Report on the Analysis of Training Needs in the Field of Foreign Languages for Special Purposes in the Lubuskie Province.

The analysis was conducted based on existing data and independent research.

According to the report “Analysis of the English Language School Market in Poland” (https://tiny.pl/cjl3r), the primary target clientele for language schools is school students. As a result, language training for adults is not widely available. The report indicates that the main reasons adults begin language learning are personal development and improving professional competencies. This trend is prompting more companies to offer language courses tailored specifically to business needs. Adults are often the most educated in terms of foreign language proficiency; thus, if the trend of adults seeking to improve their qualifications continues, the introduction of courses at all proficiency levels—particularly specialised ones—may present a significant opportunity for language schools to strengthen their market position.

According to the Goethe-Institut report (https://tiny.pl/c4qnv), knowledge of German opens up numerous opportunities for achieving life goals. Learning German equips individuals with skills beneficial in both professional and private life. Additionally, a report by pracuj.pl (https://tiny.pl/c4qnj) indicates that knowledge of two languages (e.g., German and English) is increasingly demanded by employers—24% in logistics and 17% in consulting. Moreover, bilingualism can lead to a salary increase of approximately 40% in various professional sectors.

The report by preply.com (https://tiny.pl/c4qkr) highlights that in Polish schools, children primarily learn English, with German being much less common. This narrowing of focus means that some individuals may be less competitive in the job market compared to those proficient in Spanish or Italian. Local entrepreneurs in the Lubuskie Province have expressed interest in enrolling their employees in courses to learn these languages through the University Language Education Centre.

Data from novakid.pl (https://tiny.pl/c4gtg) and studiuj.net (https://tiny.pl/c4g7h) show that foreign language proficiency is essential for career development, particularly in fields such as trade, finance, marketing, tourism, and IT. Individuals fluent in a specific language often receive higher salaries and more favourable employment conditions, as reflected in data from biznes.interia.pl (https://tiny.pl/c4gr2).

In our own research conducted using the PAPI method between September and October 2023 (a survey administered within the Lubuskie Province to a representative group of 102 participants—52 women and 50 men, utilising open and closed-ended questions), it was found that the lack of free training services is one of the main barriers to acquiring language skills. Nearly 89% of respondents expressed interest in participating in free training sessions close to their place of residence. Respondents rated their English and German skills as insufficient and inadequate for modern requirements (73%).

Respondents also noted that residents of larger towns, individuals with higher education, and younger people have better knowledge and more opportunities for development. The study also revealed interest in learning Spanish and Italian, languages that are increasingly valued in the logistics sector in the region.

The key strategic document of the regional government, "Lubuskie Development Strategy 2030,” operational goal 1.3, emphasises the importance of high-quality education tied to the regional labour market. Subsection f., which promotes and disseminates lifelong learning while improving its effectiveness, also supports the argument for offering foreign language education as a way to enhance the competitiveness of both employees and the region.

In conclusion, offering English, German, Italian, and Spanish language training with a specialised focus (e.g., business, tourism, office work, logistics, medical fields, customer service), tailored to the needs of the local labur market, is considered an economically creative measure. Such initiatives meet the expectations of the labour market, employees, and their competitiveness while supporting the goals of the modern European Union economy.