Utrecht, 18 August 2026 – At a time when the construction and installation sector is facing major challenges due to the ongoing labour shortage and the growing demand for technical talent, Timmerstad Utrecht is moving to Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs. This partnership will provide opportunities for more children and contribute to a shared ambition: to inspire young people from an early age to take an interest in construction, technology and innovation.
Building the image of a sector with a future
The construction and installations sector will need thousands of new skilled workers in the coming years. At the same time, many young people are still not sufficiently aware of the sector’s versatility and social impact. According to Jaarbeurs , strengthening the sector’s image therefore needs to start at a young age. Joyce van de Hoef, Construction & Installation Cluster Manager at Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs: “The construction and installation sector faces an enormous challenge. We desperately need the creativity, innovative drive and craftsmanship of a new generation. That is precisely why we must let children experience just how inspiring it is to design, create and build something. Perhaps the architects, installers, engineers and builders of tomorrow are walking around here.”
From play to a passion for technology
What began as a local initiative in south-east Utrecht has grown into a popular holiday event for which places are snapped up within a matter of days every year. Thanks to the move to Jaarbeurs , Timmerstad now has the space to grow further and reach more children. For four days, participants build their own city, work together on creative projects and are introduced to technology, design and entrepreneurship in a playful way. Van de Hoef: “At Jaarbeurs , we bring the construction and installations sector together all year round through our events and communities. With Timmerstad, we are not only investing in a wonderful children’s initiative, but also in the sector’s appeal and future. Enthusiasm for technology often stems from discovery and hands-on experience. I am proud that we are able to make this possible in collaboration with Ondernemersfonds Utrecht.”
A shared ambition for the city and the sector
The partnership between Timmerstad Utrecht and Jaarbeurs stems from a shared social ambition. Under the theme ‘City of the Future’, both organisations are exploring how they can contribute to equal opportunities, talent development, sustainability and a strong technical labour market in the Utrecht region. Gijs Mensing, speaking on behalf of Timmerstad Utrecht: “Thanks to the move to Jaarbeurs , we can reach more children and increase our social impact. Together, we’re showing that building isn’t just important for the future of our city, but is also great fun.” Through this partnership, Jaarbeurs and Timmerstad are emphasising the importance of introducing children to technology and construction at an early age. After all, the solutions to tomorrow’s challenges begin with today’s curiosity.
