If you have left school and are starting in a job straight away, it doesn't mean you have no further opportunity to improve yourself by learning new skills and increasing your knowledge.

No matter what age you are, there are a number of options available to allow you to continue learning through work and while working.

The good thing about work-based learning is that you can still earn money while picking up new skills and knowledge - and you could be giving your future career prospects a big boost.

Often the learning can take place in the workplace itself under the supervision of qualified instructors, but this is usually backed up by off-site training at a further education college or private training provider.

Opportunities range from foundation modern apprenticeships, which offer young people a broad preparation for a career in a particular industry, right up to part-time degree or other higher education courses, sponsored by employers in a range of professional disciplines.

Communication, teamworking, ability to learn and problem solving are key skills needed for any workplace, and they can be taught within modern apprenticeships, which take young people to NVQ level three or four and groom them for jobs as technicians and supervisors.

NVQs have been designed by a wide range of industries and cover nearly 100 different occupations.

NVQs are also a stepping stone towards further qualifications.

If you've worked successfully towards an NVQ it shows colleges and universities that you are a good candidate for further education courses.

And giving you time to train and improve yourself is all good news for your employer.

Funding arrangements are in place which mean employers will be able to claim finance for flexible training that isn't necessarily linked to NVQs but which builds skills important to the future of the business.

So don't be afraid to ask your personnel department what's on offer, or call learndirect, the national learning advice helpline, on 0800 100 900.