Made in Lake County: CLC celebrates manufacturing

People talking at a job fair Published September 29, 2026

October is Manufacturing Month, and College of Lake County (CLC) is highlighting the innovation and expertise powering one of Lake County’s most important industries.

From advanced technologies to high-skilled career opportunities, today’s manufacturing industry looks very different from the factories of the past. Through Manufacturing Month events, CLC invites community members to explore the possibilities within this evolving field and engage with the employers and educators preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

Upcoming Manufacturing Month events at CLC:

  • Manufacturing Career and Internship Fair: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Grayslake Campus. Connect with local manufacturing employers who are hiring for internships and full-time or part-time positions.
  • Student Welding Competition: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at the Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee. Come see what happens in Illinois’ largest welding and fabrication lab as CLC welding students put their skills to the test in hands-on challenges.
  • Engineering Night: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at the Grayslake Campus. Learn about engineering careers through hands-on demonstrations and discussions with transfer universities, industry professionals and CLC faculty. Register to attend.

The events above are free to attend and open to all. In addition to these open community events, CLC will host targeted programs for high school students to explore how apprenticeships can lead to various manufacturing careers.

“Manufacturing Month is a great opportunity for potential and current students, parents, industry leaders and educators to connect and collaborate toward the future,” said Industrial Technology Instructor and Department Chair Dave Wooten. “Manufacturing is an area of growth and potential for a new generation, offering jobs that allow people to earn a good wage while making something important.”

Manufacturing Month may be celebrated in October, but CLC’s commitment to the industry continues year-round. Through the Manufacturing Alliance, CLC brings together local manufacturers and community stakeholders to strengthen workforce connections, address industry needs and help ensure Lake County’s manufacturing sector continues to thrive. CLC is also an eight-year participant of the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), receiving $290,000 in support for advanced manufacturing programs since MSI launched in 2019.

Click here to learn more about local manufacturing and what this industry has to offer.