The German government has, in accordance with an agreement in the coalition agreement, launched a federal advisory network dedicated to pooling advisory expertise on apprentice accommodation. This network serves as a central point of contact and aims to attract further stakeholders to the apprentice housing segment. The initiative seeks to improve the availability and accessibility of housing for young people in training.
Verena Hubertz, Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building, highlighted that for many young people, starting an apprenticeship represents the step into their first independent home. She emphasised the difficulties of finding affordable housing, especially for apprentices. Since 2023, the German government has been investing EUR 500 million annually in the “Junges Wohnen” (Young Living) programme, an amount set to increase to EUR 1 billion from 2027. These funds are intended to specifically promote the construction of halls of residence for students and apprentices.
Focus on Know-how and Cooperation
Alongside financial support, great importance is attached to knowledge and advisory aspects. The network intends to consolidate information and specifically inform companies and municipalities. The goal is to make proven examples and cooperation models known nationwide. The Minister underlined that the provision of housing for young talent should be understood as economic promotion, safeguarding locations, and an investment simultaneously.
Kerstin Griese, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, stressed the relevance of affordable housing for young people starting an apprenticeship outside their home region. She expressed delight at the establishment of the network, which contributes to bringing together apprenticeships and apprentices. This reduces matching problems in the apprenticeship market and promotes the development opportunities of young people. A sound education remains, even in the context of current technological developments, the most effective protection against unemployment and the basis for a secure existence. The initiative also contributes to securing skilled labour, as today's apprentices are tomorrow's skilled workers.
Structure and Partners of the Network
The federal advisory network serves to disseminate information, good examples, and cooperation models in the field of apprentice housing at a national level. It consists of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building and seven other partners. These partners act in various capacities as points of contact for a variety of stakeholders.
- —Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
- —RegioKontext GmbH
- —DIHK Service GmbH
- —Azubiwerk München e.V.
- —DGB-Jugend
- —Zentralverband des Deutschen Handwerks (ZDH)
- —Verband der Kolpinghäuser e.V. (VKH)
The aforementioned network partners offer their support to federal states and associations, companies, craft businesses, developers, municipal stakeholders, local economic development agencies, and apprentices themselves. This broad approach is intended to ensure comprehensive advice and networking across the entire market.
