The Foundation
The profession of a metal merchant is not an official apprenticeship. A clear profile and obligatory contents of the apprenticeship have not existed so far; offers for further education have been limited. The Kaps-Foundation wants to support and promote young talents of the metal industry.
Those who work in the metal industry need qualifications
The challenges a metal merchant faces in an environment of limited resources are increasing, as our supply of raw materials can only be guaranteed in the future through efficient and competent handling of existing resources. Extensive technical know-how is equally important as knowledge of business management and economics.
The Hans-Joachim Kaps-Foundation was founded in May of 1997 in order to continue to guarantee the support of young, dedicated talents within the metal industry. The foundation wants to inspire an international and interdisciplinary exchange of know-how, improve the cooperation between production, trade, and recycling, and support young talents in the metal industry through (further) education.
The Hans-Joachim Kaps-Foundation arranges internships and opportunities to go abroad, and it assists with financial and material donations. The events of the Junior-support-program have been financially supported since 2002. The foundation created an audio-radio-system for factory tours, which makes the imparting of knowledge possible in noisy production halls. Moreover, the Kaps-Foundation connects companies participating in various exchange programs.
In cooperation with the Verein Deutscher Metallhändler e.V. (VDM), which is the Association of German Metal Merchants, the Kaps-Foundation has developed a special program to support the youth. A focus of this cooperation is the specific support of young academic talents.
Hans-Joachim Kaps – A Life for Aluminium
Hans-Joachim Kaps, born on January 25, 1927, is amongst the few people who have managed to combine personal interest with passion and professional commitment.
As an 18-year-old, he began his apprenticeship as “technical businessman” with the aluminium smelter W. Seibel, which he completed with honors.
Ever since, Kaps has been involved in the aluminium business with tireless enthusiasm. In 1954, he was an authorized signatory already. Beginning in 1958, he became an authorized representative for the company and remained in this position for 20 years. In 1978, he discovered a new challenge in the position of manager of the metal works Olsberg in Essen. In 1985, at the age of 58, Hans-Joachim Kaps dedicated himself to new assignments. He moved on to the recently founded Trimet Metallhandels AG in Düsseldorf. He set up the aluminium business there and contributed greatly to put the enterprise in a leading position within the trade, in which it remains today. His persistent determination to succeed and his constant willingness to learn and adapt to new situations make him an example, which will set high standards for future generations of metal merchants.