Pathways for Vocational Colleges to Boost Rural Talent Revitalization: An Empirical Study Based on Hierarchical Clustering Algorithm Using Data from Guangdong Province

This study examines the diverse pathways of vocational colleges in China boosting rural talent revitalization using hierarchical clustering analysis. A dataset of 88 Guangdong vocational colleges is established, with input features selected to reflect the impact of vocational education on revitalization. Four clustering algorithms—Single, Complete, Average, and Ward—were applied, with the Davies-Bouldin Index assessing model performance. The Ward model emerged as optimal, clustering the colleges into four revitalization pathways: technology output-oriented, multi pathway participatory-oriented, talent output-oriented, and agriculture-focused. These insights offer guidance for optimizing the boosting pathway.