How can BTEC teachers support young people to be prepared for careers in the media industries? A reflection on pedagogy

There are major discrepancies between the skills required in the media industries, and those BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) Level 3 students develop during their course. While academics have described these courses as ‘pre-vocational’, there is an expectation from students, parents and now the Government that BTECs, which are more practical than A Levels, will offer young people preparation for employment. However, there are distinct differences in the skills required by the media industries and those taught on such courses. While pre-existing literature acknowledges this issue in part, it does not offer potential pedagogical solutions. Recent reforms in vocational education will effect at policy level but offer little practical support for teachers. This action research project proposes potential teaching and learning strategies to help narrow the gap between BTEC media education (one of the most popular courses perceived to be vocational in the United Kingdom) and the skills particularly of high demand in today's industries. The project was organised as part of a Twenty-First Century Learning Alliance teacher research fellowship, which enables teachers to investigate problems that affect their own classroom practice.