International talent, local ambition: Job Fair draws 600+ to Apeldoorn City Hall

15.06.2026

Connecting International Talent with Employers in Central Netherlands

More than 600 registrations were received for the fourth edition of the Job Fair Central Netherlands, held on 3 June at Apeldoorn City Hall, as students, graduates and employers filled the venue in search of opportunities, connections and next steps.

Organised by Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, the event has quickly grown into a key meeting point for international talent and Dutch employers looking to recruit across sectors including tech, hospitality, logistics, finance and marketing.

Opening the fair, Councillor Bouwien ten Bokum welcomed attendees and highlighted Apeldoorn’s ambitions as a growing innovation hub.

She praised the international student community, saying they bring “global ideas and a fresh perspective,” helping make the city “more open, more diverse and more connected to the world.” She also pointed to expanding opportunities in IT, security, finance and technology, urging students to actively engage with employers: “This is your chance to discover what is possible here.”

And there were plenty of possibilities on display. Exhibitors included companies such as Stellantis, Avery Dennison, Lucid Motors, Minor Hotels, Corendon Hotels & Resorts, EuroDev, Asia Express Food, Attesa Coffee, PAYSE, GradGuide and Karimi Talent, alongside a wide range of other regional and international employers.

For many companies, the appeal lies in the international profile of Wittenborg students. Jeffrey Otten, Corporate Recruiter at Corendon Hotels & Resorts, said the fair offers direct access to the kind of talent they are looking for.

“We keep coming back because it’s very international, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for,” he said, adding that previous Wittenborg interns had proven highly successful within the company. He described students as “enthusiastic, eager to learn, and strong in English.”

Others also used the event to connect with students. Nicolas Cartiaux, co-founder and CEO of Karimi.ai, said engagement had grown rapidly since the company’s first university events just months ago. Student reactions, he noted, had shifted from curiosity to immediate interest in the product.

Students themselves were at the centre of the event. Sahana Mital, a marketing student volunteering on the day, said the experience gave her a clearer understanding of recruitment and employer expectations. “Communication, confidence and clarity are key,” she reflected, describing the fair as a valuable bridge between study and professional life.

For others, the focus was more direct. Fatemeh Motallebi, a student actively seeking internships, said the fair offered a rare chance to speak to multiple companies in one place. “If you want to gain experience, come to the job fair and see what is out there,” she said.

Across conversations, CV exchanges and spontaneous interviews, a clear theme emerged: opportunity meets preparation.

“As employers look for internationally minded graduates and students search for real-life experience, the Job Fair Central Netherlands continues to position itself as a practical bridge between education and employment and a snapshot of a region quietly redefining its talent landscape,” said Sophia Faraji, External Relations & Events Manager at Wittenborg.

With its fourth edition complete, the event shows no signs of slowing down. The fifth edition of the Job Fair Central Netherlands is already planned for 2027, as organisers look to expand both participation and impact in the years ahead.