As the new training year commences, concerns are mounting regarding the financial strain on young apprentices facing escalating living costs. Stefan Körzell, a board member of the German Confederation of Trade Unions (DGB), emphasized that securing affordable housing is as crucial as finding a quality training provider. He stated that in many areas, rent and utility expenses are consuming nearly the entire apprenticeship salary.
This assessment is supported by a recent study from the Moses Mendelssohn Institute, which indicates an average rent of €493 for a shared apartment room in German university towns. Apprentices, currently beginning their training, typically receive a legally mandated minimum gross salary of €682.
The DGB highlights that apprentices not living at home often face considerable financial challenges at the end of each month. A previous DGB training report from 2020 already demonstrated that apprentices living independently are significantly more likely to require supplemental income from part-time jobs or government assistance, such as the Vocational Education Support Act. These concerns are further amplified by the substantial increases in rent and cost of living since that time.
The DGB warns that this situation poses potential consequences for regions struggling with tight housing markets. Young individuals may be deterred from pursuing apprenticeships in these areas, not due to a lack of interest, but because of the unavailability of affordable accommodation.
In response, Stefan Körzell is urging the incoming federal government to take action. He proposes the prompt establishment of a federal competence center for trainee housing, as stipulated in the coalition agreement. This center would facilitate collaboration between municipal housing companies, local authorities, youth welfare organizations, youth associations and non-profit housing providers to create affordable and secure housing options tailored for apprentices.
The federal government has previously indicated plans to increase funding for the “Young Living” program from €500 million to €1 billion annually to expand housing availability for young people. However, the DGB notes that current funding predominantly supports student housing initiatives, leaving apprentices without comparable support structures.