Over the past months, the DEMANDS project has actively listened to the voices of two key groups: trainers and low-skilled (ex)workers. Through a comprehensive needs assessment, we gathered valuable insights into the communication challenges, learning preferences, and support needs that shape their daily realities.

One message stood out: intercultural communication skills are not optional but essential. In today’s increasingly diverse work environments, being able to connect, collaborate, and understand others across cultural and linguistic lines is critical for both employability and workplace harmony.

The results of the assessment are not just being acknowledged, they’re being put to work. DEMANDS is now developing tailored training content that directly addresses the challenges identified by trainers and learners alike.

For trainers, this means tools that help:

• Navigate multicultural classrooms
• Use practical and interactive methods (role plays, real-life case studies)
• Build inclusive, learner-centered environments

For workers, this means:

• Gaining confidence in their communication abilities
• Strengthening key skills like active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and cultural self-awareness
• Accessing content in formats that suit their lives, learning styles, and career goals

Informed by the needs assessment, the DEMANDS Open Educational Platform (OEP) is being designed to offer more than just online lessons. It will be an interactive, supportive, and adaptive space for both learners and educators.

Key features will include:

• Blended learning options
• Interactive exercises and simulations grounded in real workplace scenarios
• Microcredentials and digital badges that validate skill development
• Custom learning pathways tailored to different professional roles and industries

This approach ensures that user experience, accessibility, and relevance remain at the core of the platform’s development, making it truly inclusive and future-proof.