Factors Influencing the Attraction and Retention of Vocational Training in Kermanshash Province

A major challenge in educational arena is training for employment. In this regard, vocational education plays an important role in human capital as well as job skills. Investment in vocational education requires that potential students show interest in this type of training. However, during the past decade, vocational education is facing a major challenge in student attrition and retention. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to determine the factors influencing the retention of vocational education among students across vocational centers in Kermanshah province. Using cluster analysis, 297 vocational students were surveyed. Exploratory factor analysis showed that five factors were predicted for students retention. 1) student-teacher factor, 2) organizational support, 3) understanding student condition, 4) personal factors, and 5) characteristics of vocational curriculum. Results further revealed that these factors explained 60 percent of retention variance. Result of this study has implications for vocational education policy makers. For example, considering these factors can enhance vocational training retention.