TEENAGERS in York and North Yorkshire are being urged to consider their future careers during the festive holidays.

Barbara Kirkby, from Connexions York and North Yorkshire, is asking 16-year-olds to think carefully about their next move.

Barbara, who is a Connexions personal adviser, said: "No matter what young people may want to do now, it is important for them to consider all the options before deciding on their next steps."

Barbara says there are many choices available to youngsters, from staying on at school to jumping straight into the world of work.

She said: "For most young people, full-time education will be the most suitable and preferred option.

"Colleges are likely to have a wider range of courses, but may be further away from home and class sizes can be much larger than at school.

"Every young person has individual needs and ambitions, and prospectuses and open days are great ways of gathering information to assess what might suit them."

Barbara advises youngsters to consider their strengths and weaknesses when choosing courses and think how the course will get them a job or a place at university.

She says on-the-job training is ideal for those who want to leave traditional education.

One option is a modern apprenticeships where youngsters can gain qualifications and earn at the same time.

She said: "If a job advertisement doesn't mention training, or the opportunity to gain valuable qualifications, it can be a dead end, so make some enquiries.

"Jobs for people with low skills levels and no qualifications are disappearing and less money will be earned in the long run."

Barbara said many youngsters might be unsure what they want to do and the best way forward would be to get advice from their school or local Connexions Centre.

She said: "Programmes are available to help those who don't yet feel ready for the world of work, didn't get the most out of school, or require more support, and can help young people build confidence, skills and work experience."

Connexions, York and North Yorkshire can be telephoned on 080 800 13219

Updated: 08:40 Monday, December 29, 2003