A poll of 2,000 mums and dads with children under 16 found 60 per cent have encouraged them to learn a skill like plumbing or engineering, or to become a car mechanic.
In fact, 51 per cent regret not pursuing a more practical career themselves.
And 56 per cent wish they could have made more of a difference to people’s lives in their jobs.
The research was commissioned by British Gas, which has committed to creating 3,500 apprenticeships over the next decade.
James Jennings, apprenticeship manager at energy and home services provider, said: “It’s really encouraging to see that taking up a trade is becoming more desirable among younger people and it’s good to know parents are supportive of this decision.
“Practical careers provide the chance to make a tangible difference to people’s lives as well as helping out in local communities, which can be extremely rewarding.”
The study also found 40 per cent of parents are keen for their children to make a positive difference to customers, and 39 per cent added that always having work available is a bonus.
A decent salary (37 per cent), managing your own work life balance (32 per cent) and being your own boss (32 per cent) also featured in the appeal.
And 42 per cent of parents love the idea of their child learning valuable skills to set them up for life, with 65 per cent believing these are becoming more varied due to ever-evolving technology.
Engineers (32 per cent), electricians (31 per cent) and builders (28 per cent) are the top three trades parents hope their child will choose.
Youth are being encouraged to take on apprenticeships
It also emerged that 43 per cent have immediate family members who are in a trade and 37 per cent think their son or daughter is likely to end up doing the same because of this.
But, according to the OnePoll study, 29 per cent of parents said if this does become their child’s career choice it will be because they have a genuine interest in it.
And two thirds would be happy for their offspring to take on an apprenticeship to see if it suited them.
More than a quarter (26 per cent) reckon there is a rise in younger people opting for a career in a trade with 64 per cent of all parents saying it’s something to be proud of.
It also emerged 68 per cent believe tradespeople have an important role to play in the future of our society, and 54 per cent think they make a real difference to people’s lives through their work.
Robert McGrath, trainee gas engineer at British Gas, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is curious about pursuing a more practical occupation, whether starting out their career or searching for a change.
“After serving 23 years in the military, I decided it was time for a new challenge - one that offered a better work life balance and the chance to positively impact people's lives.
“It’s so satisfying to go into people’s homes and help them in their hour of need, leaving again having fixed the problem and feeling good about my role in that.”
The British Gas apprentices will train in green skills to reach net zero such as installing electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps, and includes a recent commitment to hire 500 former armed forces recruits to re-train as engineers.
