The data, from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), shows that half of owners were also running their own company within seven years of completing their training.
In addition, 98% of respondents said they valued an apprenticeship over a degree when hunting for new staff.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said the data demonstrates an apprenticeship is "the perfect springboard" for a construction career.
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"Of those who went on to start their own businesses, more than one in two reached that goal within a mere seven years of completing their apprenticeship training, showing that you can go from being a brickie to a business owner in no time at all," he said.
"Even if running your own firm isn't what you aspire to do, a construction apprenticeship can nevertheless provide the foundation for a highly rewarding career. Almost 80% of our SME construction bosses said that employment in the sector offers high levels of job satisfaction with tangible results and 87% believe an apprenticeship teaches useful and practical skills.
"What's more, by the age of 23, a bricklayer with five years' experience can earn up to £31,000 and rising in some cases to £52,000 in London. Given the high levels of university tuition fees, young people have every reason to properly consider a more vocational education and pursuing a career in construction looks an increasingly shrewd move."
(LM)
