Scheduled Seminars
Unlock your potential – with our specialist seminars at the ISC!
Whether you are new to the footwear industry or an experienced professional looking to refresh your knowledge, our seminars at the ISC (International Shoe Competence Center) have something for everyone. Companies looking to upskill their employees are also warmly invited to participate.
Sign up now! Places are limited to ensure an intensive learning experience and personal support.
- High-quality content:
Our seminars are led by industry experts with many years of experience. Gain exclusive access to the latest insights, methods, and best practices. - Fixed dates:
No more uncertainty! Our seminars take place at scheduled times, allowing you to plan your participation well in advance. - Location: Pirmasens
The "shoe city" is home to unparalleled expertise in footwear.
- Networking opportunities:
Connect with like-minded professionals from various sectors and expand your valuable industry network. - ISC Learning Factory:
Each seminar provides not only theoretical knowledge but also practical tools and resources that you can immediately apply in your field.
Unsere Seminare
Our Seminar Offerings at a Glance
Footwear Expertise
Footwear Expertise
Seminar
Competence and experience. At the International Shoe Competence Center (ISC), renowned lecturers with years of experience in the footwear industry share their in-depth knowledge with you. Whether you work in sales or purchasing, are transitioning into the footwear industry, or are entering the trade from another field, this seminar will teach you everything about shoes and their industrial production. Look forward to three exciting days filled with valuable knowledge for your professional future!
Contents
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| History of footwear | Anatomy & Biomechanics | Leather types and tanning methods |
| Shoe model types | Shoe lasts and last measurement systems | Leather finishing |
| Shoe construction methods | Practical session: Upper manufacturing, sewing, and stitching | Quality characteristics |
| Practical session: Cutting, punching, skiving, sewing, and stitching | Upper textiles | |
| Shoe components | ||
| Practical session: Final assembly, finishing & quality management |
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Dates 2026
- 24.02. – 26.02.2026
- 23.06. – 25.06.2026
- 17.11. – 19.11.2026
Footwear Product Manager (IHK)
Footwear Product Manager (IHK)
Certificate Course
In our certificate course, employees in purchasing and sales within footwear production, footwear retail, or supplier companies in the footwear industry can deepen their knowledge of footwear. Over the course of eight training weeks, participants will gain in-depth insights into materials, production, product development, and quality management.
Each module can be booked individually as needed. Participants can freely select the dates for each module. All completed modules remain valid indefinitely and are documented with a participation certificate. The IHK Certificate for Footwear Product Manager (IHK) is awarded to participants upon successful completion of all eight modules.
Course Content – Modules
| PM 1 | Fundamentals of Footwear, Anatomy & Shoe Lasts |
| PM 2 | 2D Design & Basic Model Development – AGO Construction |
| PM 3 | Materials and their Testing |
| PM 4 | 2D Design & Basic Model Development – Strobel Construction |
| PM 5 | Leadership, Communication & Legal Principles |
| PM 6 | Moccasin & Opanka Construction |
| PM 7 | Sustainability, Carbon Footprint & CADS |
| PM 8 | STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics |
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Dates 2026
- PM 1/2026 02.02. – 06.02.2026
- PM 2/2026 09.03. – 13.03.2026
- PM 3/2026 04.05. – 08.05.2026
- PM 4/2026 08.06. – 12.06.2026
- PM 5/2026 31.08. – 04.09.2026
- PM 6/2026 28.09. – 02.10.2026
- PM 7/2026 02.11. – 06.11.2026
- PM 8/2026 30.11. – 04.12.2026
Sustainability Manager for the Footwear, Leather Goods and Textile Industry (IHK)
Sustainability Manager for the Footwear, Leather Goods and Textile Industry (IHK)
Certificate Course
In our Sustainability Manager (IHK) course for the footwear, leather goods, and textile industry, you will gain fundamental knowledge of sustainability in two one-week modules. Our lecturers provide insights into the economic, ecological, and social dimensions of sustainability and their significance for corporate sustainability management.
You can book each module individually and choose your preferred dates flexibly. Participation in the modules remains valid indefinitely. You will receive your IHK Certificate as a Sustainability Manager for the Footwear, Leather Goods, and Textile Industry (IHK) upon successful completion of both modules.
Contents
| Module 1 | Module 2 |
| Introduction to sustainability, environment & social responsibility | Developing a CSR strategy (Corporate Sustainability Reporting) |
| Ecological sustainability | Carbon footprint – calculation |
| Legal regulations | Sustainable materials |
| Certifications and quality seals | Textiles |
| Harmful substances | Leather, synthetic leather, leather alternatives |
| Sustainability measurement metrics | Paper / cardboard |
| Carbon footprint – fundamentals | Adhesives |
| Polymers | Eco-design |
| Bio-based plastics | |
| Recycling & waste management |
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Dates 2026
- Module 1 04.05. – 08.05.2026
- Module 2 08.06. – 12.06.2026
Carbon Footprint
Carbon Footprint
Seminar
In 2022, the industrial sector in Germany alone emitted over 164 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions. In response to this and in light of the UN’s 1.5°C target, policymakers have introduced various carbon pricing mechanisms (BEHG, EU-ETS, etc.). These aim to make CO₂ emissions from energy-intensive processes less economically attractive through associated costs while promoting the expansion of renewable energy. Understanding one’s own CO₂ emissions is becoming an increasingly important factor for manufacturing companies, including those in the footwear industry.
This seminar provides a comprehensive overview of how to calculate the carbon footprint of your company, products, and services. By doing so, you can identify potential reductions in emissions within your value chain. In addition to resource and cost efficiency, the growing environmental awareness of your customers is also a key focus.
Contents
| General background (ecological sustainability, the UN’s 1.5°C target) |
| CO2 -related costs for businesses (e.g. due to the Fuel Emissions Trading Act) |
| The carbon footprint in general (and its advantages over a more comprehensive life cycle assessment) |
| The difference between the Corporate Carbon Footprint and the Product Carbon Footprint |
| Carbon labelling as a communication tool for calculated carbon footprints |
| Final practical calculation example |
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Dates 2026
- 10.03. – 11.03.2026
- 29.09. – 30.09.2026
Expert Knowledge: PPE Footwear
Expert Knowledge: PPE Footwear
Seminar
In our 2-day seminar, you will acquire intensive knowledge transfer thanks to the many years of experience of our instructors. Our aim is to support you in maintaining the full protection of your PPE footwear for the respective area of application and to offer all wearers the highest possible level of protection. We provide you with the expertise you need to be a professional on the market. Regardless of which segment you come from and which points of contact you have with the topic of PPE footwear, our specialised PPE seminar offers you a stable basis and added value in terms of knowledge with its diverse content.
Contents
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
| PPE – Definition and fundamentals | Fundamentals of product management |
| Legal provision of PPE | Marketing plan, corporate and project planning |
| PPE Regulation 2016/425 | Step-by-step development of a product marketing plan |
| DIN EN ISO 20344: 2022-04 – Footwear testing methods | Investment plan |
| DIN EN ISO 20345: 2022-06 – Safety footwear | |
| DIN EN ISO 20346: 2022-06 – Protective footwear | |
| DIN EN ISO 20347: 2022-06 – Occupational footwear | |
| PPE labelling | |
| CE marking and requirements of harmonised DIN EN ISO standards | |
| Changes in DIN EN ISO standards from 2012 to 2022 in terms of standardisation, testing, and certification | |
| Antistatic vs. ESD – Electrostatic discharge | |
| Testing techniques and measurement methods for ESD – DIN EN 61340 |
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Dates 2026
- 23.06. – 24.06.2026
- 29.09. – 30.09.2026
PSA specialised trade seminars
We also offer one-day PPE seminars aimed exclusively at the PPE trade:
Dates 2026
- 17.03.2026
- 08.09.2026
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Photoshop
Photoshop
Workshop
Learn the diverse functions of Adobe Photoshop through general examples and deepen your knowledge by applying it to your own individual shoe design. Discover how to create entire collections virtually in no time. This not only saves a significant amount of time but also aligns with sustainability principles, as no physical design samples need to be produced, reducing resource consumption.
Contents
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| Software basics | Selection and cropping | Your design! |
| Overview of the interface and tools | Clipping masks and layer masks | From hand sketch to rendering (2D) |
| Principles of layers and blending modes | Paths and shapes | Scanning, tracing, shading, texturing |
| Colours: RGB / CMYK - 8bpp / 16bpp / 32bpp | Smart objects | Creating shadows and reflections |
| Layer effects | Background and image composition |
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Dates 2026
- 28.04. – 30.04.2026
- 27.10. – 29.10.2026
Anatomy & Biomechanics
Anatomy & Biomechanics
Understanding Walking
In this two-day seminar, you will gain a comprehensive insight into the anatomy of the human foot and its interaction with footwear. You will learn about the key structures and functions essential for understanding foot movements and the underlying mechanisms. This knowledge will enable you to make well-informed decisions in shoe design, development, manufacturing, and retail.
We will address common foot problems and provide practical tips for improving shoe fit and comfort. Additionally, we will discuss the latest technological advancements and research findings. Take advantage of our biomechanics laboratory, where you can deepen your understanding through practical examples.
Contents
| Foot Anatomy: Anatomical structures of the foot, including bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. |
| Foot Development: Evolutionary adaptations of the foot and its functionality for bipedal walking. Insights into the development of the foot during childhood. |
| Foot Variations and Deformations: Natural variations in foot anatomy, such as foot shapes, toe angles, or arch height. Foot deformities such as flat feet, splayfoot, hallux valgus, and their impact on foot biomechanics. |
| Biomechanics of Walking and Running: Effects of footwear on foot function and gait, including fit, cushioning, stability, and flexibility. Movement processes in walking and running, analysis of gait patterns and parameters in the biomechanics laboratory using a treadmill, pressure measurement plate, and pressure-sensitive insoles. |
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Dates 2026
- 22.04. – 23.04.2026
- 09.09. – 10.09.2026
Rhino 3D
Rhino 3D
For Beginners and Advanced Users
Discover the fascinating world of 3D design with our introductory course on Rhino! If you are a designer, technician, or engineer in the footwear industry looking to expand your skills into the third dimension, this course is perfect for you.
Our experienced instructors will guide you step by step through the program interface and teach you the fundamentals of 3D design. You will learn how to create surfaces and volumes using Rhino’s basic functions, gradually developing complex designs for soles and shoes.
Contents – Rhino 3D – Basic
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| Introduction to Rhino | Grids and guide lines | Reference graphics |
| The program interface | Object snaps and construction planes | Digitalisation |
| Navigation in 3D space | Creating precise geometries | From sketch to 3D model |
| Creating basic elements | Drawing curves | Practice, practice, practice |
| Manipulating objects in three dimensions | Generating surfaces |
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Dates 2026
- 27.01. – 29.01.2026
- 20.10. – 22.10.2026
Contents – Rhino 3D – Advanced
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| Introduction to Rhino and Grasshopper | Advanced programming concepts | Lattice structures |
| Fundamentals of geometry creation in Rhino | Data trees, lists, and data management | Complex deformations |
| The Grasshopper user interface | Interfaces with Rhino | Plugins and external libraries |
| Geometries and control structures | Creating generative geometries | Discussion on possible applications of Grasshopper in footwear design |
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Dates 2026
- 17.03. – 19.03.2026
- 17.11. – 19.11.2026
Jevero Pattern Design
Jevero Pattern Design
Footwear Design with Jevero
Jevero is the ultimate plugin for the 3D software Rhino. This seminar provides pattern designers—whether beginners or advanced users—with valuable insights and a fast track into the world of Jevero. Learn the fundamentals and discover how to create and visualise your designs more quickly and efficiently. Alternatively, deepen your expertise and explore new ways to take your designs to the next level.
If you are transitioning from other CAD tools to Jevero, this seminar will quickly bring you up to speed—from automatic pattern generation to seamless integration with other footwear design tools.
Contents
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| Jevero overview | Layer organisation | Grading |
| Reference graphics | Part creation | Group creation |
| Digitalisation | Detailing | Flexible and rigid areas |
| Curve creation | Annotations | Export and file formats |
| Manipulation and cutting | Exclusive post-seminar support |
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Dates 2026
- 10.03. – 12.03.2026
- 01.09. – 03.09.2026
ProCam Dimensions
ProCam Dimensions
Footwear Design and Pattern Development
Discover the creative possibilities of ProCam Dimensions in our five-day seminar! This professional CAD tool helps you effortlessly manage technical tasks such as detailing and grading. Master powerful pattern engineering workflows to design and refine precise patterns
Our seminar focuses on practical application. Expand your creative boundaries, take your designs to the next level, and unlock unlimited possibilities in footwear design!
Contents
| Module 1 – Digitalisation and Detailing | Module 2 – Detailing and Grading |
| Im ersten Teil des Workshops lernen die Teilnehmenden, wie man: – Create a basic model for footwear – Digitalise shoe models – Use layers for structured work – Extract individual components from the complete model – Detail a pattern using associative functions | In the second module, the model from Module 1 is prepared for production by: – Checking the model for errors and correcting them – Making fine adjustments – Creating and applying grading rules – Exporting patterns for cutting tables – Producing a prototype |
Die Costs für unsere Seminare teilen wir Ihnen gerne auf Anfrage mit. Bitte nutzen Sie dazu unser Anfrageformular.
Dates 2026
- Module 1 02.03. – 06.03.2026
- Module 2 13.04. – 17.04.2026
- Module 1 14.09. – 18.09.2026
- Module 2 02.11. – 06.11.2026
Seminare in Kooperation mit
The management consultancy Sefrin & Partner brings together a wide range of personalities, experience and expertise and offers practical seminars for the further training of specialists and managers. In cooperation with the PFI, a wide-ranging program has been developed that is open to companies in all sectors.
Successful Sales
Successful Sales
Two-Day Seminar
Sales and customer relations are undergoing significant change. Sales employees, management, and entire sales processes face numerous challenges. However, even in the digital age, the human factor remains the most important element in sales, field service, and customer relations. A salesperson’s presence and authentic persuasiveness are key to standing out positively, especially in saturated markets.
Acquisition, customer retention, upselling, market launches – the demands are diverse. As a sales professional, learn how to implement meaningful processes and strategies while maintaining authentic, persuasive, and sustainable communication with customers. Convince both potential and existing clients not just of your product and its added value, but also of your company and yourself as its representative.
Our sales seminar is built on the principle: "There is no more B2B or B2C. It’s H2H: Human to Human" (Bryan Kramer). This approach integrates the personality and emotional intelligence of sales professionals, which is precisely where our expert seminar begins.
Contents
| Lectures, discussions, dialogues, and workshops |
| Flexible and practice-oriented, tailored to meet your individual expectations |
| Developing guiding principles and visions |
| SWOT analysis |
| Bottlenecks – don’t promise what you can’t deliver |
| Healthy communication – external and internal (hand in hand) |
| Strategies and concepts |
| Values and fundamental understanding |
| Cross-over sales approaches |
| Sales transformation – the VUCA world |
| Digital solutions alone are not enough – leveraging human resources |
| Human intelligence (HI) versus artificial intelligence (AI) |
| Elevator pitch |
| Emotion and storytelling |
| Understanding your counterpart |
| The W-questions |
| Conversation reflection – the bench by the riverside |
Costs € 1,850.00 net per person Includes seminar materials, beverages, and lunch
Dates
- 30.09. – 01.10.2025
- 25.11. – 26.11.2025
Lecturers
Gerhard Ziegler – Independent coach, over 35 years of sales experience in business development and as managing director of leading material suppliers
Claus Schmidt – Former sales director of a renowned footwear manufacturer, over 35 years of sales experience in the footwear industry
Dagmar Stock – Independent coach, over 35 years of sales experience with leading companies
Effective Communication
Effective Communication
Two-Day Seminar
Communication is everything. It goes beyond spoken words to include non-verbal cues such as gestures, facial expressions, the environment in which communication takes place, tone of voice, body language, email phrasing, and above all, context from past interactions. This is why healthy and effective communication is so crucial. Learning how to convey information as intended and interpret messages correctly is a skill that can be developed.
Through a combination of theoretical input (methods, tools, and approaches), practical examples, exercises, and most importantly, open discussions and experience sharing, you will gain a new understanding of communication. Discover how to communicate more mindfully, purposefully, and effectively in your professional environment.
Contents
| Fundamentals of communication | Roles and types of messages |
| Conscious communication as a foundation | The impact of relationships |
| Key factors for effective communication | Communication as a leadership tool |
| Active listening | Learning to say “No” |
| Effective conversation techniques | The psychology of conversations |
| Giving and receiving feedback | Improving argumentation skills |
Costs € 1,850.00 net per person Includes seminar materials, beverages, and lunch
Dates
- 02.09. – 03.09.2025
- 28.10. – 29.10.2025
Lecturers
Stefan Sefrin – M.A. in Human Resource Development, Diploma in Business Administration (FH), certified mental coach, Managing Director of Sefrin & Partner Business Consultancy
Karl Geistlich – B.A., certified INQA coach and consultant for corporate culture and digital transformation, Co-Managing Director
Thorsten Dumser – Diploma in Business Administration (FH), supervisor, psychological consultant
Eva-Maria Herrmann – M.A. in Pedagogy, B.A. in Educational Science, certified trainer
Preventing conflicts
Preventing conflicts
Two-Day Seminar
Conflicts in the workplace occur more often than one might think. Sometimes they are obvious, but often they simmer beneath the surface, with minor issues escalating into full-blown disputes. Unspoken matters, differing expectations, the behaviour of others, and inadequate or unclear communication all play significant roles.
Through a combination of experience sharing, group reflection, and communication exercises, you will learn effective techniques and methods to better identify, analyse, and understand the root causes of conflicts at an early stage. This seminar will equip you with the skills to act proactively, handle conflicts more effectively, and resolve them in a sustainable way.
Contents
| Conflicts in everyday work life | Causes, development, and symptoms of conflicts |
| Role and goal conflicts | Recognising potential conflicts |
| Fundamental forms of human behaviour | Attitudes and mindset |
| Handling resistance | Conducting conflict resolution conversations |
| Preventing conflicts | Resolving conflicts |
Costs € 1,850.00 net per person Includes seminar materials, beverages, and lunch
Dates
- 09.09. – 10.09.2025
- 04.11. – 05.11.2025
Lecturers
Stefan Sefrin – M.A. in Human Resource Development, Diploma in Business Administration (FH), certified mental coach, Managing Director of Sefrin & Partner Business Consultancy
Karl Geistlich – B.A., certified INQA coach and consultant for corporate culture and digital transformation, Co-Managing Director
Thorsten Dumser – Diploma in Business Administration (FH), supervisor, psychological consultant
Eva-Maria Herrmann – M.A. in Pedagogy, B.A. in Educational Science, certified trainer
Positive Leadership
Positive Leadership
Two-Day Seminar
Leaders today face increasing demands to meet the evolving challenges of leadership in times of skills shortages, VUCA, BANI, Generation Z, digitalisation, and workplace transformation. To lead their teams productively and manage tasks effectively in line with organisational goals, leaders must develop new skills. These include leadership competencies such as participation, active listening, enthusiasm, values-based leadership, delegation, challenge and support, and agility. A leader must be able to leverage their team's strengths effectively, establish a resilient structure, ensure role clarity, and foster a work culture built on commitment, loyalty, and appreciation.
This seminar provides exactly that: a toolkit to help you enhance your leadership skills and effectiveness. Learn about new leadership models and proven approaches, explore leadership tools and methods, and discover how to apply them effectively. Through experience sharing and hands-on learning, you will gain valuable insights and new competencies.
Contents
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
| Leadership within your organisational context | Self-awareness and awareness of others, strengths identification, self-marketing |
| Traditional and emerging leadership influences | Personal and team resilience, handling pressure and stress |
| Leadership personality, skills, and behaviours | Work-life balance / work-life blending |
| Functions of leadership and the role of a leader | Resolving conflicts |
| Leadership styles, models, and types | Managing expectations and handling resistance |
| Developing leadership tools | Ability to accept and give criticism, conflict management, and resolution skills |
| Agile mindset, future skills, and methods | Learning abilities and competencies |
| Purpose, vision, mission, goals, and values | Communication skills |
| Organisational development | Time and self-management |
| Shaping corporate culture | Goal-setting and achievement skills |
| Cooperation and collaboration | |
| Team development | |
| Motivation and employee retention |
Costs € 1,850.00 net per person Includes seminar materials, beverages, and lunch
Dates
- 23.09. – 24.09.2025
- 18.11. – 19.11.2025
Lecturers
Stefan Sefrin – M.A. in Human Resource Development, Diploma in Business Administration (FH), certified mental coach, Managing Director of Sefrin & Partner Business Consultancy
Karl Geistlich – B.A., certified INQA coach and consultant for corporate culture and digital transformation, Co-Managing Director
Thorsten Dumser – Diploma in Business Administration (FH), supervisor, psychological consultant
Eva-Maria Herrmann – M.A. in Pedagogy, B.A. in Educational Science, certified trainer
Apprentice Skills
Apprentice Skills
Half-Day Seminar
As future specialists and potentially future leaders, apprentices face increasing challenges in their daily training routine. Conducting conversations with supervisors and colleagues, understanding job expectations and tasks, balancing vocational school with work, and preparing for upcoming exams are just a few of the many aspects apprentices must manage. In four structured yet independent modules of four hours each, participants receive both theoretical input and practical knowledge on their chosen topic. Through experience sharing, reflection, feedback, targeted exercises, and role-playing, apprentices will enhance their key skills.
Contents
| Module 1 – Enhancing personal learning skills for apprentices |
| Module 2 – Understanding how to be effectively led as an apprentice |
| Module 3 – Effective communication for apprentices |
| Module 4 – Preventing and resolving conflicts for apprentices |
Costs € 400.00 net per person Includes seminar materials, beverages, and lunch Price per module
Dates
- 22.09.2025
- 06.10.2025
- 03.11.2025
- 17.11.2025
Lecturers
Stefan Sefrin – M.A. in Human Resource Development, Diploma in Business Administration (FH), certified mental coach, Managing Director of Sefrin & Partner Business Consultancy
Karl Geistlich – B.A., certified INQA coach and consultant for corporate culture and digital transformation, Co-Managing Director
Thorsten Dumser – Diploma in Business Administration (FH), supervisor, psychological consultant
Eva-Maria Herrmann – M.A. in Pedagogy, B.A. in Educational Science, certified trainer
Sign up for your preferred seminar here!
To register, please contact our team by phone or e-mail:
You are also welcome to use our registration form to register. If you already know a preferred date for your seminar, you can indicate this in the form.
If you do not receive a response to your registration form within 1-2 working days, please contact us by e-mail or telephone. Thank you very much!
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