"Is My Position at Stake?"
Let's Chat About Düsseldorf's Struggle with Apprentice Housing
Popping a squat in a city known for its vibrant vibe, Düsseldorf is struggling to offer a comfy nest for its trainees
Fresh off the student life and jumping into the fiery world of on-the-job training - that's the dream for many but a far-fetched reality in Düsseldorf. Finding affordable digs is a daunting task for apprentices in the city, who barely scratched the surface when it comes to accommodation options. While students can take solace in dorms, the same luxury isn't available for young professionals.
City officials have been promising to close this gap for years, yet progress remains elusive. Criticism has been swirling around for two years, with the SPD faction in the city council voicing their concern.
The Clamor for Apprentice Dwellings: A Decade in the Making
It's been a decade since Düsseldorf's apprentice housing became a hot topic, with an independent committee established in 2016 to tackle the issue head-on. The consortium, consisting of representatives from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), entrepreneurship, crafts, German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), and city departments, has only managed to construct a small dormitory on Dorotheenstraße, fitting 16 apprentices.
The Situation Remains Critical
The Western Youth House on Lacombletstraße offers 19 apartments for apprentices. There are also two apprentice and youth dormitories from the project "Outward Home" in Pempelfort providing lodging and catering as well as pedagogical support. But, the situation remains dire. According to DGB chairwoman Sigrid Wolf, who has been vocal on the issue last year, "We've been calling for a large-scale offering of apprentice housing since 2013."
The Political Battle Over Training Grounds
Düsseldorf's Mayor Stephan Keller recently announced his intention to create 200 new apprentice housing units as part of his 2025 local election program. However, the city and businesses have been passing the buck when it comes to duties and responsibilities. Wolf criticsizes this as the main cause of the progress delay.
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Stalled Progress: The Surprising Reason
Wolf claims there's no scarcity of potential investors or providers. Many are standing by, ready to jump in - but the city needs to provide plots of land to kick-start new projects. The future looks promising with CDU and SPD's plan to double investments in the federal-state program "Young Housing" from 500 million to one billion dollars per year.
** City Survey Stirred Up a Storm**
A city survey by the housing department in early 2024 generated a buzz. Many companies admitted that they hardly offered their apprentices help in finding accommodations. A whopping 57% stated they don't provide any support, 21% help with the search, while only 5% offer financial assistance or provide housing.
What's Really Holding Things Back? Remember Hamburg and Munich
In order to access these funds from the federal government, a central coordinating body is essential - like the Azubiwerk, already functioning in Hamburg and Munich. These bodies are responsible for constructing and operating dormitories specifically for trainees. Hamburg is a frontrunner in this category, with the Azubiwerk managing three dormitories totaling 556 spots.
Düsseldorf also plans to institute a similar model at the behest of the SPD, setting the foundation for its own Azubiwerk this year. The new coordinating body aims to promote the construction of new trainee dwellings, much like a student union, with representatives from the city and the DGB involved.
A Shift in Responsibility?
For SPD faction leader Sabrina Proschmann, the city needs to step up its game. "We see that businesses are hesitant regarding apprentice housing. Consequently, the city must take responsibility," she says. If the city remains passive, it will harm the economic hub of Düsseldorf. "We're desperate for trainees, but without affordable accommodations, Düsseldorf will lose its appeal - especially for young people from the surrounding area."
Broad Support for More Housing for Trainees
This demand for more accommodations has garnered support across political lines. FDP local politician Karsten Körner agrees, "We desperately need more housing for trainees," while calling for more initiative from businesses. Similar statements come from CDU's Dirk Angerhausen and the Greens' housing policy spokesperson Harald Schwenk. Schwenk notes, "The city's hand is extended."
The HomeFront: A Potential New Project
One spot where the first groundbreaking might actually happen soon is Auf'm Tetelberg Street in Bilk, where the city plans to develop an integrated urban-landscape concept - including lodging for apprentices. According to SPD's Proschmann, this project serves as a model to encourage businesses to participate more in similar ventures in the future.
The Left's View on the Apprentice Housing Issue
For Julia Murmulla, faction leader and mayoral candidate of the Left, the black-green city government is not active enough. In her opinion, initiatives like the planned Azubiwerk almost exclusively come from the opposition. Her party proposes increasing the trade tax in Düsseldorf to finance new construction projects.
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With the apprentice housing issue gaining momentum in policy-and-legislation discussions, politics play a crucial role in finding long-lasting solutions.General-news outlets have reported on the ongoing debate between city officials and representatives from various political parties, aiming to address this concern and enforce the construction of more apprentice dwellings in Düsseldorf.
