Purpose – Encouraging vocational education and training (VET) graduates to actively pursue their careers is imperative to foster the employment of well-trained and skilled personnel to provide companies with a competitive advantage in the long term. This study aims to investigate the factors shaping the career intentions (CI) of VET students based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) (Ajzen, 1991). When compared to previous studies conducted with university cohorts and adult populations, the current study uniquely examines the CI determinants of senior students from VET programs. Design/methodology/approach – Under the guidance of TPB, this study conducted an empirical investigation involving a survey of 513 VET students. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the factors that influence students' CI. At the same time, the moderating role of perceived behavioral control (PBC) in the relationships between career attitudes (CA)-CI and subjective norms (SN)-CI was tested. Findings – The findings obtained from the study showed that CI are influenced by CA, SN and PBC. Among these, the strongest predictor was PBC. In the suggested model, SN and PBC emerged as significant predictors of CA. Findings from the moderator test revealed that the relationships between CA-CI and SN-CI were not significantly influenced by PBC. Originality/value – The novelty of the current research lies in its examination of the antecedents of CI, its use with vocational education students and its focus on the TPB. The current research contributes to the awareness of policymakers, administrators and teachers about the factors that underpin CI among VET students. © 2026 Emerald Publishing Limited
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