An investigation of the relationship between vocational education center students' attitudes toward vocational education and school

In this study, the relationship between vocational education center students' attitudes toward vocational education and their attitudes toward school was examined. Conducted in the 2023–2024 academic year in Denizli's Merkezefendi and Pamukkale districts, the study analyzed students' attitudes in relation to variables such as gender, grade level, parents' education and occupation, field of work, duration of work at the workplace, and wages earned.It is theoretically accepted that vocational education not only develops individuals' technical skills but also their vocational identity and career motivation, while attitudes toward school are considered to affect academic achievement and school attachment. In this context, it was predicted that positive attitudes toward vocational education could be associated with attitudes toward school.The research, designed with a quantitative method, included 516 students. Data were collected using the "Attitude Scale Toward Vocational Education" developed by Ömür Kalkan (2014) and the "Attitude Scale Toward School" developed by Alıcı (2013). The data were analyzed through ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis.According to the findings, there was a significant and positive relationship between students' attitudes toward vocational education and their attitudes toward school. Additionally, significant differences were found in attitude scores according to some demographic variables. This shows that practices in vocational education institutions should support not only vocational competence but also positive perceptions toward school. The findings emphasize the importance of developing practices in vocational education centers that strengthen both academic and vocational development.Keywords: Vocational education, attitude toward school, vocational attitude, vocational education center