Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – QQI Level 7

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

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.

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.

• 

  Ashling Keogh

  A Black Belt with over 15 years’ experience of developing Lea...

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• 

  Éamon Ó Béarra

  As an experienced ASQ certified Black Belt and passionate advoc...

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• 

  John Ryan

  John, BE, is one of Ireland’s leading experts in Lean Six Sig...

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• 

  Nicola Donohoe

  Nicola, a Science graduate from NUI Maynooth (B.Sc.), is a Mast...

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  Noel McCann

  With over 30 years experience in applying and coaching Lean &am...

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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

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.

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

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.

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

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