Building the Manufacturing Workforce of Tomorrow—Today Founded in 2014, GCAMP (Greater Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership) envisions closing workforce gaps for our manufacturing partners in the Chicago area. We do this by educating young people on the high-quality, high-skill, high-paying opportunities within the manufacturing field. We dispel the myths and negative stereotypes surrounding manufacturing. And we celebrate manufacturing by highlighting the amazing work accomplished everyday by the individuals who support manufacturing.
GCAMP goes into Chicago area schools to help students envision their future within manufacturing. Students are educated on the opportunities – everything from operators and welders to engineers and technical sales - that are available to them if they choose a career path in manufacturing.
GCAMP also connects the students with manufacturers. GCAMP brings manufacturers into schools so that our industry leaders can witness the relevant, foundational curriculum of today’s CTE (Career Technical Education) programs. Manufacturers often find that students are passionate, curious, and motivated by the work they are doing in school, and they are eager to find ways to apply their new skills in real-life. For the students, GCAMP brings students on plant tours. During these tours, students marvel at the robotics and cutting-edge technology prevalent in modern-day manufacturing. Tours enable students to truly see the opportunities that await them when they choose a career in manufacturing. Building these connections makes a difference.
GCAMP is optimistic about the opportunities our collective partnerships have enabled: future employees are finding meaningful and sustainable careers, and businesses are thriving. This past year, GCAMP asked our supporters to join our Circle of Champions, and we were humbled by their support. All of our Champions share a universal motivator – to sustain, grow, and celebrate manufacturing for the good of the students, their business, our region, our country, and our world.
