This is where a needs assessment becomes indispensable. Rather than assuming what trainers and workers require, a needs assessment helps uncover the real, lived challenges and expectations of those directly affected by the transition. It ensures that training initiatives are rooted in real-world insights, reflecting the actual conditions and goals of the people they aim to support. Without this critical step, training may risk missing the mark, providing tools that look good on paper but fall short in practice.

In today’s multicultural and fast-paced labor markets, intercultural communication is no longer a “nice-to-have” skill, it’s a core requirement. Workers need to not only collaborate across teams and borders but also understand different cultural perspectives, adapt their communication style, and resolve misunderstandings with empathy and professionalism. These soft skills are increasingly recognized as crucial for employability, team cohesion, and productivity.

That’s why the DEMANDS project placed strong emphasis on a comprehensive needs assessment, one that engaged both trainers and low-skilled (ex)workers. This dual approach ensured a holistic understanding of the training landscape, from the perspective of those designing and delivering it, to those meant to benefit from it. The process was not simply about collecting data but about building a bridge between these two groups, ensuring that training solutions would not only be inclusive but truly impactful and relevant.