More men than women dream of holding the top job in business, according to the Campaign for Learning.

The findings, which emerged from a dream job swap competition run by the Campaign and recruitment specialists reed.co.uk to celebrate National Learning at work Day, 26 May, show that 5% of men would like to be a CEO or chairman compared with just 1% of women.

While women were more likely to ask to be Richard Branson's PA, male entrants requested a day being the business tycoon himself. Women were more likely to want to work in television or the fashion industry, or dream of being a teacher or actress.

The reason behind this gender difference is not clear from the responses to the competition.

Linda Siegle, Chief Executive, Campaign for Learning said: "A lack of female business role models is often suggested as an explanation, but with more women such as Karen Brady, occupying top jobs, it may be that other factors are at work. Women may be less confident than their male colleagues or simply that women dream of far more than just business success, which is why jobs in the television and fashion industry or working with animals or children appeal to them more."

The idea behind the competition was to get people thinking about their workplace development in a different way, and highlight the importance of workplace learning, in any form, to help all employees achieve their full potential.

Siegle said: " Whether their goal is to fulfil a lifelong dream, gain promotion or achieve the best possible standard in their current role, learning at work or at home is the way to succeed. Organisations that offer equal learning opportunities to all staff are more likely to benefit from a loyal, motivated workforce, achieving their optimum performance, whatever their gender, age, interests or dreams."

For those people not lucky enough to be one of the winners, the Campaign for Learning's website www.learningatworkday.com is providing up to date careers advice to help you turn your dreams into career goals.