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Lean training in Ireland, from a first day to a QQI Level 6 award
Lean training programmes for Irish businesses
Start with one practical day. Build your foundations. Then lead a real improvement project and earn a QQI Level 6 award.
Learning pathway
One pathway, three programmes
Everyone starts at the Lean Business Simulation. The gateway then confirms who is ready for the QQI Level 6 programme and who would benefit from Lean Essentials first.
Lean Business Simulation
Lean Essentials
Practical Lean Business ApplicationQQI Level 6, 15 FET credits
Select any stage on the pathway to see what it involves.
Programmes
Choose the right starting point
Each programme has its own page with full details, dates and fees.
One-day workshop
Lean Business Simulation
Run a process as a team over one day and see flow and waste first-hand, then decide what to do next.
| Format | One classroom day in Dublin |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9am to 5pm |
| Group | 16 places per date |
Best if
- Lean is new or unevenly understood
- You want a low-risk starting point
- You are exploring whether Lean fits
Online, 8 weeks
Lean Essentials
Build Lean thinking, basic problem solving and standard work habits before leading a full project.
| Format | Online workshops and mentor sessions |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Outcome | A structured standard work improvement to a process |
Best if
- You are new to Lean problem solving
- You want to improve standard work in a local area
- You want confidence before a Level 6 project
QQI Level 6, 15 FET credits
Practical Lean Business Application
Improve a real process from your own job over twelve weeks, with a mentor alongside you, and earn a QQI Level 6 award.
| Format | 4 classroom days, 3 workshops, 6 mentor sessions |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 weeks, plus the gateway |
| Effort | About 150 hours |
Best if
- You own or strongly influence a process
- You have access to data and decision-makers
- You can commit time to a real project
How it works
Readiness first, then the right programme
Step 1
Simulation and gateway
Participants experience Lean in action at the Simulation, then submit a Lean Wastes exercise, a project outline and a sponsor-signed project charter.
Step 2
Readiness confirmed
Each submission must reach an 80% standard. A mentor session helps scope the project before Day 1.
Step 3
Right programme, right time
Participants join the QQI Level 6 programme, move to Lean Essentials, or pause with nothing further to pay.
Why the gateway
Commit once the conditions for success are in place
In past cohorts, some organisations funded a full programme before it was clear the nominee was ready, because of role scope, time pressure or access to data. The gateway removes that risk for the business and the participant.
The Simulation is included
For Level 6 learners, the Simulation fee is part of the programme fee, not an extra.
Nothing more if the gateway is not passed
If the gateway submissions do not reach the standard, the Simulation fee is all that is due.
Every learner starts with a scoped project
Day 1 begins with a charter signed off by the learner’s sponsor.
Next intakes
QQI Level 6 cohorts in 2027
Classroom days run in Dublin. Each cohort is capped at 16 learners.
Now booking
January 2027
Booking
April 2027
Booking
September 2027
Results
Real projects. Measured results.
Improvements led by people on LeanTeams programmes in service and manufacturing organisations.
Pharmaceutical
Alexion Pharmaceuticals
Sample search time in the QC lab eliminated.
Lean Essentials, 5S, Kanban, VSM
Manufacturing
Glen Dimplex
Baseline changeover on the slowest machine, cut using SMED and 5 Whys.
Lean Practitioner, SMED, 5 Whys
Architecture
Mosart
A year saved in non-billable time, and 10% more capacity without hiring.
LeanStart, VSM, Standard work
Brewing
Rye River Brewing
Less time reconciling finished-goods stock.
Lean Practitioner, Kaizen, Impact/Ease
Additional support
Beyond the core programmes
Bord Bia Lean Horticulture
Lean support for horticulture clients through Bord Bia.
Enterprise Ireland Lean supports
Lean Start and Lean Plus funding for eligible Irish businesses.
Lean foundations and awareness sessions
Introductory sessions for leadership teams.
Funding
Many programmes are eligible for funding
Supports include Enterprise Ireland (Lean Start and Lean Plus), IDA, Bord Bia (Horticulture), ICBE, MentorsWork and LEOs. A fit call covers which route suits your organisation.
Frequently asked questions
At the Lean Business Simulation. The gateway that follows confirms whether the QQI Level 6 programme or Lean Essentials is the right next step.
From 2027 the QQI Level 6 Practical Lean Business Application programme replaces the Level 5 Lean Practitioner Programme.
Only if the gateway shows you need more grounding. Learners who already understand the main types of waste can go straight from the Simulation to the Level 6 programme.
Yes. In-company cohorts are built around your own processes. Book a call to discuss numbers, timing and format.
Many programmes are eligible for State supports. Funding routes are covered on the fit call.
Beyond the Core Pathways
Alongside our core pathways, we also provide additional support depending on organisational needs:
Enterprise Ireland Lean Support
Funding available through Lean Start and Lean Plus programmes for eligible Irish businesses.
Explore EI Lean Supports →IDA Lean Support
Lean Start and Lean Plus funding available for IDA-supported companies in Ireland.
Explore IDA Lean Supports →Bord Bia Lean Horticulture
Lean support specifically designed for horticulture clients through Bord Bia.
Explore Bord Bia Supports →Lean Foundations & Awareness Sessions
Introductory sessions to build awareness and buy-in across leadership teams.
Explore Lean Foundations →1:1 Mentoring & Coaching
Personalised guidance for individuals leading improvement projects.
Contact Us →In-house Programmes
Tailored training delivered on-site for your specific organisational context.
Contact Us →Bespoke Support
Customised support aligned to your specific operational challenges and goals.
Contact Us →