The study Training and progression in the labour market , commissioned by the Department of Work and Pensions, explores the connections between skills/training and wage progression, retention and career advancement. 

 

It reports that in 2008, 20 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women aged 50-59 had received training in the previous 13 weeks.  For men and women aged 60-69 the figures were 12 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.

 

But overall the study found that training was most commonly received by younger people, women, public sector employees (especially those in local government, health or the armed forces) and workers in non-profit organisations.

 

Workers in large organisations and those with higher qualifications were also more likely to have received training. Training also seems to be more prevalent among higher earners and those relatively new to the job, linked with induction into the role, process or organisation.

 

The study also found a small effect on wages of undergoing training, and also increases in the rate of retention and moving into paid work. 

 

For most older workers, with the exception of women aged over 55, and for workers of other ages, the result of undertaking training was normally an increase in the rate at which their wages increased.

 

Source: TAEN