

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 DeadlinesEmployer Registration Deadline: September 23, 2026.Employer Registration Rates (includes 1 table, 2 recruiters, and parking)Standard Package: $450.00Non-Profit/Government Package: $200.00DCEDC and DCNP Member Package: $100.00NIU Department Package: No FeeEmployer Additional Purchase ItemsAdditional Recruiters: $25 per recruiterElectricity: $25Additional 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

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 campus5:45 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

TREES employer partner breakfast 9.29.26

TREES Employer & Partner Breakfast

Hosted by TREES (Three Rivers Education for Employment System), this regional breakfast brings together employers, industry leaders, educators, and community partners to strengthen connections between education and the workforce. Participants will learn how students across Will and Grundy counties are gaining career-ready skills through real-world learning experiences, hear from employers already making an impact, and explore meaningful ways to support the next generation of talent. Whether you are currently engaged with local schools or looking for ways to get involved, this event provides an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and help shape the future workforce.

September 29th, 2026 07:30 AM - September 29th, 2026 09:00 AM

Joliet Junior College- 1215 Houbolt Road - J Building

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