The objectives were to: 1) assess and analyse students’ perceptions toward vocational education; 2) propose a new paradigm and alternative pathways to change students’ perceptions about vocational education. The use of mixed methods in this study developed a better understanding of secondary students’ decisions towards vocational education. The results obtained from different methods have enriched the understanding of vocational education issues and advanced research in vocational education. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to analyse the perceptions of 802 secondary students from six Thai regions toward vocational education. In-depth interviews with 18 students in grades 7–12 were analysed using a content analysis. Secondary students who had completed or were enrolled in vocational education influenced secondary students’ views on vocational education. A new paradigm is required for new vocational education images, which may modify the image of vocational education and contribute to a new paradigm shift in vocational education. © © 2023 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
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