THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION OF STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS OFFERING VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS AT TRAT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) Analyze the factors affecting the entrepreneurial intention of students enrolled in the Career Classroom Program of Trat Technical College, and 2) Investigate school management approaches that promote students' entrepreneurial intention. A mixed-methods research design was employed, consisting of quantitative and qualitative phases. In the quantitative phase, the population comprised 258 upper secondary school students from six schools in Trat Province participating in the Career Classroom Program during the 2025 academic year. Data were collected using a questionnaire validated by five experts (IOC = 0.60 - 1.00) and pilot-tested with 77 students, yielding Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from .913 to .964. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). In the qualitative phase, data were collected through a focus group discussion with six key stakeholders and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that creativity, attitude toward entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy had direct effects on entrepreneurial intention. Attitude toward entrepreneurship, creativity, and entrepreneurship education also had indirect effects on entrepreneurial intention through entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Furthermore, four school management approaches promoting students' entrepreneurial intention were identified: curriculum management and experiential learning, developing students’ potential and competencies, visionary leadership and the transformation of educational personnel’s roles, and collaborative partnerships supported by external stakeholders.