Imagine, if you will, a bustling workshop in 1900. Now, fast forward to today. You are standing before the Handwerkskammer Münster. This institution is a cornerstone of the trades in Münster and the Emscher-Lippe region.
Founded on April 9, 1900, the Handwerkskammer Münster emerged from the Reich Law on Trade Regulations of 1897. Twenty-four artisans representing guilds and trade associations attended the inaugural general meeting. Hermann Kleist was the first president and A. Schellen the first CEO.
Initially, the public showed little interest in the trades. Over time, the Handwerkskammer Münster elevated the standing of skilled professions. It transitioned from an administrative body to a champion for tradespeople and businesses. Since 1953, the German Skilled Crafts Code has outlined its responsibilities.
The Handwerkskammer Münster’s district mirrors Münster’s administrative region. It includes five districts and three independent cities. Within these boundaries reside all member craft businesses. Around 27,900 businesses belong to the Handwerkskammer. These businesses employ approximately 192,000 people and generate an annual turnover of 23 billion euros. Moreover, about 15,200 young individuals are training in the region’s skilled trades.
The Handwerkskammer Münster acts as a service hub. It offers information, advice, and training programs. It collaborates closely with local guilds and trade associations. The Handwerkskammer also oversees these entities. It is part of larger trade associations at the state and national levels.
Every trade or related business owner in the district belongs to the Handwerkskammer. Apprentices and employees with vocational training also belong. The Handwerkskammer also includes self-employed individuals in secondary trades. Membership is mandatory.
The Handwerkskammer Münster promotes the interests of the trades. It supports authorities in fostering the trades. It maintains trade and apprenticeship registers. The Handwerkskammer regulates vocational training and monitors its implementation. It issues examination regulations and appoints examination boards. It promotes advanced technical and business training. It appoints and swears in experts. The Handwerkskammer fosters economic interests and design in the trades. It establishes mediation services for resolving disputes.
The Handwerkskammer Münster is dedicated to strengthening the performance. It aims to boost the competitiveness of its member businesses. It strives to maintain favorable legal and political conditions. Flexibility, innovation, and customer focus are strengths to be promoted. Businesses receive support to meet new demands. They get help with complex issues and accessing new markets.
Since 2014, Hans Hund has presided over the Handwerkskammer Münster. Thomas Banasiewicz has served as CEO since 2017.
The Handwerkskammer Münster laid the foundation for its Education Center in the 1950s. It opened its first training workshop in 1956. Additional educational facilities followed in 1976 and 1978. In 2013, the Handwerkskammer Münster expanded its educational offerings to Haus Kump.