Best practices

Creating blockchain training for the food supply chain utilising end-user engagement

Users: Policymakers (EU), Training Providers (Public) | Theme: Programme development | Action: Education programmes/courses | Beneficiaries:Training Providers (Private), Training Providers (Public)

TRUSTFOOD

TRUSTFOOD

Anastasia Vlachou

The TRUST-FOOD project aims to upskill SMEs and job seekers in the food supply chain (FSC) with advanced digital competencies in blockchain technology. Recognising the diverse needs across this sector, the consortium prioritised tailoring training programmes to ensure practical impact and uptake.
As student mobility and such types of degrees are on the rise, there is a need to refine common assessment criteria. In collaboration with accreditation agencies, ministries, and employers, JEDI explores the feasibility and impact of this label and promotes innovative learning methodologies that highlight European values in joint programmes.

The challenge?

A key challenge was designing training content that is both technically advanced and practically applicable to professionals with varied digital literacy. Without early engagement, content risked being misaligned with learners’ needs and industry contexts.

Our solution

A key success factor in the TRUST-FOOD project was the early and structured engagement of trainees before developing educational content. Under Task 3.1 (“Probing Trainees”), potential learners were consulted to assess their familiarity, needs, and interest in blockchain technologies through surveys. This feedback directly informed the design of the educational ecosystem, ensuring relevance, practicality, and learner-centered outcomes. This proactive involvement of end-users is a replicable best practice that enhances training relevance and effectiveness.

Outcomes

Strategic Value

  1. The proactive involvement of trainees helped uncover unexpected learning gaps, allowing the team to tailor content with greater precision.
  2. The approach fostered stronger alignment between learner needs and training objectives, enhancing the perceived value of the programme.

Process and Efficiency Gains

  1. Course development was faster and more focused, as insights from trainees eliminated guesswork.
  2. The initiative benefited from fewer mismatches between expectations and delivery, improving resource efficiency.

Key takeaways

Engaging learners early in the design process builds trust and ensures training is tailored to their real needs. In the TRUST-FOOD project, conducting surveys was only the first step; the real value came from thoroughly analysing the data and being flexible enough to adapt course plans based on the findings—even when they challenged initial assumptions. We also learned that simple, well-designed feedback tools are key to maximising participation and collecting actionable insights. For similar initiatives, it’s essential to allocate enough time and resources not just for consultation, but for interpreting and applying the feedback effectively.

Learn more here