Certified Lean Six Sigma - Yellow Belt

Organisations across public, private and third sector environments are continually seeking ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste, enhance quality and strengthen operational performance. Lean Six Sigma is a globally recognised process improvement methodology that combines Lean principles and Six Sigma tools to support data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

The Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt short course provides an accessible introduction to Lean Six Sigma principles, tools and approaches. Designed for professionals across all sectors, the course supports participants to develop practical understanding of process improvement methodologies and how they can be applied within real organisational and workplace contexts.

The course combines theory, practical activities and applied examples to help learners build confidence in identifying inefficiencies, supporting improvement activity and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

 

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for:

• Professionals seeking an introduction to Lean Six Sigma methodologies
• Individuals involved in quality improvement or operational delivery
• Team leaders, supervisors and managers
• Staff supporting organisational improvement or change initiatives
• Professionals working within business, healthcare, manufacturing, education, local government or service environments
• Individuals considering progression towards Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification
• Anyone interested in process improvement and operational efficiency

 

Why take this course?

Across sectors, organisations are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce operational waste, strengthen quality and deliver better outcomes with limited resources. Lean Six Sigma methodologies are widely used to support continuous improvement, enhance customer or service-user experience and improve organisational performance.

This course provides a practical introduction to Lean Six Sigma and the DMAIC improvement framework (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control), helping participants understand how structured improvement approaches can support problem-solving, process optimisation and operational effectiveness.

Examples and activities may include process mapping, identifying inefficiencies, analysing root causes, improving workflows and supporting continuous improvement activity within workplace environments.

 

What you will learn

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and terminology associated with Lean Six Sigma
• Explore the DMAIC improvement framework and its application within organisations
• Identify waste, inefficiencies and process improvement opportunities
• Understand basic tools used within Lean Six Sigma projects
• Contribute more effectively to quality improvement and operational improvement activity
• Develop greater awareness of data-informed and continuous improvement approaches

 

How you will learn

This blended learning course combines live online tutor-led sessions, asynchronous self-study and practical learning activities. Participants will engage with Lean Six Sigma concepts, tools and approaches through a combination of guided online content, applied exercises and interactive discussion.

Learning materials are accessed online through our virtual learning environment, allowing participants to study flexibly around existing professional commitments while still benefiting from live online tutor-led sessions.

The course is designed to be accessible for participants from a wide range of professional backgrounds, with no prior Lean Six Sigma experience required.

 

Course content

The course introduces participants to the core principles, terminology and tools associated with Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies. Through a combination of tutor-led learning, guided self-study and practical exercises, participants will explore how Lean Six Sigma approaches can support operational efficiency, quality improvement and workplace problem-solving.

Topics include:

• Introduction to Lean and Six Sigma
• Lean Six Sigma principles and approaches
• Problem-solving and the 7 Tools of Quality Improvement
• Systems and process thinking
• Queueing theory and workflow improvement
• Kaizen and continuous improvement
• 5S and workplace organisation
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• DMAIC methodology
• Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques
• Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
• Process mapping
• Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA)
• Variation and process performance
• Lean Six Sigma teams and effective meetings

 

Assessment

The course includes the official Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt examination and aligns with internationally recognised Lean Six Sigma standards and methodologies associated with the International Society of Six Sigma Professionals (ISSSP).

The examination is designed to evaluate participants’ understanding of core Lean Six Sigma principles, terminology, tools and process improvement approaches introduced throughout the course.

Assessment for this course consists of a one-hour open-book multiple-choice examination comprising 50 questions. The pass mark is 60%.

 

Applying your learning

Throughout the course, participants will reflect on their own workplace or organisational context, identifying opportunities to improve processes, reduce inefficiencies and support operational improvement activity.

By the end of the course, participants will leave with:

• A structured understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles and terminology
• Greater awareness of process improvement and continuous improvement approaches
• Practical tools and techniques to support workplace improvement activity
• Increased confidence contributing to operational improvement projects
• Strong foundations for further Lean Six Sigma learning or certification progression

 

Entry requirements

• No previous Lean Six Sigma experience required
• Suitable for professionals across all sectors and organisational contexts
• An interest in process improvement, quality or operational effectiveness is recommended

 

Certification

Participants who successfully pass the examination will receive an official Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certificate.

 

Funding

A 20% discount is currently available to UWS alumni and staff, and members of the following Chambers of Commerce: Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, and Renfrewshire.  Please refer to the Funding support page for further details.

 

Sector and workforce relevance

Lean Six Sigma methodologies continue to be widely used across public services, healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, business and service industries to support operational improvement, quality enhancement and organisational efficiency.

This course supports workforce capability development in continuous improvement, problem-solving and operational effectiveness, helping organisations and professionals build confidence in structured improvement approaches that can be applied across a broad range of workplace environments.

 

Further study

Participants wishing to build on their Lean Six Sigma knowledge and progress their continuous improvement capability may wish to continue their professional learning through the Certified Lean Six Sigma - Green Belt course.

The Green Belt course develops more advanced knowledge and practical application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, supporting participants to lead improvement activity, apply analytical tools and contribute to larger-scale operational and organisational improvement projects.