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Training is the key component in Six Sigma success. The knowledge, abilities and skills needed for success are different to traditional companies. It takes significant effort and investment in training. A careful planning is a prerequisite to secure a good return of investment. Training needs analysisFirst step is the evaluation of company needs for training. Components of training program can be built first based on this. We focus on evaluating the process awareness. Does the company manage processes, monitor KPI’s or does it have process owners? Next we evaluate the level of expertise of the employees. Are they motivated to change their current way of work? What is their attitude towards process improvement? Without employee commitment and loyalty even high knowledge of Six Sigma will not help. It makes sense to let the external personnel to run the assessment. The employees will more likely give honest answers if confidentiality is guaranteed. Strategic planningThe analysis will bring up areas for improvement. These areas must be solved with coordinated activities including project work, coaching and trainings. A short term and long term plan must be developed. Training modules for all expertise levels must be developed. If the program starts from scratch, an external support is needed and it should be long term cooperation. Changes of suppliers of training slow down the initiative. Final strategic training plan should be an integrated part of Six Sigma program strategy. Training evaluationTrainings whether delivered internally or externally must be evaluated. Detailed feedback must be collected. It is a valuable source of information for training curriculum improvement and also important for trainers forming. Reinforcement of learningBasic prerequisite is that if employees were trained, they need to have time to apply the learning. If their regular job obligation makes 100% of their work time, it is naïve to believe they will apply Six Sigma. Here, a good coordination of training with project work and coaching is crucial. |




