A buoyant job market's causing more young people to quit school early and chase a pay cheque

Ministry of Education data shows the number of people leaving school aged 17 or younger, jumped by 8 per cent last year.

But Career consultant Angelique Kouratoras says they might have an extra year's pay on their peers - but they're also closing off opportunities.

She says a young person leaving with University Entrance has their options open, regardless of what they then decide to do.