<p>The development of innovative thinking is crucial in technical vocational education to prepare students to face complex industrial challenges. However, the mechanisms by which creativity is translated into innovation through problem-solving skills are still underexplored. This study examines the direct and indirect structural relationships among creativity, problem-solving ability, and perceived innovation‑supportive program features as a proxy for innovative thinking, specifically testing whether problem-solving mediates the effect of creativity on innovative thinking. A correlational quantitative design with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was used, employing a purposive sample of 180 fifth-semester mechanical engineering students from vocational institutions in Jakarta. The results confirm that creativity has positive direct associations with both problem‑solving and innovative thinking, and that problem‑solving is positively associated with innovative thinking. Bootstrapped mediation analysis further reveals a significant indirect association between creativity and innovative thinking through problem‑solving, establishing problem‑solving as a partial mediator. This study contributes theoretically by providing empirical evidence for the mediating role of problem‑solving in the link between creativity and innovative thinking within the context of vocational engineering education, an integrated pathway that has not been previously tested. Practically, these findings suggest that curricula should integrate creativity‑enhancing activities with structured problem‑solving exercise to cultivate an innovative workforce ready to meet industry demands.</p>