Become a Lean Construction expert –
Certification according to VDI 2553
Unique training concept:
Digital & on-site
Start your Training as a Lean Construction Expert (VDI 2553) – with a flexible hybrid concept consisting of online modules and face-to-face workshops. Benefit from practical training and receive the official VDI 2553 certificate. Contact us now without obligation and get answers to your questions!
Book one of our existing training courses or let us advise you on a advise on individual in-house certification.
Your added value as a participant
- Recognized degree: After successful participation, you will receive the official VDI 2553 certificate, the nationally recognized certification for Lean Construction Experts.
- Individual short-term study: Complete a compact Training studies Become an expert in lean construction and lean management in the construction industry—while continuing to work and in an efficient manner.
- Hybrid & flexible: Unique concept with interactive online training modules (no travel required) plus in-person days in Stuttgart for networking and sharing experiences. This „The best of both worlds“format combines the advantages of e-learning and on-site workshops.
- Practical relevance guaranteed: Learn about proven planning and control methods and apply them directly in exercises. This ensures that you can immediately use what you have learned in your everyday work.
- In-service training: The modules are designed so that they can be easy to integrate into everyday work – ideal for working people.
More project success: After completing the training, you will be able to use lean methods to integrate schedule and planning reliability into your construction projects. This will help you avoid disruptions in the process and optimize project performance.
Our concept: hybrid.interactive.inspiring
„The best of both worlds“ – we have developed a unique training concept based on this principle. The only provider We combine digital and in-person modules in our Lean Construction Expert training program. This means maximum flexibility for you. and personal exchange:
- Digital live modules: Some of the training modules are interactive and take place online. You can participate from the comfort of your workplace or home, saving you travel time and costs. Despite the online format, we focus on active participation, group work, and simulations to ensure that learning remains varied and practical.
- In-person workshops: In addition to the digital modules, there are also Workshop at our offices in Stuttgart or Cologne. Here, you will apply what you have learned in a Last Planner and takt control simulation and deepen your knowledge in moderated exercises. There will also be plenty of opportunity for personal exchange with trainers and other participants. The focus is on networking and practical examples in order to gain valuable contacts and experience.
PLACE Strategy is behind the concept. As specialists in the digitization and implementation of lean systems in the construction industry, we bring comprehensive practical expertise to the table. We have been a recognized Training partner of the VDI and train specialists in accordance with VDI 2553 guidelines. With our experience in consulting and Through training, we accompany the transformation of the construction industry—and now pass this knowledge on to you in this training course.
Training content – What you can expect
Our Training series to become a Lean Construction Expert includes three modules plus exams that build on each other. You will learn all the skills required for lean construction according to VDI 2553. Our course in fall 2025 is structured as follows:
Module 1 (2 days, in-person): Fundamentals and methods
- Introduction to Lean Construction – Getting to know the philosophy, ideals, and principles using a tried-and-tested simulation
- Practical workshop About the Last Planner System
Module 2 (4 days, digital): Methods, Deepening & Change Management
- Organization & Management: Lean methods for project organization and schedule management
- Method training and toolsProject and process analysis (value stream analysis, types of waste, etc.)
- Practical exercises on analysis methods (e.g., process optimization based on a case study)
- Continuous improvement (Kaizen): Establish and promote a culture of continuous improvement
- Leadership & Change Management: Change management, employee engagement, and lean leadership
- Interactive simulations
Module 3 (2 days, in-person): Workshop & conclusion
- Practical workshop: Perform cycle planning and cycle control live
- Digital approaches & BIM: Use of building information modeling and digital tools for process optimization
- Best Practices & Networking: Exchange with other participants, discussion of practical examples
- Completion of training: Joint completion and examination
Final examination:
At the end of the course, all participants take the Lean Construction Expert exam. This consists of a written exam (on site on the last day of training) and the presentation of a short project. This is followed by an oral exam (which is conducted digitally). If you pass, you will receive your personal VDI certificate, that you officially as Lean Construction Expert VDI 2553 shows.
Our speakers – your trainers
at eye level
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Benz
Professor of Construction Management
Thomas Benz is a professor at Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Building Physics, and Economics). His professional career in the construction industry ranges from construction management and technical management to the management of engineering and planning offices. In addition to his academic work, he heads the Construction experience exchange (ErFa circle) in southern Germany. Prof. Benz is also active as a consultant in various large-scale projects and is a member of the supervisory board of Gottlob Rommel Bauunternehmung.
Dr.-Ing. René Huppertz
Expert for Lean Construction & IPA
Dr.-Ing. René Huppertz is Managing Director at PLACE Strategy. Previously, he was Head of IPA and Lean at Schiffers Bauconsult and managed numerous projects in the construction and real estate industry as a lean consultant. With his Doctorate at the RWTH Aachen he combines sound scientific expertise with practical experience in the implementation of lean construction processes. As a lecturer and trainer, he imparts practical knowledge on lean construction, integrated project execution (IPA) and the Last Planner System. Dr. Huppertz is also a speaker at the German Lean Construction Institute (GLCI) and regularly publishes on current developments in lean management and digital construction.
Alexander Kappes, Doctor of Law
Expert in construction law & digitalization
Dr. Alexander Kappes is managing partner of the construction and engineering firm. nonsense ipg. He previously held senior positions at WOLFF & MÜLLER. He is the author of several specialist publications in the field of BIM and building law and lecturer at HFT Stuttgart. His main areas of expertise are the building law aspects of lean construction and Digitization of the construction industry. In addition, Dr. Kappes is the managing director of the digital lean sales brand „WeLean.“.
Kevin King
Managing Director PLACE Strategy GmbH
Kevin König has joined the Construction industry and studied real estate management at the University of Stuttgart. Since then, PLACE has successfully managed over 200 construction projects. Lean systems introduced - from complex building construction projects to infrastructure and plant construction projects. As Managing Director of PLACE Strategy GmbH, he primarily drives knowledge transfer within the company and is constantly developing the content of consulting and workshops.
Sharuga Vigenswaran
Lean Manager PLACE Strategy GmbH
Sharuga is characterized by her many years of experience and her deep understanding of modern technologies and the lean philosophy as such. She has already set up and supervised a large number of analog and digital lean projects. As an instructor at the GLCI for the Lean Basics, the Last Planner System and the expert training there, she has already gained extensive training experience.
What our participants say:
Real voices from specialists and managers with practical experience in construction
Eva Roubal
Porr AG
“I had already dealt extensively with the topic of lean construction before the training. Nevertheless, I learned an enormous amount in the workshop!”
Thomas Künkel
Mörk GmbH & Co. KG
“What I liked best was the practical experimentation, which allows you to discover and understand what it's really all about, something that is often more difficult to achieve in theoretical lectures.”
Stefan Weggler
Weggler construction
“The speakers” practical experience gives you a completely different insight and helps you understand things differently than if you just read about them in a book."
Dates and registration
The training is offered several times a year. Secure one of the limited places in the next training series:
Dates Spring 2026
- 05.02.2026 – Training day 1 (on site)
- 06.02.2026 – Training day 2 (on site)
- 12.02.2026 – Training day 3 (remote)
- 13.02.2026 – Training day 4 (remote)
- 19.02.2026 – Training day 5 (remote)
- 20.02.2026 – Training day 6 (remote)
- 20.03.2026 – Oral exam (remote)
- 26.03.2026 – Training day 7 (on site)
- 27.03.2026 – Written exam (on site)
Inquire now to secure your spot for spring! (Early bookers benefit from the Early Bird discount.)
Dates for fall 2026
- 08.10.2026 – Training day 1 (on site)
- 09.10.2026 – Training day 2 (on site)
- 15.10.2026 – Training day 3 (remote)
- 16.10.2026 – Training day 4 (remote)
- 22.10.2026 – Training day 5 (remote)
- 23.10.2026 – Training day 6 (remote)
- 13.11.2026 – Oral exam (remote)
- 19.11.2026 – Training day 7 (on site)
- 20.11.2026 – Written exam (on site)
Enquire now – secure your place for the fall! (Early bookers benefit from the Early Bird discount.)
Note: The above start dates are repeated every six months. If you are unable to attend on these dates, please contact us—we will be happy to inform you about future course start dates.
In-house training for companies
Would you like to train several employees to become Lean Construction experts at the same time? No problem—we also offer this training as a in-house training We adapt the content and schedule to your projects and requirements as needed to ensure maximum practical relevance. Your employees benefit from joint training as a team and can apply what they have learned directly to current projects. In-house seminars are available upon request. – Contact us for a customized quote for your company! (Simply use our contact form and select "In-house appointment.")
Our price advantage – save costs with PLACE
Quality doesn't have to be expensive: Our Lean Construction Expert Training offers you excellent value for money. Compared to other providers of similar VDI 2553 certification courses, you save on both Training as well as in the travel expenses through our hybrid model. This means you receive a first-class education and and at the same time save your training budget.
Inquire now without obligation and benefit from the early bird discount—become a Lean Construction expert!
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