The number of school leavers seeking a trade, has nearly doubled in the past year

Ministry of Education data reveals the number of new apprentices under the age of 18, has climbed to 810 in the six months from August last year.

In 2019 just 410 were recorded during the same period.

Principal of Burnside High School in Christchurch Phil Holstein is noticing a change in student's career interests.

He says his students are more self-aware now of what is available out in the world, and there are more viable career options.