Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt – QQI Level 6

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Build Practical Skills. Drive Team-Based Results. Make an Impact with Lean Six Sigma at SQT.

Introduction

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Lean Six Sigma combines two of the most powerful business improvement methodologies: Lean, which reduces waste and improves process speed and Six Sigma, which minimises defects and enhances capability. Together, they enable impactful improvements across industries. 

Our Yellow Belt Programme offers a practical and supported introduction to these principles. Delivered using a team-based approach, learners apply the DMAIC methodology to solve real-world process challenges, guided by expert Tutors. This QQI Level 6 accredited programme is designed to develop practical skills that make a real difference. 

It is the perfect starting point for individuals who want to begin using Lean Six Sigma to drive improvement in their workplace. At the same time, it offers organisations an excellent way to start building a culture of continuous improvement. Team members apply the tools and techniques to a small project within their own work area, gaining valuable experience and creating a solid foundation for further progress. 

What's covered?

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The 3-day practical Yellow Belt Programme (delivered over 6 weeks) is designed for team-based, project-focused learning. Learners work in small groups, applying DMAIC to real improvement opportunities identified in their organisations. Tutor mentoring and feedback are provided throughout, ensuring learners develop practical competencies.

Structure:

  • Day 1: Focuses on the Define and Measure phases. Following Day 1, teams will have an action plan to characterise and investigate the process opportunity.
  • Day 2: Focuses on the Analyse, Improve and Control phases. Each team will provide a detailed update on their project, receive Tutor feedback and begin developing and implementing appropriate solutions to verify their impact.
  • Day 3: Each team will meet individually with the Tutor to review project objectives, deliverables and documented improvements. The Tutor will mentor and advise the teams before each presents their project for evaluation.

We can customise the programme to the specific needs of an organisation or industry, aligning examples, case studies and tool selection to an organisations processes. This will ensure the learning is immediately relevant and practical.

Who should participate?

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This programme is ideal for:

  • Natural work teams seeking to improve their own processes.
  • Individuals participating in internal Yellow Belt or Green Belt projects.
  • Organisations developing a culture of Continuous Improvement.

Each team should include 2–5 members, with at least two team members having extensive process knowledge.

What will I learn?

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

  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of Lean and Six Sigma concepts and their practical application to process improvement challenges.
  • Apply the DMAIC methodology to a specific company project.
  • Deliver measurable results through a team-based project using Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques.
  • Contribute effectively in future Yellow Belt projects and support Green Belt initiatives as effective team members.

Typical outcomes: Teams typically deliver measurable cycle-time or defect reductions within their own areas.

Core Tools Covered:

  • Process Mapping (SIPOC and flow charts)
  • Voice of the Customer (VOC)
  • Basic graphical analysis (Pareto, Run Charts, Histograms)
  • Brainstorming and Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys)
  • Error Proofing and Solution Screening
  • Standardisation and Visual Management

Who are the tutors?

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What are the entry requirements?

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To enrol in the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Programme, applicants should meet the following requirements:

Minimum Academic Qualifications:

  • QQI Level 5 Certificate
  • OR relevant life and work experiences (APEL). Through Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), learners are expected to demonstrate minimum attributes for general learning at Level 5.

Project Requirement: Prospective projects and teams must be agreed with the Company Representative and Tutor in advance of the course. This ensures alignment with the programme guidelines and maximises learning outcomes.

Team Requirement: Each team should include 2–5 members, with at least two members having detailed knowledge and experience of the process being improved.

Language Proficiency: All applicants must demonstrate a high level of competence in English. International applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of competence greater than or equal to B2+ on the CEFR

How will I be assessed?

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Assessment is designed to ensure learners can apply Lean Six Sigma tools effectively in real-world scenarios. Each team will be required to complete a project using the DMAIC methodology, demonstrating measurable improvements in their organisation. Each individual in the team will also be required to demonstrate their own individual learning through a learning summary.

The Project must be submitted on Moodle (SQT’s secure virtual learning environment) within 10 weeks of the start of programme using templates supplied. Assessment components including weighting are as follows:

  • 40%: Completed A3 Team Report
  • 30%: Action Tracker
  • 20%: Oral presentation
  • 10%: Individual Learner Summary

Assessment templates provided via Moodle. Tutor support continues until project completion

How do we train and support you?

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At SQT, we provide extensive resources and support to help learners 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 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 your project approach and achieve measurable improvements. Tutor support continues 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 specifically developed content
  • Additional learning materials and links
  • Assessment submission and Tutor feedback via our online platform

Customised In-House Courses

  • Programmes can be tailored to an organisation’s needs to ensure exercises and content align with specific 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

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Accredited by QQI at Level 6 (NFQ), 10 FET Credits and recognised internationally, this certification enhances professional credentials and supports career development.

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

How can you progress?

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The Yellow Belt is your gateway to Green Belt.

  • Next step → Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (QQI Level 7, 15 ECTS)
  • From there → Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (QQI Level 8, 60 ECTS)

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Accreditation

QQI (FET) Certificate in Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Special Purpose Award, Level 6, 10 FET Credits (Group Project Required)

Course Code
LSS025
Duration
3 training days
Delivery Mode
This programme is delivered by or In-Company training
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What Our Learner's SayWhat Our Learner's Say


Informative and useful training course. The tools introduced were helpful to investigate the process at-hand. I hope to obtain the yellow-belt certification.
Michael D February 13, 2025
Very engaging tutor and content, regular check ins throught the project and very approachable for questions or concerns and accommodations.
Meg R February 13, 2025
Very good
Glen M February 12, 2025
Ashling is really helping us digest the material and has been very helpful throughout
Ian O February 6, 2025

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt – QQI Level 6

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Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt – QQI Level 6

Duration: 3 days
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