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How Much Education Should You Have to Try for a Black Belt.
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Posted by: Jim Parnella
Posted on: Tuesday, 13th March 2001, 12:00 AM.
Trae,
I'd recommend a Bachelor's degree in a technical field as the prerequisite educational background for Black Belt training. That's MY recommendation, but not everyone's. For example, Dupont (the plant in my area) is one company that I know of that will select certain non-degreed hourly employees for this training, but they are "very careful" who they select.
Many people with less education can be successful with Green Belt training because it is not so detailed and technical in nature, and the projects are less difficult. But I think that even this level is not appropriate for everyone. I've heard that some places offer a "yellow-belt" program for one or a few days that would generally be applicable across the board for most workers. They would learn the basics of most of the Six Sigma tools. These folks would be ideal to work on a team led by black belts or green belts. Of course, you don't have to take Six Sigma training to be a successful team member on a Six Sigma team. If you know about Process Flow Diagrams, Cause & Effect Diagrams, and Pareto Charts you can contribute. And if you are familiar with any of the the other tools (Run charts, Histograms, Control charts, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, design of experiments) you can be even a more valuable player. You don't need Six Sigma training per se, to learn these tools. You can pick up this training in many existing quality courses and books.
Yes anyone can attend a class provided you pay the money, either at the HQ for the consulting comapny, or at a public seminar. A company does not have to send you. However if you want training on your own without either you or the company paying for it, you're best bet is to buy and read books on the subject. I'ts certainly not the best way to learn (probably one of the worst ways), but in your situation, it may be your only choice.
But, if someone you knew could get you into Six Sigma classes at their company without charge, and if your company would give you the time off to attend, now THAT would be a great deal!!
Good Luck.
Jim
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