Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus and its Office of Business and Community Outreach partnered with the ATU Office of Sponsored Programs and University Initiatives on the Russellville campus to host a Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification training for employers across the state on Aug. 24.
Fifty-four participants representing 15 companies attended the training at the Doc Bryan Student Services Center in Russellville.
Participants traveled from as far west as Waldron and as far east as Little Rock for the training. The employers represented such industry sectors as manufacturing, health care, education and utilities.
Participants were not required to have Lean Six Sigma training to take part in this industry-recognized credential. The White Belt is the introductory certification and gives employees basic working knowledge and fundamentals.
Instructing the course was Kevin Clay, president and chief executive officer of Six Sigma Development Solutions, Inc.
“Six Sigma is known across the nation for helping organizations implement basic methods that can reduce waste and defects,” said Justin Smith, chief business and community outreach officer at ATU-Ozark. “The training also involved games and simulations to show how Lean and Six Sigma work together to improve company processes.”
Each participant earned their Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification and will now have the opportunity to work with Arkansas Tech University and Six Sigma Development Solutions on further training.
“It is wonderful to be able to pull together several organizations on a common training need and also partner with our Russellville campus and Six Sigma Development Solutions, Inc., to provide programming in which industry has a growing need for,” said Smith. “It is essential to stay connected with industry and their needs, and then do our part to be proactive in providing training and academic opportunities, while filling any skill gaps that might exist.”
