Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – QQI Level 7

Lead real change. Deliver measurable results. Build capability that makes a difference.

Lean Six Sigma is a proven approach for improving quality, speed and cost across every industry. It helps teams reduce waste, cut defects, shorten cycle time and improve the customer experience. At SQT, we make Lean Six Sigma practical and results‑focused ensuring learners can apply it immediately in the workplace. Building on Yellow Belt foundations or operational experience, our Green Belt programme equips learners to lead a workplace project from definition to sustained control. Green Belts learn by doing through hands‑on workshops and coached project work, with ongoing guidance from experienced Tutors who have delivered major improvements across hundreds of organisations. What makes SQT different is our focus on measurable impact. Green Belt projects deliver on average €60k+ in annualised benefits per project, depending on scope and context. Since 2008, our Tutors have mentored close to 2,000 Green Belt candidates to successful QQI certification, with projects delivering over €130m in annualised savings for organisations.

Delivery Mode

  • Public
    Programmes

    Dates
    Commencing 11 Feb 2026
  • Virtual
    Training
    Programmes

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  • Customised
    In-Company
    Programmes

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SnapshotSnapshot

Course Code
LSS012

What's covered?

Learners select a workplace project and work on it throughout the programme. Classroom sessions focus on the DMAIC phases and core tools. Between sessions, learners apply the tools to their project and receive feedback to maintain momentum and results. Throughout this process, learners are supported by their Tutor, who provides ongoing guidance and mentoring, helping them apply the tools correctly, overcome project challenges and ensure their improvements deliver real value to their organisation.

Structure (typical):

  • Phase 1 – Define ( 1 day ): Clarify problem, scope and stakeholders; map the process; capture Voice of the Customer; set a clear project charter and baseline.
  • Phase 2 – Measure ( 1 day ): Plan data collection; assess measurement system; describe the data using basic statistics and graphics; identify patterns and prioritise issues (Pareto, stratification).
  • Phase 3 – Analyse ( 1 day ): Investigate root causes (5 Whys, Cause and Effect, regression where appropriate); verify causes with data.
  • Phase 4 – Improve ( 1 day ): Generate and screen solutions; pilot, test and verify impact; plan implementation and risk mitigation.
  • Phase 5 – Control ( 1 day ): Standardise the improved process; visual management and control plans; handover, benefits tracking and project close.

After training, learners have six months to complete and submit their project. During this period, they work on a live improvement project and receive ongoing Tutor support.

Flexible formats: This programme is available in two formats:

  • Public programme, ideal for individuals who want to learn alongside peers from diverse industries and share practical insights
  • In-Company programme, which can be tailored to address your organisation’s specific challenges and goals

Who should participate?

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Programme is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their ability to improve processes, reduce waste, and drive measurable results.

Suitable for emerging leaders, seasoned managers, or hands-on problem solvers, this programme provides the tools and methodologies needed to make a lasting impact within an organisation

  • Individuals who will lead improvement projects and mentor Yellow Belt teams.
  • Team leaders, supervisors, engineers, analysts and professionals in operations or service roles.
  • Organisations seeking to build internal capability to deliver tangible, data-driven improvements.

The methodologies taught in this programme are highly adaptable and applicable across a wide range of industries, including services and manufacturing, as well as both public and private sectors. Organisations of all types can apply Lean Six Sigma.

What will I learn?

Through project work and practical workshops, learners will build the skills to lead a scoped DMAIC project and deliver measurable improvements.

By the end of the programme learners will be able to:

  • Lead a scoped DMAIC project from problem definition to sustained control.
  • Select and apply Lean tools to remove waste and improve flow.
  • Use data to describe performance, verify causes and confirm improvements.
  • Engage stakeholders and facilitate team problem-solving.
  • Document benefits and establish a control plan to sustain gains.

Core tools and methods: Project Charter, SIPOC and process mapping, Voice of the Customer, Measurement Planning & MSA (intro), Basic Stats and Graphical Analysis, Pareto and Stratification, Root Cause Analysis (Ishikawa, 5 Whys), Regression (intro, where appropriate), Brainstorming and Solution Screening, Piloting and Verification, Control Plans and Visual Management.

Who are the tutors?

Ashling Keogh

A Black Belt with over 15 years’ experience of developing Lean Six Sigma programmes and delivering process improvement projects, Ashling has worked in a range of industries including telecoms and technology, retail, financial services, education, healthcare and logistics.

Ashling has lead projects working with teams across the globe and has deployed changes in fast-changing and complex environments. She has a very practical approach to projects and has strong change management skills. She has trained and mentored over eight hundred Yellow and Green belts. Ashling has also deployed Customer Experience projects where processes were enhanced to deliver a step-change in the quality of the interactions with customers.

Whether training is delivered in person or online, Ashling puts an emphasis on practical examples and activities that directly relate to the environment of the trainees. The Lean Six Sigma tool demonstrations are peppered with real-life examples and advice on the most efficient way to get results.

Ashling enjoys working with people to develop their Lean Six Sigma skills in applying the tools to gain insights into their business challenges and develop targeted plans to achieve their project goals.

Always looking to continuously improve, Ashling has recently completed a Diploma in Digital Learning Design, applying the best practice in digital learning to all her online courses.


Éamon Ó Béarra

As an experienced ASQ certified Black Belt and passionate advocate of Lean Six Sigma, Éamon has gained a reputation for his common sense approach and practical know how as a continuous improvement consultant and trainer in a variety of blue chip companies. Since co-founding ASST in 2001 and partnering with SQT, Éamon has trained and certified hundreds of Lean Six Sigma Green Belts and Black Belts in a range of environments in the Manufacturing and Services Sector and most recently in the Food and Beverages Sector.

Prior to becoming a trainer Éamon worked in key management positions in quality, process engineering, process auditing and warranty arenas with such marquee companies such as AlliedSignal, GenCorp, Enterprise Ireland and Eagle Registrations.

Éamon attained his 3rd level education in NUI Galway with a Bachelor of Technology and a Masters of Applied Science.

Today, Éamon is a Director of ASST Ltd. whose primary role is the delivery of training on behalf of SQT but in addition, the tutors also provide a broad range of Lean Six Sigma support services such as project mentoring, programme support, analytical services and coaching. This ensures that as trainers they have their finger on the pulse of what is happening in Industry which they bring to every Lean Six Sigma Training Programme.


John Ryan

John, BE, is one of Ireland’s leading experts in Lean Six Sigma, having trained over 250 Black Belts and hundreds of Green Belts across all industry sectors. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and ASQ certified Black Belt with over 20 years’ experience , John is chair of the Irish Six Sigma Network hosted by SQT, a network of continuous improvement experts from all over Ireland which has met quarterly since 2004. With a background in Quality from the automotive industry, John has over 10 years’ experience working at senior management and VP level within various multinationals in the US, before returning to Ireland in 2001.

As a Lean Six Sigma consultant John is contracted with a number of large multinational organisations to provide global programme and project support as well as with several smaller Irish companies to support their Lean Six Sigma deployments. John is Managing Director of ASST Ltd. whose primary role is the delivery of training on behalf of SQT but in addition, the tutors also provide a broad range of Lean Six Sigma support services such as project mentoring, programme support, analytical services and coaching. This ensures that as trainers they have their finger on the pulse of what is happening in Industry which they bring to each and every Lean Six Sigma Training Programme.


Nicola Donohoe

Nicola, a Science graduate from NUI Maynooth (B.Sc.), is a Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma with almost 20 years experience in a large variety of industries including manufacturing, transactional and pharmaceutical both in private & public sectors. Nicola has designed, project managed and successfully implemented process improvement solutions in operational and service functions ranging from engineering to supply chain and from finance to human resources. While working at Dell she conducted extensive project mentoring which enabled the delivery of savings in excess of €100m through Lean & Six Sigma programmes. She is an experienced hands-on facilitator of Lean Strategy methodologies such as Hoshin Kanri and X-Matrix in a wide variety of business functions and with Senior Leadership teams within Dell. In addition to her experience in a manufacturing environment, Nicola has many years of experience in Financial Services and IT environments and with the management of both Global and pan-European Lean Six Sigma programmes roll-outs.

Nicola is a superb trainer and a specialist process improvement and development expert who works extensively with organisations and companies to reduce risk and optimise efficiency, productivity and profitability. She enjoys demystifying Lean Six Sigma for learners.


Noel McCann

With over 30 years experience in applying and coaching Lean & Six Sigma in multinational companies Olympus, Motorola, Boston Scientific and Stryker, Noel brings a wealth of experience and insight on continuous improvement to industry. Noel has a B. Eng (Hons) degree in Mechanical Engineering, Black Belt Certifications from both Technology and Medical Devices industries, and is a Certified Kaizen Coach.

Noel has a passion for learning and applying improvement methods at many levels over the years, as an Engineer, as an Engineering team leader and as a Senior Continuous Improvement Manager. Noel has played a significant role in both developing and implementing Black Belt and Green Belt Lean & Six Sigma programmes with two leading Multinational Medical Device companies. An engineer at heart, Noel loves to work with people to solve problems by providing them with structure and methods to enable them to reach their own potential. He has trained, mentored, and certified many rounds of Green Belts and has enjoyed supporting many learners as they progress in their CI journey from kaizen events to certification and beyond.


What are the entry requirements?

To enroll in the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Programme, applicants should meet the following requirements:

  • Educational Qualification: Level 6 Advanced/Higher Certificate or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Special Purpose Award (Level 6) or higher qualification (Ordinary or Honours degree in any discipline). Alternatively, individuals can demonstrate equivalent achievement through accredited prior experiential learning (APEL).
  • Project Requirement: Participants must have a suitable project to complete during training to ensure practical application of Lean Six Sigma principles.
  • Technical Competence: Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite is required.
  • Software Requirement: A laptop with the most recent version of SigmaXL software. (On public courses, this software is supplied by SQT and included in the course fee. On in-company programmes, SQT can provide software licences if required, or participants may use an alternative software package such as SPCXL or Minitab.)
  • Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a high level of competence in English. International students whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent proficiency at B2+ level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
  • Essential Skills for Success:
    • Willingness to learn (reading, research)
    • Strong communication skills
    • Ability to self-direct

How will I be assessed?

Learners are required to complete an individual Lean Six Sigma Green Belt project which, using the DMAIC methodology, will realise the project goals and objectives for their organisation.

Assessment is based on:

  1. Project Proposal (20%) consisting of
    • Project Charter (An initial draft of the Project Charter must be submitted to SQT prior to commencement of training. Comprehensive guidelines on project selection and a sample Project Charter will be supplied in advance to all course learners)
    • Project Plan
  2. Written Project Report (80%) – includes a Project Story Board.

Comprehensive guidelines will be given during the course to all learners. The learner has up to 6 months following training to complete their final written project report.

How do we train and support you?

At SQT, we provide extensive resources and support to help you succeed. Our learning materials draw on over 20 years of delivering Lean Six Sigma programmes and are designed to be practical and effective. Learners have full access to these resources throughout their training and project work..

Our programme is distinguished by hands-on mentoring from our expert Tutor team. These industry practitioners have over 100 years of combined experience leading and supporting major Lean Six Sigma initiatives. Their direct guidance helps learners navigate challenges, refine projects and achieve measurable improvements. Tutor support continues until successful completion of the project.

Company Support and Champion Training - Optional 1-day Introduction to Lean Six Sigma for wider teams - Optional 2-day Champion programme for decision-makers and project sponsors

Access to Online Learning Resources - Course notes, templates, case studies and online content - Additional learning materials and links - Assessment submission and Tutor feedback via our online platform

Customised In-House Courses - Programmes can be tailored to your organisation’s needs so exercises and content align with your processes and objectives

Mentoring and Tutor Support - Personalised mentoring and feedback throughout the programme to keep projects on track and deliver meaningful results

Lean Six Sigma Network - Graduates join SQT’s Lean Six Sigma Network for ongoing learning, peer collaboration and best-practice sharing

Programme accreditation

This course is validated by QQI at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Successful learners will receive a Special Purpose Award, Certificate in Process Engineering (15 ECTS Credits). Awards made by QQI are on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

This programme can be used as a basis for applying for ASQ (American Society for Quality) certification. Learners can sit the ASQ Green Belt certification examination. Some further self-study will be required. ASQ certification is a formal recognition by ASQ that an individual has demonstrated a proficiency within, and comprehension of, a specific body of knowledge.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 - full details available here.

What software do we use?

The programme emphasises practical analysis using SigmaXL or equivalent Excel-based tools for accessibility. Minitab may be used where available.

How can you progress?

Next step → Black Belt (QQI Level 8): Lead cross-functional programmes, advanced analytics/DOE, and strategic deployment

Noel McCann


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  • Commencing 11 Feb 2026
    Location: Virtual Book Date

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – QQI Level 7

Virtual Training: €2,190
+ €245 (certification fees)
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  • Commencing 11 Feb 2026
    Delivery: Virtual Training
    Location: Virtual
    Book Date

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