The research unveiled in advance of the annual VQ Day, a celebration of vocational qualifications, shows that 45 per cent of Civil Servants are not content with their roles. Sixty nine per cent of Civil Servants would pursue a different career path if they were given a second chance, with over a third (34 per cent) of these saying that having a vocational qualification would help them achieve their dream job.

At the other end of the scale, the UK’s happiest workers are Health Care Professionals, with 88 per cent saying they are content.

Overall one in five UK workers (21 per cent) say they are unhappy at work. Given our time again, more than half of us (52 per cent) would chose a different profession, with working as a writer or broadcaster/journalist (8 per cent), a teacher or lecturer (8 per cent) or a lawyer (7 per cent) topping the poll for those who would want a change. However, 62 per cent of these people did not think that having a vocational qualification would help them achieve their ideal job.

In fact only 33 per cent of would-be teachers, 29 per cent of would-be journalists/broadcasters/writers and 26 per cent of would-be lawyers realised that a vocational qualification could help them achieve their dreams.

Peter Mitchell, Education Director of Edge, the independent education foundation behind VQ Day commented: “There is a misguided view that careers such as law can only be achieved through an academic qualification such as a degree. This is no longer the case – vocational qualifications offer a solid route into a great many careers.”

Only 35 per cent of people have aspired to work in their current career since their school days. Two fifths (43 per cent) of people who would pursue their current career again say they thought a vocational qualification would help if they were to start over.

Rod Bristow, President, Pearson UK (parent company of awarding body Edexcel) said: “For too long some people have believed that showing what you know through what you can write is worth more than showing what you know through what you can do. But vocational qualifications (like BTEC) are now gaining the popularity and esteem they deserve. VQ Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their importance.”

Peter Mitchell, Education Director of Edge continued: “VQ Day is all about celebrating those who have achieved vocational qualifications and the many paths to success that they open up for learners of all ages. If you are not happy with your career, VQ Day is a wonderful opportunity to have a look at the options that are out there – with events all over the country, log on to the www.vqday.org website and see what’s happening in your area.”

VQ Day will take place on June 23rd with celebrations in London, Glasgow, Belfast and Cardiff as well as colleges, learning providers and businesses up and down the UK. For more information visit www.vqday.org

Professions and happiness rating

Healthcare professional - 88%
Scientist/R&D Scientist - 87%
Teacher/lecturer - 84%
Accountant - 81%
Sales person - 81%
IT specialist - 78%
Engineer - 77%
Administrator - 76%
Retail worker - 75%
Secretary/Receptionist - 74%
Civil Servant - 55%

The research was conducted by PCP Ltd between 10th May and 14th May 2010. Total sample size was 1019 people aged 18 to 65 living in the UK. Responses were obtained online. Results were weighted by age and region to be representative of the population.