In today’s fast-changing labor landscape, one thing is clear: workers are eager to learn, but only if the training speaks to their realities.
As part of the DEMANDS project’s needs assessment, we gathered valuable input from low-skilled (ex)workers in transitioning industries, particularly those from the lignite sector. Their responses reflect both a strong motivation to improve and a clear vision of what meaningful, accessible training looks like to them.
Communication as a Core Skill
One of the most consistent messages from respondents was that effective communication, especially intercultural communication, is no longer optional. In increasingly diverse workplaces, the ability to understand, adapt, and engage across cultural boundaries is seen as fundamental to building trust, reducing conflict, and improving collaboration. Workers emphasized that communication is more than exchanging information, it’s about empathy, clarity, and connection.
What Gets in the Way?
Participants identified several key barriers that affect communication and limit their learning opportunities:
- Unclear messaging and technical jargon that cause confusion
- One-size-fits-all training approaches that fail to meet their unique learning needs
- Lack of psychological safety, where workers feel hesitant to speak up or ask questions
- Cultural misunderstandings that lead to workplace friction
This feedback underscores the importance of moving away from generic training models and toward personalized, inclusive education.
What Do Workers Want from Training?
The message is clear: workers are open, motivated, and ready to learn, but they need training that meets them where they are.
- Active listening
- Empathy and cultural awareness
- Conflict resolution
- Non-verbal and multilingual communication
Respondents highlighted a preference for practical, hands-on learning experiences, including:
- Role plays and simulations based on real workplace scenarios
- Group activities that encourage peer learning and collaboration
- Visual and interactive content that’s easy to follow, regardless of literacy level
Digital access, flexibility in timing, and language support were also listed as essential for making training truly accessible.
A Call for Confidence and Inclusion
Ultimately, workers are looking for training that empowers, not overwhelms, them. They want to build confidence in their communication skills, adapt to diverse work environments, and feel valued as part of the energy transition.
This is more than skills development; it’s about inclusion, dignity, and growth.
Next Steps
The DEMANDS project is listening. Based on what workers told us, we’re designing training programs that prioritize real-world communication needs, cultural sensitivity, and learner-friendly formats. Our goal is to build resources that don’t just prepare people for new jobs, but help them thrive in new environments.
Stay tuned for the final post in our needs assessment blog series, where we explore how these insights are shaping the DEMANDS platform and training design.
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DEMANDS Project
DEMANDS is an EU-funded Erasmus+ project designed to upskill workers, enhance intercultural communication, and support workforce inclusion during the energy transition.
Project materials
Discover our collection of posters, leaflets, branding assets, and more—all designed to communicate the mission and impact of DEMANDS. Download, share, and join us in spreading the word about empowering workers and fostering inclusion in the energy transition.
