Black Belt Training & Support
This is typically an 18 to 24 month dedicated position responsible for executing the six sigma process on selected projects. A Black Belt is a key change agent for the six sigma process. These candidates are asked to be “the best of the best” working on chronic issues that are negatively impacting the companys performance. Black Belt candidates should have a demonstrated track record of success. Statistical knowledge is not a prerequisite; however, it does make the training more manageable. Because of the application focus of the training, people skills and credibility within the company are factors to a successful training experience. As a general “rule of thumb”, one to three percent of all employees become Black Belts.
To help ensure the success of your Black Belt Candidates, SSG includes a define phase as part of the Black Belt training. We have found that candidates need the define phase training to help understand project selection, take a look at what life will look like for the next 18 to 24 months and to prepare them to use the statistical tools required to make six sigma successful.
Black Belt training consists of five phases (dMAIC define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) in which candidates follow a TrainPlanApplyReview (T-PAR) model. During each phase, a candidate receives one week of training followed by three to four weeks of knowledge application on a champion-selected project at the candidates business location. During this application period, a SSG trainer visits the candidate at his or her location and conducts a support session to make sure the candidate is applying the methodology properly. During the first day of the training class in phases M A I C, the candidates work is reviewed in a report out session. The candidate works on the same project throughout the phases. Upon the completion of the training, the Black Belt not only has developed superior problem solving skills that can be applied on problems within their company but has also completed their first project that yields significant bottom-line savings. It is not unusual for the first project to financially justify (the investment of training and exceed the financial investment by >100%) the entire training for the Black Belt.
Successful completion of Black Belt Certification training has four requirements:
1. Completion of Black Belt Training
2. Passes all examinations with a minimum average of 80%
3. Completion of two projects with demonstration that the gain will be sustained
4. Completion of executive summaries and final reports on both projects signed off by the Champion, Process Owner, Financial and SSG
This letter is probably long overdue, but then you know how things go in the fast paced, change-agent, world of six sigma practitioners. When we're busy changing the world we don't always stop and take the time to appreciate what it is that has helped us along the way. I simply wanted to take the time to thank you for your hard work and dedication to the success of the six sigma deployment at Brazeway. I am confident that we would not have been as successful as we have, had it not been for your personal involvement and guiding hand during the past 15 months with our Champions, Black and Green Belts and now in developing our Master Black Belt. We have been delighted by the training and support you have provided. Your 'can do' attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes is recognized and greatly appreciated by the entire Brazeway Organization. THANK YOU Sensei.
Michael B. Adams
Vice President and CQO
Brazeway Inc.