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.

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

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.

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

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.

SD 308 logo

Oswego SD 308 College and Career Fair

SD 308 is hosting a College and Career Fair at Oswego East High School to allow students the opportunity for postsecondary exploration and planning. This event is open to all SD 308 students and students from surrounding areas.

Industry partners who are interested in hosting a table should complete the interest form connected to this event page.

Due to limited space and the need to ensure representation from all career pathways, we will reach out and confirm spaces once the industry partner attendee list is finalized.

April 16th, 2026 06:00 PM - April 16th, 2026 08:00 PM

Oswego East High School

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.

Thomas Jefferson Middle School logo

TJMS Career Fair

We are excited to invite you to participate in the Thomas Jefferson Middle School Career Fair. This event allows students to explore different career paths, ask questions, and begin thinking about their futures. 

FORMAT: Students will visit tables for each Career. No presentations or substantial preparation are necessary! Note: there will not be a long break for lunch as all students will visit during their social studies classes, which occur during every class period. Breakfast and lunch items will be easily accessible for "grab and go" and you are welcome to take breaks as desired. 

WE WILL PROVIDE: 

  • Table space and a chair
  • Breakfast items + coffee
  • Lunch (please let us know of dietary restrictions on the REGISTRATION FORM)
  • Table signage with your name, title, and profession
  • Excited students

YOU BRING: 

  • Fill out the REGISTRATION FORM (LINK BELOW)
  • Enthusiasm for your career and anything you can think of to engage the students or spark their imaginations about your career type
  • Your Driver's License - for security/check-in purposes
  • Providing your full name and Date of birth in advance will help TJMS office staff to expedite the security process (tell us on the REGISTRATION FORM)
  • "Low tech" visual aids - Electricity access will be difficult due to the layout in the gymnasium, however we may be able to make it work. 

SCHEDULE: 

7:00 - 7:15 am - Check-in (morning and all-day participants) - most participants are attending for the full day, so it may take a few minutes to get everyone checked-in.

7:30 am - School day begins

2:10 pm - School day ends - however, it may be difficult to get out of the building and parking lot immediately due to student pick-up

FAQ: 

Do I need to create a presentation? No, just come with enthusiasm for your career. Students will only have a few minutes to get inspired. 

Can I bring candy/swag items for the students? No, thank you. District 15 policy does not allow food/candy to be distributed to students. Swag may be acceptable, however it should be small, with an educational focus and there should be enough for all 620 students. We would like the students to focus on the opportunity to learn about careers. 

April 22nd, 2026 07:00 AM - April 22nd, 2026 02:10 PM

3805 Winston Drive, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 (enter through the main doors)

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

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

Grant Community High School

Grant Community High School Career Fair

The fair will take place in our Fieldhouse from 9:25 to 3:10. Registration will close on March 4th.1700+ studentsCertificationsJuniors & Seniors

March 18th, 2026 09:25 AM - March 18th, 2026 03:10 PM

285 Grand Ave, Fox Lake, IL 60020

North Chicago Community HS logo

North Chicago Community High School

North Chicago Community High School will be hosting our Annual Career Fair for all students on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 10:30  A.M.- 2:50 P.M with company arrival beginning at 9 A.M. Lunch will be provided around noon.  Please complete this form before Friday, January 30, 2026.  Additional information will be sent to participants the first week of February.850+ attendees9-12 gradeInternship ready

March 17th, 2026 09:00 AM - March 17th, 2026 02:50 PM

1717 17th St, North Chicago IL 60064