Lean Sigma Manager - Apprenticeship

Developed by industry for industry, this is a work based education programme which supports the development of the Lean & Sigma knowledge base amongst practitioners in organisations. It combines learning in the workplace with learning in a higher education institute. Graduates of this programme will be considered Master Black Belts in Lean and Six Sigma.

How it Works

This two year programme is structured for blended delivery of online learning and face to face sessions which minimizes time ‘off the job’. It includes:

• Eight days per year for taught elements and project support workshops.
• A strong emphasis on directed project work allowing participants to spend more time applying the learning concepts in the context of their own organization. This includes the completion of an Enterprise Improvement Project.
• A dedicated project coordinator to support participants
• Six days per year for industry visits to companies who demonstrate excellence in processes and business functions applicable to the programme
• Participation in a ‘Community of Practice’. This will allow participants to interact and engage in peer-to-peer learning activities around the academic content.
• Support from an Industry Mentor within the company throughout the apprenticeship.

For Professionals Who

• Are responsible for or actively engaged in organisational improvement and development through the use of quality management
• Wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical application of quality management tools and techniques
• Are continuously exploring ways to bring new technologies into the organisation order to enhance delivery and keep costs low. Understands the impact of digitization and automation
• Seek recognition as a Master Black Belt in Lean and Six Sigma
• Have a degree or considerable industrial experience in the field

• Participants must have an Irish contract of employment that meets or exceeds the duration of the apprenticeship
• Employers must be approved by SOLAS and commit to support the apprentice throughout the programme.
• Programme participants should hold a NFQ level 8 at minimum level 2.2 in a relevant area. Applicants who have completed a level 8 apprenticeship in a related field are also eligible to apply.
• Applicants with a lower qualification may also be considered provided they can prove to have considerable industrial experience as well as evidence of the ability to study at Masters Level.

What to Include with your Application
Delays in receiving these documents will affect the progress of your application.

• Photo or Scanned original copy of your transcripts for all years of study. (Graduates of UL need only provide us with their Student ID number)
• A copy of your birth cert or passport
• A copy of your most recent CV
• Applicants who do not have English as their first language may satisfy English Language requirements:
• If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
• If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
• English language competency certificate
• Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded

• Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.