For Manufacturers

The GCAMP 2026 Outstanding Manufacturing Student Awards celebrate more than technical skill—they recognize perseverance, leadership, and a deep commitment to building the future of manufacturing. 

This year’s program showcased an extraordinary group of students whose achievements demonstrate the strength and promise of our regional talent pipeline. From high school labs to college classrooms and real-world shop floors, each applicant represents the innovation, precision, and work ethic that define modern manufacturing.

Illinois manufacturers have a lot to be proud of—and a lot to look forward to. The next generation is showing growing interest in manufacturing, engineering, technology, and the trades (METT). But they need your help to turn that interest into real career paths.

Launching a High School Internship Program

One of the most common misconceptions in manufacturing today is that companies can only hire legal adults, or individuals over the age of 18.  Many manufacturers are hesitant to hire 16- and 17-year-olds.  Not only is this young adult population hirable, but they are also some of the most eager workers, in need of guidance to begin their manufacturing careers.

Why should you conduct tours?

April’s Workforce Strategies Forum centered on helping companies improve their process for hosting student tours.  The forum featured two guest speakers: Katie Sudler of McCormick FONA and Ron Brown of Smith and Richardson Inc., both of whom are famous in our local manufacturing community for consistently wowing students with their facility tours.

If you’re having hiring issues, you are not alone. 

The IMA Education Foundation’s 2021 Statewide Education and Workforce Policy Tour revealed that statewide manufacturers are facing “unprecedented challenges” when it comes to filling their workforce needs.[1] 

It's Manufacturing Month!  Back in the day, it was just called “Manufacturing Day.” But thank goodness someone had the good sense to capture the entire month – because there is NO WAY we could fit all of this into one day in the year!

October has been declared in the State of Illinois as Manufacturing Month, with the first Friday in October (October 7th this year), as Manufacturing Day. There is no better way to participate than to open your doors to students and schools in your local area. Show them what makes your company great and give them a reason to choose manufacturing as their career pathway. Get the students interested.