Research into apprenticeship schemes from b-live found 75% of 15-17 year olds think they are a ‘great career choice' involving earning and learning at the same time and 69% see £12,000-£13,000 as a good starting salary.
But only a quarter would choose the apprenticeship scheme offering the most money - rating job satisfaction and career development higher than financial reward.
Male respondents rated apprenticeships in engineering, IT and vehicle maintenance as their top sectors while females chose education, hospitality, travel and IT.
Tanja Kuveljic, managing director of b-live, said: "Many young people are unaware that apprenticeships are available across several sectors and professions, meaning companies may miss out on talented individuals purely because there is a lack of knowledge in this area.
"Another worry that has arisen from these results surrounds the application process of an apprenticeship. Most respondents stated they do not have the confidence when writing a CV or covering note meaning that again some individuals, who have the skills and might be the perfect fit for the apprenticeship scheme, are not considered due to their lack of understanding of the application process.
"Employers must work with local schools, careers centres and online careers advice sites in order to improve communication to young people, giving them a better insight into apprenticeship schemes, helping change perceptions in order to carve out a sufficient talent pipeline."
Young people have misconceptions about apprenticeships and are unsure how to apply for them
Employers have been warned they must change young people's perceptions of apprenticeships as 25% of 15-17 year olds still associate them with practical trades and more than a third have no idea how to apply for an apprenticeship schemes.
