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In a nutshell

Take your Lean Six Sigma expertise to the next level with this fully funded, advanced Black Belt training. Accredited by the Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC), this course equips experienced professionals with the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills needed to lead complex improvement initiatives across any industry.

This course is available as part of a Personal Learning Account (PLA). PLA is an initiative from the Welsh Government which offers people the chance to access free, part-time courses with flexible and convenient learning that fits around their existing lifestyle (subject to eligibility).

This course is for...

… anyone aged 19+, living in Wales and in employment. The usual salary limit of £34,303 does not apply to this course.

...for employed adults in Wales who are in a role where they can lead advanced, organisation-wide improvement projects.

...for professionals in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, retail, and public services who are responsible for driving change and performance improvements.

Course content

This course is delivered by virtual classroom. Virtual classrooms are equivalent to face-to-face classroom courses, but delivered in an online environment.

Course Duration: 10 Days

You will progress through the DMAIC framework with a comprehensive toolkit:

In the Define phase, you will learn to clearly articulate the problem statement, map processes using SIPOC diagrams, and capture the Voice of the Customer to ensure projects align with business needs. You’ll select projects strategically, develop a project charter, and master essential planning and communication tools to engage stakeholders effectively—plus advanced techniques including Value Stream Mapping, SWOT and PESTLE analyses, and team development models such as Belbin, Tuckman, and Adaire to lead and motivate project teams with confidence.

During the Measure phase, you’ll understand the importance of quality data, identify critical-to-quality factors, and assess the cost of poor quality. You will apply process mapping, design data collection plans, and evaluate measurement systems through Gauge R&R studies. Statistical tools such as histograms, run charts, control charts, and scatter plots will help quantify process performance and capability. Building on this, you will use Minitab software for Gauge R&R, Capability Analysis, and the full suite of statistical charts to collect and validate high-quality data for precise measurement.

The Analyse phase teaches you how to uncover root causes using proven techniques such as Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams and 5 Whys analysis. You’ll gain skills in consensus decision-making and validate root causes through graphical tools including box plots, correlation, regression, and hypothesis testing to make data-driven decisions. This phase further expands with Design of Experiments (DOE), advanced hypothesis testing, and sophisticated data analysis within Minitab.

The Improve phase develops your leadership and change management abilities, including leading brainstorming sessions, managing conflict, influencing styles, and employing decision-making tools like Force Field Analysis and Pugh Matrix. You will also use Future State Mapping to design optimised processes.

In the Control phase, you will build on foundational control plans and charts with establishing monitoring systems, mentoring and training team members, advanced sustaining improvement techniques, and embedding standard operating procedures to ensure lasting success.

Upon successful completion, you’ll earn a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, accredited by the Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) — a globally recognised credential that proves your understanding of Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

Entry Requirements

Participants should be in a position to lead and deliver a significant improvement project within their organisation. No prior Lean Six Sigma certification is required, but a strong understanding of business processes and a readiness to take on strategic responsibility is essential.

You will need access to internet, a windows computer and webcam/microphone.

Additional information

The PLA programme intends to provide quality career advice and guidance to participants before, during and after their learning.

Prior to being enrolled onto your PLA funded course, an individual learning plan will be discussed with you to ensure that the right learning has been considered.

This will include a general discussion on the following topics:

• formal education or qualifications in related fields
• prior experience within the industry or field
• career aspirations
• dedication of time required