National Vocational Qualifications in lean manufacturing

The Business Improvement Techniques NVQ programme provides industry standard National Vocational Qualifications centred on the proven tools and techniques of lean manufacturing based on the Toyota Production System. It is designed to support continuous improvement by promoting effective team working and developing lean skills across the wider workforce.

The BIT NVQ is delivered by high achieving manufacturing practitioners and is a down-to-earth, hands-on programme designed for supervisors, team leaders and operators in companies that have lean systems in place but are looking to engage the wider workforce in continuous improvement activities. It teaches them how to identify and eliminate waste, create flow and improve quality leading to greater efficiency and increased profitability.

Train to Gain funding

Under the government's Train to Gain scheme these qualifications can be fully funded at level 2 and substantially funded at level 3. And following a recent relaxation of the eligibility rules private companies employing less than 250 people can access this funding even where the learner has a previous qualification at that level. (Please contact us for details of funding eligibility.) This means that you can now access high quality skills development delivered by experienced Manufacturing Institute lean practitioners at little or no cost.

The Business Improvement Techniques NVQ programme is based on national occupational standards and combines training with workplace assessment.

• Assessment of each individual’s skills and preparation of personal learner plans.
• Underpinning knowledge training in Business Improvement Techniques delivered by an experienced lean practitioner (typically 18 hours)
• Assessment of each individual’s competency in the application of the lean tools and techniques within their workplace. Assessment is carried out periodically over a period of months (typically 6).
• When a learner is judged to have demonstrated the requisite use of BITs, their portfolio of evidence is verified before an NVQ is awarded at level 2 or where appropriate level 3.

• Complying with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements
• Contributing to effective team working
• Applying workplace organisation techniques (5S/5C)
• Applying continuous improvement techniques (Kaizen)
• Creating visual management systems
• Applying problem solving techniques

The Level 3 qualification requires the learner to demonstrate "leadership of" as opposed to "contribution to" these activities.

From our research we know that wherever we assist businesses on a lean journey that blends both skills development with on-site practitioner support we see a dramatic increase in bottom line benefit. The Business Improvement Techniques PLUS programme combines NVQ training and assessment with guided workplace improvement projects. And for independent companies employing less than 250 people the project work can be part funded through the Manufacturing Advisory Service.

The Manufacturing Institute is an Approved Centre with EAL, the UK’s leading awarding body for engineering, technology and related sectors.

Please call the Education and Training team on 0161 875 2525 if you would like to discuss how BIT NVQ might be used to help further develop your business.

For further information please contact 0161 875 2525 or complete the enquiry form