Job prospects and long-term career goals are increasingly enhanced by mixing work with study, according to new research.

The figures from by the Chartered Management Institute, show that managers see the value in time spent learning. A rating of 6 out of 10 was given when respondents were asked if they had been ‘rewarded and recognised’ for undertaking development programmes.

Almost a quarter had gained a qualification that led to a promotion and 23% had been awarded a pay rise. The same proportion had opted for a different career with their new skills and 22% remained in the same industry.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the CMI, said: “It is becoming increasingly clear that, if individuals want to succeed, they must invest time in continually updating their skills.  But studying on its own is not the answer – how managers apply what they learn in their relationships with customers and colleagues is critical to ongoing success.”