Podcasts as a mediating element in improving entrepreneurial skills among vocational training students

Abstract

This study explored the use of podcasts as a teaching resource to enhance entrepreneurial skills among Vocational Training (VT) students. This research was conducted in the Business and Entrepreneurship module of the Intermediate Culinary and Gastronomy program at a Secondary Education Institute (HEI) in Seville, Spain. The participants were students aged 16–51 years. A mixed-method design with a pretest-postest approach and qualitative analysis was applied using validated instruments: the Entrepreneurial Potential Test (ATE-S), a personal initiative questionnaire, and a business knowledge scale. The results show significant improvements in creativity and business knowledge, especially in the legal, strategic, and management fields. In contrast, leadership and problem-solving improved moderately, while motivation decreased, and personal control barely changed. Students positively valued the experience, highlighting the development of communication skills, although public speaking anxiety persisted after the activity. The study introduces the Technology as a Mediator of Entrepreneurial Potential (TeMEP) model, concluding that podcasts are an effective pedagogical mediator for integrating digital and entrepreneurial competences, although they require complementary strategies in public speaking and motivational reinforcement.