For professionals interested in Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma training, a variety of options are available. Students who have previously taken some Six Sigma training might be interested in newer, online courses that allow today’s busy working professionals the opportunity to complete Six Sigma training when they have the time. To better understand the levels of training involved in building Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma business applications, consider the following.
The Training (Belt) Levels
Since Motorola first introduced Six Sigma to the business world in 1986, it has evolved into a multi-leveled approach to improving business performance. Training has been divided into the following levels:
1. Yellow Belt
This is the level of training provided to workers involved in the day-to day-implementation of various components of the overall plan and strategy. This level of training is usually associated with teams at the ground-level who have enough proficiency to understand their key role in the improvement process, but not enough training to move into a leadership role. This training is a good starting point and may lead to further study.
2. Green Belt
This is a manager track level of training. There is more time spent on the decision-making and strategy-building components of key elements in the Six Sigma project planning process. Six Sigma Green Belts sign off on progress reports and have a deeper understanding of the overall process; they work with centralized project managers on delivering feedback and driving performance goals.
3. Black Belt
This is the training needed to be a lead project manager on long-term projects. Other belt level team members report to the Black Belt leader who reports generally to a top executive team or individual. Overseeing a collection of projects and keeping track of short-term and long-term goals are a key set of duties for Black Belt certificate holders.
4. Master Black Belt
Trainers and consultants who get projects rolling and then move on to another organization generally hold the Master Black Belt certificate. Some organizations hold onto a Master Black Belt professional for a number of years if the project is going to be rolled out over several years or more. These professionals are experts in the training and theory behind the Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma strategies and applications. This is a level that requires years of experience, as well as on-going professional service to the field.
Points of Entry
No matter the point of entry into Six Sigma, professionals interested in advancing through the certificate process may experience improved hire-ability and increased earnings. As an increased number of companies look for ways to streamline business processes and increase profitability, professionals trained in Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma strategies are in high demand. Training will allow professionals to:
• Examine an organization’s business processes in a methodological way
• Visualize inefficiency as an opportunity for growth
• Apply metrics to track performance
• Create more effective teams and a more perfect product or service
• Focus on customer needs
• Implement successful projects from development to delivery
• Develop ongoing measures to drive forward momentum
At all levels, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma training provide an opportunity to build logical problem-solving skills.
Other Considerations
Through courses taught by industry leaders, many professionals engage in the training not only to build knowledge, but also to strengthen contacts and connect with other successful industry peers. For professionals interested in increasing the viability of skills over the coming years, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma training is a savvy investment which could lead to a more well-rounded set of skills and increased professional mobility over a greater sector of industry.
