The DEMANDS consortium held its 2nd Plenary Meeting in Seville, Spain, hosted by project partner Ayesa, following the successful organization of the project’s Multiplier Event and Training the Trainers activities.

During the meeting, representatives from all partner organizations, University of Western Macedonia (Greece), Public Power Corporation (Greece), IT Economic Systems (Greece), Sidroco Holdings (Cyprus), and Ayesa (Spain), gathered to review progress and plan the next steps of the project.

The discussions focused on:

The meeting also reinforced the shared commitment among partners to ensure that the DEMANDS project continues to deliver meaningful tools and opportunities for upskilling, inclusion, and lifelong learning in the context of the energy transition.

The DEMANDS project successfully hosted two major events in Seville, Spain, on 4–5 November 2025, marking an important milestone in its mission to support upskilling and inclusion in the energy transition.

In parallel, the Training the Trainers activity provided an interactive environment for VET providers and educators to enhance their teaching strategies in communication and intercultural skills. Through hands-on exercises and peer collaboration, participants explored methods for fostering inclusion, managing intercultural interactions, and supporting low-skilled adults in transition sectors.

Both events were hosted by Ayesa, with the participation of partners from Greece, Cyprus, and Spain, reinforcing the project’s collaborative and European dimension.

These activities mark a key step in the DEMANDS journey, translating research and dialogue into practical tools that will empower both trainers and workers to thrive in the green economy.

Stay tuned for more updates as the DEMANDS project continues to create lasting skills, foster inclusion, and support a sustainable workforce. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and opportunities to get involved.

Together, we’re building a brighter, more inclusive future!

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, upskilling and lifelong learning have become essential for workers aiming to remain competitive. Technological advancements, automation, and policy initiatives like the European Green Deal are reshaping industries, necessitating continuous adaptation. But why is upskilling so crucial, and how does it benefit individuals and industries alike?​

The rise of automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 reveals that these trends are expected to create 170 million new jobs by 2030 while displacing 92 million roles, resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs (World Economic Forum, 2025). ​

In the energy sector, the European Green Deal is accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, directly impacting workers in industries such as coal and lignite mining. According to CEDEFOP, this shift will require up to 286,000 energy sector workers to transition to new roles by 2030 (CEDEFOP, 2021). The challenge ahead is ensuring that workers are equipped with the skills necessary to transition into emerging industries successfully.

As industries evolve, so do the skills required to thrive in them. The OECD’s Skills Outlook 2021 emphasizes that lifelong learning is the key to navigating workforce disruptions and closing the skills gap (OECD, 2021). Here’s why upskilling matters:

To ensure a successful workforce transition, governments, educational institutions, and businesses must collaborate to create accessible and inclusive training programs. The European Commission’s Skills Agenda highlights the need for lifelong learning initiatives like the Pact for Skills, which aims to reskill millions of workers across Europe (European Commission, 2022).

Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs, microcredentials, and digital learning platforms are playing a key role in bridging the skills gap. These flexible learning solutions allow workers to upskill at their own pace while balancing job and family responsibilities.

The workforce of the future will need to be adaptable, resilient, and continuously learning. Whether transitioning from traditional industries to emerging sectors or simply staying competitive in a tech-driven world, upskilling and reskilling are no longer optional—they are essential.

• World Economic Forum (2025). The Future of Jobs Report 2025. Link
• CEDEFOP (2024). Skills for the Green Transition. Link
• OECD (2021). Skills Outlook 2021: Learning for Life. Link
• International Labour Organization (ILO, 2024). World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024. Link
• European Commission (2022). The European Skills Agenda. Link

On November 28, 2024, the consortium behind the DEMANDS project gathered for the highly anticipated Kick-Off Meeting. This pivotal event brought together partners from universities, VET experts, energy companies, and ICT experts, united by a shared mission: to empower workers, foster inclusion, and support the energy transition.

The energy and enthusiasm shared by the partners set a strong foundation for what promises to be an impactful initiative.

The DEMANDS project is now moving into its initial phase, focusing on identifying the communication needs of workers in transitioning industries and developing resources for VET trainers. Updates on these activities, along with insights into the project’s progress, will be shared regularly.

Stay tuned for more updates as the DEMANDS project continues to create lasting skills, foster inclusion, and support a sustainable workforce. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and opportunities to get involved.

Together, we’re building a brighter, more inclusive future!