A Study of the Decision-Making Process in Choosing to Pursue Vocational Certificate and Higher Vocational Certificate Programs among Students at Ratchaburi Technical College, Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

This research aimed to (1) study the supporting factors, motivations, and decision-making processes that influence enrollment in vocational and higher vocational certificate programs, (2) study the supporting factors that influence the decision-making process, and (3) study the motivations that influence the decision-making process. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, with quantitative data collected from a sample of 400 students using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.943, and qualitative data collected from 12 parents. The results showed that supporting factors, including educational level, financial readiness, parental experience and occupation, advice from close relatives, and college publicity, as well as career motivations, self-development, social skills, and curriculum, all significantly influenced the decision to enroll in vocational certificate programs at a statistical significance level of 0.05. The qualitative results were consistent with the quantitative results, indicating that family and close relatives played a significant role in the decision-making process, while curricula that met labor market demands and offered opportunities for self-development were key motivators for students choosing to continue their education.