The report Beyond Skills Development: Unleashing Human Potential presents the first findings from Cedefop’s European Training and Learning Survey (ETLS), exploring how learning and skills development support a human-centred approach to work in the context of Industry 5.0. Based on interviews with workers across EU Member States, Iceland, and Norway, the study examines the relationship between workplace conditions, employee motivation, and participation in learning activities.
The findings highlight that effective skills development depends on both individual motivation and supportive workplace environments. Learning is strongly influenced by factors such as managerial support, job autonomy, workplace culture, and access to career development opportunities. The report also shows that changes in job design, the introduction of new technologies, and skills mismatches encourage participation in both employer-organised and self-initiated learning activities.
The study underlines the important role of organisations in fostering a learning culture that empowers workers and supports continuous adaptation to labour market transformations. At the same time, employees actively contribute to the skills formation process through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving in the workplace.
The report concludes that lifelong learning and human-centred workplace practices are essential for strengthening productivity, innovation, and resilience in the transition towards Industry 5.0. It also emphasises the need for policies that support motivation for learning, improve access to training, and promote inclusive and adaptive learning environments.
You can access the full text at the following link: https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/publications/3099
