German chancellor urges youth to take vocational training as apprentices face low wages

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged young people to pursue vocational training in a summer address, stating, “Our country needs you!” according to Süddeutsche Zeitung . The appeal comes as apprentices in Germany struggle with low wages, making it difficult to cover living costs.
In the UK, a growing number of school leavers are opting for university despite rising expenses and dimming job prospects, with a record intake expected this September and October. New data from Ucas shows a rise in students planning to live at home, particularly among those from poorer neighborhoods, where over half now expect to stay with parents. The student rental market is a key factor, with many paying more than £10,000 annually for basic accommodation. A National Union of Students survey found 84% of students reported significant housing issues, including mold in nearly half of cases .
Meanwhile, Union Investment Real Estate in Hamburg announced a restructuring plan, reducing its management board from four to three areas: Fondsmanagement, Real Estate Management, and Operations. The company will cut jobs over six years through voluntary programs and severance packages, with no forced redundancies planned. Michael Bütter, chairman of the management board, said the integrated investment and asset management approach aims to adapt to shifting real estate markets, where rental income yields are expected to gain importance over valuation increases. Gerald Kremer will take on expanded operational duties, including AI initiatives, while Henrike Waldburg will step down as a managing director .
China’s real estate sector continues to face upheaval following the collapse of developer Evergrande. Founder Xu Jiayin was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Shenzhen court on Aug. 31 for eight financial crimes, including fraud, embezzlement, and securities fraud .
In Austria, a Marketagent survey found 60% of respondents aged 14 to 45 consider themselves too comfortable to go out and socialize, with urban residents more likely to report this sentiment than rural ones .
German students are also grappling with a housing shortage as the winter semester approaches, with many struggling to secure accommodations in time .
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