TEENAGERS can prepare for the future this month at a careers conference and activities programme.

Stockton Council's Youth Service, in partnership with Connexions Tees Valley, is operating this year's U Project, aimed specifically at Year 11 school-leavers.

Youngsters will have the chance to take part in a careers information and guidance day at Kiora Hall Community Centre, Ragpath Lane, Roseworth, next Monday.

The project will feature workshops to help develop self-confidence and self- awareness, training in first aid, manual handling and food hygiene and interview techniques.

Young people will also have the opportunity to develop their team-building and sporting skills when they attend a weekend residential course at an outdoor activity centre, where they will take part in abseiling, gorge walking and rock climbing.

David Maddison, out-of- school activities officer and project co-ordinator, said: "The U Project is a very exciting development for the Youth Service, which will allow young people to pick up new skills while they're having a great time enjoying themselves."