A survey of more than 300 young people, carried out by youth charity YouthNet, found only one in five 16- to 25-year-olds found Connexions helpful. In fact, Connexions was the source young people looking for careers advice were least likely to have used, with nearly half (47 per cent) never having tried the service.

The survey also revealed that four out of 10 young adults feel they have enough help to make career-related decisions. The internet was cited as young people's top choice for careers advice, with four out of five young people going online for help.

Fiona Dawe, chief executive of YouthNet, said: "This research highlights the importance of providing careers advice to young people, which is credible and accessible."

To address this, YouthNet today launched an online careers resource for young peopleon TheSite.org. The service provides a personalised response from a careers expert within three days.

However, according to a study of the telephone and online Connexions Direct service released last week, in the vast majority of cases (79 per cent), young people find the advice provided useful.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families study got 1,500 young people totest out the service, which complements the face-to-face service of local Connexions partners.

Barry Hitchen, chief executive of Connexions York and North Yorkshire, agreed that young people's satisfaction had been significant, particularly for those who require intensive support. "In terms of striving toinvolve young people andputting them at the forefront, that is what we have done," said Hitchen.

- www.thesite.org/workandsstudy.