One-quarter of Britons are in their current job purely because of chance, according to new research.
About 25 per cent of people questioned by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) said they "fell" into their current roles, compared with a third citing passion for their work.
A further four in ten respondents said they were in their job for money reasons, while ten per cent admitted that they did not have the qualifications to do the job they really want to do.
The research was conducted ahead of this year's Apprenticeships Awards ceremony, which the LSC said is an example of Britons not "leaving their future to chance".
"At a time when our nation's skill levels need to be improved, apprentices are excellent examples of people who are making plans for their futures by learning the skills and knowledge they will need," commented Stephen Gardner, director of apprenticeships at the LSC.
There are more than 180 LSC-funded apprenticeships across the UK, covering roles in over 80 different industry sectors.