May 21, 2017 – 1.10pm , first published at May 19, 2017 – 11.00pm

Updated May 21, 2017 – 1.10pm , first published at May 19, 2017 – 11.00pm

A new report urges parents to seriously consider urging their school leaving children to study a vocational course rather than a university degree because, in many cases, it is a pathway to better jobs.

The report, Perceptions are not reality, from the Skilling Australia Foundation, says there are myths about vocational education and training (VET) which "simply do not stack up against reality".

Citing data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research and Graduate Careers Australia, the report says that vocational education graduates have a slightly higher median salary ($56,000) compared to bachelor degree graduates ($54,000).

Young people are more likely to get a good job with a vocational qualification rather than a bachelor degree. Louise Kennerley

"The highest average starting salary for a VET qualification (certificate IV in hazardous areas – electrical at $85,400 ) is higher than the highest starting salary with a bachelor-level degree (dentistry at $80,000), the report said.

Similarly vocational education graduates have a better chance of finding a job with 78 per cent of VET graduates finding a job compared to 69 per cent of bachelor degree graduates.