Course catalogue 2024/2025

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The vita cum morte academy offers a range of courses and seminars tailored to the needs of the cremation sector. The aim isn’t only to ensure quality standards within the sector through staff development, but to boost quality in a joint effort. The workshops enable employees and managers to actively advance their own company as well as the entire sector.

Are you interested to take part? Please register via the registration form. We look forward to your participation!

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Appropriate manners and language in the crematorium

Type: live seminar
Number of participants: 6-15
Fee: 170 €

Venue:
Elbstrand Resort Krautsand
Elbstraße 1, 21706 Drochtersen

| Course no 24-602
Date: 07.10.2024

The right choice of words is crucial, and not just with relatives and undertakers. The language used by colleagues also makes a decisive contribution to a company’s external presence. In this course you will gain insight into the specific crematorium vocabulary.

Key topics:

  • Language appropriate to the situation in the crematorium
  • Correct interaction among colleagues
  • Appropriate handling of customer complaints
  • Confident demeanor towards survivors
  • Using correct cremation vocabulary

Key compentencies learned:

  • Improving communication skills
  • Represent the company safely and appropriately to the outside world
  • Establish, maintain and expand customer satisfaction

Expand moderation skills

Type: live seminar
Number of participants: 6-15
Fee: 170 €

Venue:
Elbstrand Resort Krautsand
Elbstraße 1, 21706 Drochtersen

| Course no 24-901
Date: 22.10.2024

The modern working world is characterized by human interaction. Everyday work in a crematorium is characterized by work in teams and groups. Moderating meetings, meetings, team meetings and the like is part of the tasks of every manager. It is therefore essential for them to develop their moderation skills.

Key topics:

  • Requirements for successful moderation
  • Attitude and role of the moderator
  • Techniques and methods of moderation
  • Visualization hand tool
  • Moderation of meetings (group processes)
  • Disturbance and conflict situations

Key compentencies learned:

  • Confident handling of different types of participants
  • Formation of team development measures to increase employee satisfaction
  • Confident use of a wide range of visualization techniques

Loading, driving and parking vans safely

Type: Driver safety training
Number of participants: 10-12
Fee: 250 €

Venue:
Verkehrsübungsplatz Laatzen
Hermann-Fulle-Straße 10, 30880 Laatzen

| Course no 24-301
Date: 09.11.2024

Key topics:

  • Manoeuvring exercises
  • Reversing with rearview mirrors/marshalling person
  • Vehicle technology and motoring physics
  • Securing the load
  • Fuel saving tips
  • Seat position, steering technique, visual alertness
  • Braking in various situations:
    Surface = good grip and slippery
    Surface = slippery on one side
    In the curve (slippery surface)
  • Swerving on slippery surface
  • Understeer and oversteer on the circuit

Two people per vehicle can take part. Participating with your own van is an advantage. If this isn’t possible, please contact us and we’ll arrange a rental vehicle for you.

Key compentencies learned:

  • Tackling challenges such as limited all-round visibility, dealing with complex vehicles, blind spots, narrow entrances and the enormous influence of the load on driveability are trained systematically.
  • Safeguarding drivers

With self-coaching to improve cooperation and customer care

Type: live seminar
Number of participants: 6-15
Fee: 170 €

Venue:
Elbstrand Resort Krautsand
Elbstraße 1, 21706 Drochtersen

| Course no 24-605
Date: 18.11.2024

Contact with customers places special demands on employees. In addition to the calculable tasks of everyday work, there are also a variety of unpredictable tasks for employees who come into contact with customers.

While you’re composing an email, a customer walks through the door and the phone starts ringing. A customer on the phone has an important matter, while colleagues are talking loudly in the hallway and the bills still need to be written.

Who does not know these or similar situations!?

In order to be able to master these different, often simultaneously occurring requirements in the best possible way, the seminar offers you the appropriate tools.

Key topics:

  • Psychological coaching (self-management, time management, communication style)
  • Interaction and communication in the team (team roles, social phenomena of cooperation)
  • Establish and maintain customer satisfaction
  • Mastering critical situations (complaints, criticism, frequent speakers)

Key compentencies learned:

  • Personal development through self-coaching
  • Represent the company safely and appropriately to the outside world
  • Establish, maintain and develop customer satisfaction

Basics of system operation and control

Type: In-house training
Number of participants: 6-12
Course fee: € 180 (per person and day)

Lecturer: Hans-Jörg Stachowitz
| Course-no. 25-101
Date: as required

Gaining a sound basic knowledge in the field of cremation technology is difficult and time-consuming, especially for career changer. In particular the complexity of process control presents new employees with success-critical challenges. This course imparts the basic knowledge of cremation technology in a compact and practical way.

In order to better meet the acute training needs, the course is organized according to demand. Registrations are accepted all year round. If there are enough interested parties the date and a venue near you will be set.

Course content:

  • Structure, types, modes of operation of furnice, control and filter technology
  • General safety equipment (fire protection, PPE, first aid equipment)
  • Important regulations (27th BImSchV, VDI-3891, accident prevention regulations)
  • Oxygen management and energy efficiency
  • Effective interaction of the system components
  • Process control and its effect on emissions and system wear
  • Inspection and maintenance
  • Manual regulation and control of cremation systems

Skills taught:

  • Knowledge of system function and safety and general protective devices
  • Recognizing and improving process sequences
  • Reduction of emissions and system wear
  • Condition monitoring for prevention

Successful acquisition of new clients and effective existing customer management

Type: seminar
Number of participants: 8-20
Course fee: € 230

Venue:
Elbstrand Resort Krautsand
Elbstrasse 1, 21706 Drochtersen

Lecturer: Svend-Jörk Sobolewski
| Course-no. 25-801
Date: February 24, 2025

Acquisition is less a one-off action but rather a process. But how do you win over new customers and how do you achieve a successful conclusion? The course first teaches the relevant sales basics.

These include the tasks basic requirements, as well as smart objectives for successful new customer acquisition. With this knowledge, course participants can create a sales strategy for their own company. In order to be able to put what they have learned into practice, the sales expert Svend-Jörk Sobolewski teaches the course participants how to identify their ideal customers and direct them step by step to an appointment or directly to the purchase decision. In the process, sound knowledge from sales psychology is applied to convince potential customers.

Commitment to acquiring new customers must not be in vain. Existing customers must be retained directly to the company and be systematically developed. Therefore critical elements of customer care and customer care and loyalty are also addressed.

Skills taught:

  • Successfully plan sales activities and control them
  • Sales psychology backgrounds
  • Retain customers in the long term

Understanding grief and dealing with mourners

Type: seminar
Number of participants:
8-20
Course fee:
€ 230

Venue:
Elbstrand Resort Krautsand
Elbstrasse 1, 21706 Drochtersen

Lecturer: Dr. Nele Stadtbäumer
| Course-no. 24-601
Date:
March 10, 2025

“Grief” plays a central role in the cremation industry. As we all know, every person mourns in their own way, the appropriate dealing with mourners is a complex challenge in everyday working life. The course contributes to learning how to deal competently with mourners and to consolidate this.

Therefore, the basics of grief psychology are discussed. In doing so phases, types and processes of grief are considered. Subsequently, the main aim is to train one‘s own behavior in order to be able to deal with mourners appropriately.

Maintaining a certain emotional distance in dealing with mourners is important for maintaining your own health. How this distance can be achieved is also discussed. In particular, personal coping strategies are presented and their possible applications illustrated.

The combination of sensitivity and expertise is provided by Dr. Nele Stadtbäumer. The psychologist is a specialist in the field of grief counseling.

Skills taught:

  • Knowledge of the concept and the diversity of “grief”
  • Appropriate behavior towards mourners
  • Methods for self-competence

Basics of system operation on the simulator

Type: seminar
Number of participants:
10-15
Course fee:
€ 380

Venues:
IFZW GmbH & Co. KG
Kopernikusstrasse 53, 08058 Zwickau
Die Feuerbestattungen Ostthüringen
Am Kühlen Grund 14, 07580 Ronneburg
Lecturer:
Chris Fiedler
| Course-no. 25-102
Date:
March 24-25, 2025

The control of a cremation system is realized with the help of a simulation furnace on a visualization PC. The simulation of optimum process sequences can be displayed, as deviations from the parameters and faults. The simulation method enables an understanding of the interrelationships in the control of cremation plants. In addition, an awareness is created of the effects of the system operation on the course of a cremation.

On the second day of the seminar there will be a visit to the Feuerbestattungen Ostthüringen in Ronneburg will take place.
There, the contents of the simulation training in the context of regular cremation operations are deepened in practice. Connections from the control system to the system are observed.

Course content:

  • General information on visualization of the cremation system
  • Reading out the error history
  • Basic parameterization of the furnace control of IFZW (in accordance with 27. BImSchV and other regulations)
  • Function of aggregates

Skills taught:

  • Create, read and understand diagrams and evaluations
  • Recognizing and preventing faults in the system control
  • Raising awareness of the effects of the operation on the process sequences

Dealing with conflicts and difficult (customer) situations

Type: interaktive seminar
Number of participants: 8-20
Course fee: € 230

Venue:
Elbstrand Resort Krautsand
Elbstrasse 1, 21706 Drochtersen

Lecturers: Jennifer Fenske | Philomena Schweizer
| Course-no. 25-602
Date: April 28, 2025

Teamwork harbors an increased potential for conflict, as different points of view and controversial views come together. Dealing with demanding customer personalities and critical work events also pose particular challenges in everyday working life.

Effective conflict management in the professional environment serves to recognize and resolve tensions. Dealing constructively with conflicts not only improves the team atmosphere and customer service, but also strengthens your own ability to act, which has a motivating effect.
When dealing with conflict, various solution-oriented strategies and techniques from the fields of communication, mediation and coaching are applied.

This course provides basic knowledge and practical techniques for training your own conflict skills. Various tools and strategies for building a constructive conflict culture are presented. The most important methods are trained using practical examples from everyday working life.

Course content:

  • Stages, types and phenomena of conflicts
  • Opportunities and benefits of conflicts
  • Conflict prevention / behavior

Skills taught:

  • Strategies for conflict resolution
  • Competent handling of difficult (customer) situations
  • Methods for communication skills and self-competence

Practical analysis of protocols and reports using case studies

Type: interaktive seminar
Number of participants: 15-30
Course fee: € 230

Venue:
relexa hotel Harz-Wald Braunlage GmbH
Karl-Röhrig-Strasse 5a, 38700 Braunlage

Lecturer: Dr. Jörg Bachmann
| Course-no. 25-103
Date: May 12, 2025

The correct evaluation of emission measurement reports is of great importance for climate and environmental protection. However, there are differences in knowledge and interpretation in practice.

The course starts with a brief theoretical classification and interpretation of measured values and their interpretation. Subsequently the evaluation of data protocols and reports will be practiced by analysing anonymized case studies.

The findings from the analyses can be used to potential for optimization with regard to the cremation system and / or its operation. These conclusions provide the basis for evidence-based options for action which aim to reduce emissions and environmental impact.

The course focuses on the greatest possible application benefit for each individual participant, so that a large amount of time is available for clarification of technical questions and discussion rounds.

To create a high level of application relevance participants are asked to bring their own measurement reports and protocols. These will only be edited by the participant him/herself. Participants are free to decide whether they comply with this request.

Skills taught:

  • Correct interpretation of emission classifications
  • Competent analysis of emission measurement reports
  • Sensitization for the evaluation of emission data

Induction of new employees and supervision of trainees

Type: interaktive seminar
Number of participants:
8-15
Course fee:
€ 230

Venue:
Elbstrand Resort Krautsand
Elbstrasse 1, 21706 Drochtersen

Lecturer: Eileen Böhm
| Course-no. 25-603
Date:
June 30, 2025

New employees in the cremation industry are mostly career changers. Their induction often takes place during ongoing operations by the staff. For those responsible, this often means having to cope with an additional task in their day-to-day work.

A professional and thorough induction of new employees or trainees is of great importance, as it not only ensures that the “newcomer” feels welcome and settles into the job more quickly, but he or she can be more motivated and more productive from the outset.

The course teaches the necessary knowledge and skills required for the induction of new employees and trainees. First of all, the basics of learning psychology are explained. The participants are provided with a toolbox of methods to help to convey the corporate culture, work processes, general instructions and the gradual introduction to future tasks professionally.

In addition, the course participants receive industry-specific induction guidelines, which support them in implementing what they have learned in their day-to-day business.

Skills taught:

  • Basic knowledge of learning psychology
  • Designing, implementing and evaluating professional training and induction
  • Improving cooperation, motivation and employee retention

Theory and practice of system maintenance

Type: interaktive seminar
Number of participants:
10-12
Course fee:
€ 380

Venue:
Die Feuerbestattungen Diemelstadt
Holpergrund 21, 34474 Diemelstadt

Lecturer: Denny Grieger
| Course-no. 25-104
Date:
September 22-23, 2025

During maintenance, the condition of the cremation system is systematically checked and, if necessary work is carried out on the system to restore the target condition. Maintenance work should delay the progression of wear and tear or, in the best case, prevent it altogether. With the regular performance of maintenance work the service life of a system can be extended, downtimes can be minimized and the reliability of the cremation system can be ensured.

The lecturer Denny Grieger presents the necessary tasks in routine maintenance. Detailed maintenance plans provide information on the content and intervals of maintenance tasks. The use of maintenance plans enables a systematic, structured and cross-shift approach. The results of the checks and all measures taken are recorded in maintenance logs.

The practical part of the course includes a visit to the crematorium in Diemelstadt. On site, an example of maintenance of the cremation system is carried out and the results recorded.

Your expertise in system maintenance not only ensures the smooth functioning of the system, but also contributes to an improved understanding of the system, its components and functionality and ensures safety-oriented and sustainable handling of the cremation system.

Skills taught:

  • Maintenance and service work on cremation systems
  • Optimal maintenance of the cremation system
  • Sensitization for deviations from the normal condition of the system (functions)

Fitness and prevention – actively prevent back pain

Type: Fitness course with theoretical input
Number of participants:
8-20
Course fee:
€ 180 (per person and day)

Lecturer: Hannes Jehring
| Course-no. 25-201
Date:
as required

Almost one in three adults has frequent or constant back problems (Statista, 2022). Stress caused by monotonous and one-sided body movements, too heavy or incorrect lifting or incorrect postures are frequent causes of back, shoulder and neck pain, especially in the workplace.

In this course, you will learn exactly what back pain actually is and how it arises. The physiotherapist Hannes Jehring will explain how the development of back pain can be avoided in the workplace. To do this a precise analysis of the activities at the workplace is conducted.

The focus is on experiencing for yourself how your posture affects you at work and how you can influence it. Unhealthy habits should be recognized and eliminated and a healthy posture in the process is trained. In addition to the theoretical content and the detailed ergonomic workplace analysis small fitness units ensure the improvement of individual strength and flexibility in order to stabilize the newly learned movement and posture patterns.

The course is organized according to demand. Registrations are accepted all year round. If there are enough people interested, the date and a venue in your area will be set.

There are no prerequisites for taking part in the course.

Skills taught:

  • Recognize early warning signals of the body and being able to react to them
  • Prevent back, shoulder and neck pain
  • Increasing well-being through pain-free sitting, standing and lifting at work

Develop a strategy for your own company | plan, create and evaluate content

Type: Workshop
Number of participants: 8-15
Course fee: € 380

Venue:
Krutsander
Elbinsel Krautsand 57, 21706 Drochtersen

Lecturer: Jürgen Wolf
| Course-no. 25-901
Date: January 20-21, 2025

The Internet is talking about your company are you talking to them?

With a well thought-out strategy, target group analysis and relevant content, your company can sustainably more attention and reach on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Co.

This course provides basic knowledge about social media. The relevant channels will be presented and their respective benefits discussed. The communications expert Jürgen Wolf will show in detail what content constitutes a successful social media strategy and how to identify and design these for your own company. In the practical sessions, participants will be supported in creating a social media strategy for their own company.

The second part of the course is about planning, design and evaluation of audiovisual content. The participants now become themselves constructive and create contributions for social media. The participants are asked to bring a laptop or tablet, as well as a smartphone or camera for this purpose.

In this course, participants will learn how to use social media effectively for their company in practice.

Skills taught:

  • Basic knowledge in the area of social media (use)
  • Development of a social media strategy for your own company
  • Plan | create | analyze content

Presentation and rhetoric training for competent public relations work

Type: Workshop
Number of participants: 8-12
Course fee: € 380

Venue:
Krutsander
Elbinsel Krautsand 57, 21706 Drochtersen

Lecturer: Jörg Rositzke | Thies Heinrich
| Course-no. 25-902
Date: May 19-20, 2025

A successful appearance with clear messages and a likeable, authentic charisma is an elementary component of a personal representation of the company.

As a successful media trainer, Jörg Rositzke works according to the guiding principle “Nothing replaces personal experience”. That is why his training courses focus on practical experience. With the help of the methodology of video analysis and intensive feedback, a high level of practical relevance is created and a special focus is placed on the development of each individual participant.

The focus is on topics such as the use of body language (gestures, facial expressions and posture), voice and speech training, as well as an authentic personality presentation. In addition strategies for dealing with critical questions are taught.

But not only the appearance is important for the corporate presentation; language appropriate to the situation and the adequate use of cremation vocabulary is also indispensable. Thies Heinrich shares his expertise in relation to industry-specific technical language. He teaches skills in making key statements making key statements, agenda setting and creating positive messages.

Skills taught:

  • Confident and convincing appearance and argumentation
  • Situation-appropriate use of language
  • Presenting the company confidently and (re-)present the company appropriately

Word | Excel | PowerPoint – written and spoken in the administration of cremation

Type: Workshop
Number of participants: 8-20
Course fee: € 380

Venue:
Elbstrand Resort Krautsand
Elbstrasse 1, 21706 Drochtersen

Lecturer: Eileen Böhm
| Course-no. 25-903
Date: November 10-11, 2025

Microsoft Office includes various programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. These applications are an integral part of everyday office life. However, dealing with the programs often presents users with challenges. Participants are given an insight into the structure of the applications and a compact introduction to the most important functions. The structure is explained and illustrated step by step.

Word processing with Word includes typing, editing and formatting texts. This includes instructions on page layout and design, as well as the creation of (serial) letters according to current DIN regulations.

The creation of presentations with PowerPoint includes the layout and design of slides, as well as the animation of transitions.

The anxiety-inducing spreadsheet calculation with Excel is explained in a particularly easy-to-understand way. The formatting of tables is practiced and calculating with functions and formulas comprehensibly.

Participants are given the opportunity to use the functions of the programs with simple instructions.
Therefore the participants are asked (if available) to bring a bring a laptop.

Skills taught:

  • Creation of visually appealing texts and presentations
  • Creating functional tables
  • Mastering the basic functions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

In-house training

Additional offer

Didn‘t find the “right” course for you? Then please contact us directly.

This year, we are also offering to hold a training course directly at your premises.

The training at your company will be tailored to your specific training needs.

Contact us and together we will work out a suitable training program according to your needs and plan the implementation together at your premises.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Eileen Böhm
Phone: +49 4141 951053
Mobile: +49 176 22211692
Email: kontakt@vita-cum-morte.de