LONDON, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Around 26 percent of employees in Britain have taken part in in-work training or education in 2017, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Thursday.

Those most likely to take part in in-work training are those in professional occupations, which include healthcare and education professionals, according to ONS data based on a study of workplace practices in 2017, the last year for which the data is available.

For higher-skilled occupation groups, like scientists and business managers, taking part in training can open the door to managerial and supervisory responsibilities, said ONS, adding that those in elementary jobs as well as in process, plant and machine operating are least likely to be given workplace training.

"Such variation between occupations could be due to some occupations requiring regular training more than others. For example, school teachers often must complete in-service training days," the ONS said.

"One of the potential benefits of in-work training for employees is higher pay, where those in the mid-skilled occupation groups, such as builders, see the largest wage benefit despite more modest participation rates," the ONS has found.

Participation in in-work training is higher for women, though the training women undertake is typically shorter than training undertaken by men. Younger employees participate more in in-work training than older employees, according to ONS.