TEENAGERS worried about exam results are being urged to consider an apprenticeship.

A booklet has been launched in North Yorkshire with information about the scheme and the 150 careers available in North Yorkshire.

Sam Leigh, 19, of Northallerton, who features in the booklet, started work as an apprenticed office junior at solicitors Jefferson Willan and Co, in the town.

Within a year she had been promoted twice and her wages had increased by 70 per cent. She is now considering becoming a solicitor.

"If it wasn't for the apprenticeship, I would never have had the confidence to think about going to college to become a legal secretary.

"I can even go on to become a solicitor.

"If I wasn't here, I would never have realised my potential," she said.

There are 5,000 young people, aged between 16 and 25, doing apprenticeships in North Yorkshire.

The scheme allows them to earn while qualify for jobs, ranging from information technology to farming.

Kevin Marrow, of the Learning and Skills Council North Yorkshire, which manages apprenticeships, said: "Thousands of employers have been calling us over the last few months and we now have more vacancies than ever before in really interesting career areas.

"Apprenticeships are a great route for anyone who wants to start working now and for those who want to leave school but still get a qualification.

"They leave your options open,whether you want a career or to go to university later."

* To find out more call 0800 515547 or visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk