Overview

• Berlin's SPD Senator Cansel Kiziltepe has presented a draft law proposing a levy of 0.1–0.4% on employer wage bills to fund apprenticeship reimbursements.
• The proposal is a safeguard outlined in the CDU-SPD coalition agreement if 2,000 new apprenticeships are not created by the end of 2025.
• Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) publicly criticized the initiative, arguing it imposes undue burdens on businesses during economic challenges.
• Berlin faces a significant apprenticeship deficit, with only 72 training spots per 100 applicants and just 10.9% of companies offering training opportunities.
• Preparations for the levy include a broad consultation process, with parliamentary approval targeted for summer 2026 and phased implementation thereafter.