Lean Six Sigma White Belt Curriculum

Operators, 5S and Problem-Solving

Claim 1 CPD Point

Platform:

Online

In-class

Revised and Updated:
05 October 2026

Date	Venue	Duration
16 November 2026	Live/Online	1 Day
18 January 2027	Sandton, Gauteng	1 Day
19 March 2027	Sandton, Gauteng	1 Day
18 June 2027	Live/Online	1 Day
17 September 2027	Sandton, Gauteng	1 Day
10 December 2027	Sandton, Gauteng	1 Day

Course Introduction

This one-day Lean Six Sigma White Belt curriculum is designed for operators and front-line employees. It introduces basic Lean Six Sigma principles and tools, with an emphasis on how they can be applied in day-to-day work. The goal is to familiarise participants with the key concepts, language, and problem-solving techniques needed to contribute to process improvement initiatives.

The course provides operators with a foundational understanding of Lean Six Sigma, helping them become active contributors to process improvement initiatives. The goal of White Belt awareness is to build engagement so that everyone, from front-line workers to leadership, can contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Course Objectives

By the end of the Lean Six Sigma White Belt Curriculum course, participants will be able to:

Explain the basic principles of Lean and Six Sigma, and how combining them improves process efficiency and quality
Describe the 5 principles of Lean and the DMAIC methodology
Apply simple Lean tools such as 5S, standardised work, Kaizen, and Poka-Yoke in a day-to-day work setting
Use basic problem-solving techniques, including the 5 Whys and the Fishbone Diagram, to identify root causes
Describe the White Belt’s role in supporting Lean Six Sigma projects and continuous improvement initiatives

Who should attend?

This Lean Six Sigma White Belt Curriculum course is designed for operators and front-line employees who want a foundational awareness of Lean Six Sigma, including:

Shop floor operators and production staff
Front-line employees across manufacturing, logistics, and service environments
Team members supporting Green Belt and Black Belt improvement projects
Anyone seeking an introduction to Lean Six Sigma before progressing to Yellow or Green Belt training

Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.
– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.
– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.
– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.
– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

Day 1 — Lean Six Sigma Awareness for Operators

1. Introduction to Lean Six Sigma (45 Minutes)

Objective: understand what Lean and Six Sigma are, their history, and how they can improve processes.
What is Lean? Focus on reducing waste (non-value-added activities); key principles of Value, Value Stream, Flow, Pull, and Perfection; example tools such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and Kaizen
What is Six Sigma? Focus on reducing variation and improving quality; the goal of near-zero defects (3.4 defects per million opportunities); the importance of data-driven decision-making; the DMAIC methodology (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control)
The synergy between Lean and Six Sigma: how combining both methodologies optimises process efficiency and quality
Practical Exercise: Discussion of everyday examples of waste and variation in participants' own workplaces

2. The 5 Principles of Lean (45 Minutes)

Objective: understand the 5 principles of Lean and their impact on work processes.
Define Value: what is value from the customer's perspective, and the difference between value-added and non-value-added activities
Map the Value Stream: an introduction to Value Stream Mapping and identifying waste in processes
Create Flow: eliminating interruptions and delays to achieve smooth, continuous flow
Establish Pull: the difference between push and pull systems, and how pull systems reduce overproduction and excess inventory
Seek Perfection: the continuous improvement mindset (Kaizen) and how small, incremental changes lead to perfection
Practical Exercise: A simple Value Stream Mapping exercise using a daily task, such as making coffee or a basic production task

3. Introduction to DMAIC (45 Minutes)

Objective: introduce the DMAIC methodology and how it can be used to improve processes.
Define: understand the problem, identify the scope, and set project goals
Measure: identify and measure key process variables and performance
Analyse: use data to identify root causes of problems
Improve: implement solutions to address root causes
Control: put measures in place to maintain improvements over time
Practical Exercise: Walk through a simple DMAIC example in a workplace scenario, such as improving the time it takes to process a customer order

4. Key Lean Tools and Techniques (45 Minutes)

Objective: introduce key Lean tools that operators can use to improve processes in their day-to-day work.
5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) and how it improves workplace organisation and efficiency
Standardised Work: the importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in reducing variation
Kaizen: small, incremental improvements, and how it is used on the shop floor to solve problems
Poka-Yoke (error-proofing): designing systems to prevent errors before they occur, such as an automatic machine shutoff
Practical Exercise: A basic 5S exercise, organising a small area or desk and discussing improvements

5. Introduction to Problem-Solving Techniques (45 Minutes)

Objective: teach operators simple problem-solving methods to apply in their roles.
The 5 Whys: asking "why" five times to drill down to the root cause of a problem
Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa): identifying root causes by categorising potential causes, such as people, machines, materials, and methods
Practical Exercise: Practise the 5 Whys method on a simple workplace problem, such as why a machine is frequently stopping

6. The Role of the White Belt in Lean Six Sigma Projects (30 Minutes)

Objective: understand the White Belt's role in Lean Six Sigma projects and how they contribute to continuous improvement.
What is a White Belt? An entry-level understanding of Lean Six Sigma concepts and a support role in projects
How White Belts contribute: collecting data, providing feedback, supporting improvements, participating in team-based problem-solving, and helping to sustain improvements
Practical Exercise: Group discussion on how White Belts can support Lean Six Sigma initiatives in participants' own workplace environments

7. Recap and Q&A (30 Minutes)

Objective: review the key concepts learned throughout the day and answer any questions.
Quick recap: what is Lean, what is Six Sigma, and how do they work together; the key Lean principles and the DMAIC methodology; how the tools covered (5S, Kaizen, and others) can help in participants' daily work
Q&A session: addressing any remaining questions, and clarifying how Lean Six Sigma tools can be practically applied to participants' roles
Closing remarks: participants are encouraged to apply the knowledge gained, identify areas for improvement in their own work processes, and continue building a habit of continuous improvement.

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FAQs –Lean Six Sigma White Belt Curriculum

Build foundational Lean Six Sigma White Belt knowledge covering process improvement, waste reduction, problem-solving, quality principles, and continuous improvement practices.

What is covered in the Lean Six Sigma White Belt course?

The course covers Lean Six Sigma fundamentals, the five Lean principles, DMAIC, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Poka-Yoke, standardised work and basic problem-solving techniques.

Who should attend the Lean Six Sigma White Belt course?

The course is designed for operators and frontline employees who want a foundational understanding of Lean Six Sigma and how they can contribute to workplace process improvement.

Does the Lean Six Sigma White Belt course cover DMAIC?

Yes. Participants are introduced to all five DMAIC phases: Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control, using simple workplace examples to understand how the methodology supports process improvement.

Does the White Belt course cover 5S and Kaizen?

Yes. The course introduces 5S, Kaizen, standardised work and Poka-Yoke, showing how these Lean tools can reduce waste, improve workplace organisation and support continuous improvement.

Does the Lean Six Sigma White Belt training include practical exercises?

Yes. Participants complete interactive activities including Value Stream Mapping, DMAIC examples, a basic 5S exercise, and problem-solving activities using the 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagram.

What is the role of a Lean Six Sigma White Belt?

A White Belt provides an entry-level contribution to Lean Six Sigma projects by collecting data, providing feedback, participating in problem-solving activities and helping sustain process improvements.

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Lean Six Sigma White Belt Curriculum

Operators, 5S and Problem-Solving

Course Objectives

Who should attend?

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Course Objectives

Who should attend?

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Training Outline

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