TBI, one of the Netherlands’ leading construction groups, set out to tackle more than just a housing shortage. With 400,000 homes still needed and a growing labour gap, the industry faces a societal challenge. Thanks to its unique structure, TBI took action—creating an immersive VR experience that introduces children to the world of construction through building, safety, and innovation.
‘’ We needed a new way to make infrastructure exciting.”
The Challenge
Traditional VR tools often fails to resonate with younger generations. Especially during school visits and open days, where attention spans are short and expectations are high. TBI needed a solution that could:
- Capture attention through interactivity and immersion
- Be playful and motivating, while still conveying serious risks
- Reduce the need for constant supervision by instructors
The challenge was clear:
how do you turn passive learning into an active, unforgettable experience?
Solution - A Fully Interactive VR Construction Site
We developed a realistic single-player VR experience that places players directly on a construction site - requiring them to equip safety gear such as a helmet and vest. They navigate authentic environments from the site cabin to tunnels and dam walls, while completing practical tasks like sawing, hammering, and assembling components. Through playful, interactive challenges, players learn about real world risks and safety procedures in a way that is both engaging and instructive.
Attention spans are short, and curiosity comes from interaction. VR lets us make an invisible world tangible. They can see how their creativity and skill could literally shape the country.
Large Scale Testing 300+ Students
During our first school visit with the TBI truck, over 300 students stepped into the VR experience on the first day —sparking high engagement and excitement throughout. Their enthusiasm highlighted the impact of immersive learning, while also offering valuable insights to further enhance in-game guidance and interactivity.
When even 20 or 30 percent walk out thinking, ‘I didn’t know I could do this,’ we know we’ve succeeded,” TBI explains.
“It’s about the future of our building sector, about all the incredible jobs that keep it moving forward. We want to show young people that the future isn’t something to watch; it’s something to build.”
Impact & Future Potential
The VR experience showed how playful interaction leads to lasting impact.
If even one child chooses a technical career because of this experience, that’s a lifetime return on investment for them, for us and for the country.
Built for growth, the platform is ready to expand—unlocking future modules on sustainability, the energy transition, or smart mobility. With device management in place, TBI now has a scalable tool to engage the next generation of builders—anytime, anywhere.
50+ schools | 15.000 children
In just months, the roadshow has reached over 50 plus schools and over 15,000 children. The initiative has already sparked collaborations with local governments and vocational schools looking to adopt similar programs.
“We’re not just showing kids the future of our sectors; we’re helping them imagine their place in it.”
