This study addresses three central research questions (1) How do autonomy and related contextual factors—specifically social relatedness and competence recognition from Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and self-regulation capacity from ego-depletion theory—relate to educational outcomes, particularly given the conflicting predictions from these frameworks? (2) Do these associations differ between the two key educational outcomes: vocational competence and persistence (Outcome-Specificity)? (3) Do these associations vary depending on the domain-specific (company-level) versus domain-general (occupational-level) nature of the educational outcomes (Domain-Specificity)? The sample included 458 vocational education and training (VET) students in Germany (36 % male, 64 % female; M<inf>age</inf> = 19.66 years), followed throughout their training programs. Four longitudinal regression models were estimated—based on two types of educational outcomes (competence and persistence) across two domain scopes (company-specific and occupation-wide). Models controlled for time effects and the nested structure of the data (students within classes and schools). Findings indicate that autonomy and related contextual factors—such as social relatedness and competence recognition— show significant positive associations with persistence, but not with vocational competence. Outcome-specific patterns were observed, while domain-specific versus domain-general distinctions were less clear. Despite the dual structure of VET, integration between company-based and school-based learning may blur the boundaries between company-specific and occupational wide learning effects. While the longitudinal design supports temporal analysis, reliance on self-report measures and the absence of experimental manipulation limit causal interpretations. © 2025 The Author(s).
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