From offices in Boise, Post Falls, Twin Falls, and Pocatello, TechHelp Specialists help Idaho manufacturers, food processors and entrepreneurs improve their competitiveness through continuous product and process innovation.

Lean Manufacturing Academy Overview

The TechHelp Lean Manufacturing Academy is your go-to public resource for achieving operational excellence in Idaho’s small to medium manufacturing sector. Our program offers consistent, Lean Manufacturing training, tailored for continuous improvement seekers. With sessions held annually in Fall, Spring, and Summer, our progressive curriculum builds on previous training, guiding you step-by-step to the next level. Accessible and affordable, our public trainings are conveniently located in Northern, Southwest, and Southeast Idaho, making it easy for manufacturers across the state to participate. Join us at TechHelp Lean Manufacturing Academy and drive your business towards unparalleled efficiency and success.

Program Belt Level Overview

Lean Six Sigma White Belt (LSSWB) – 1 Day Course

  • 01/29/25  Coeur d’Alene, ID
  • 06/04/25 Coeur d’Alene, ID
  • 10/01/25 Coeur d’Alene, ID
  • Unable to attend on these dates or area? Let us know you’re interested by filling out our interest form today!

The Lean Six Sigma White Belt serves as an introductory level to the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This belt focuses on providing a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of Lean and Six Sigma. Participants learn about the core components, such as identifying waste, understanding process variation, and the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework. The training typically covers the history and benefits of Lean Six Sigma, basic problem-solving techniques, and the importance of a data-driven approach. White Belt holders are equipped to support projects and understand the language and concepts used in Lean Six Sigma initiatives.

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (LSSYB) – 2 Day Course –

  • 01/29/25 & 02/19/25  Coeur d’Alene, ID
  • 06/04/25 & 06/25/25 Coeur d’Alene, ID
  • 10/01/25 & 10/22/25 Coeur d’Alene, ID
  • Unable to attend on these dates or area? Let us know you’re interested by filling out our interest form today!

The Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt builds on the foundational knowledge provided at the White Belt level, offering more detailed insights into Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques. Yellow Belt training covers the key elements of the DMAIC cycle in more depth, including process mapping, root cause analysis, and basic statistical analysis. Participants learn how to identify improvement opportunities within their teams and contribute to problem-solving projects led by Green Belts and Black Belts. This belt emphasizes the importance of teamwork, data collection, and basic analytical skills, enabling Yellow Belt holders to play an active role in supporting Lean Six Sigma projects and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) – 4 Day Course – Share your interest with us by filling out our interest form today!

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a more advanced level of training, providing comprehensive knowledge and skills to lead and manage Lean Six Sigma projects. Green Belt training covers all aspects of the DMAIC methodology in detail, including advanced statistical tools, process optimization techniques, and project management strategies. Participants learn how to conduct in-depth data analysis, develop and test hypotheses, and implement effective solutions to complex problems. Green Belt holders are equipped to lead cross-functional project teams, drive significant process improvements, and deliver measurable results. This belt focuses on developing leaders who can sustain and enhance the Lean Six Sigma culture within their organizations

Progressive Training Requirements

Each course is designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a progressive learning experience. For example, if you or an employee completes the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) White Belt in the Fall, they can return in the Spring to attain their LSS Yellow Belt certification, only needing to participate and pay for the second day of training. This progression continues into the LSS Green Belt level, where Yellow Belt holders are required to participate and pay for the final two days to obtain their LSS Green Belt certification. To maintain a consistent baseline of knowledge, we require that certifications be pursued consecutively.

Course Requirements

In order to receive your LSS Belt Certification, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Attend all assigned course days (makeup days are possible at the discretion of the instructor for LSSYB and LSSGB)
  • Written Test for Each Belt Level
  • Project Report Out
    • LSSWB – Post Class Report Out
    • LSSYB – Post Class Report Out
    • LSSGB – In Class Presentations and Final Report post course

Class Size and Schedule

Ideal class size starts at (8) participants, which helps foster dialogue and ideation amongst the participants. Companies can send as little as 1 participant to any of these public classes, although if a company is sending (8) or more participants, it may be more cost effective to hold a private course onsite at the business.

  • Maximum class size is 20 participants, but also dependent upon instructor availability
  • Minimum class size will be determined by the instructor based off of the training that is being delivered.
  • LSSWB and LSSYB will be scheduled each Fall, Spring, and Summer, while LSSGB will be scheduled based on need and interest.

Discounts / Promotions / Grant Funding

Partner Organizations

  • Idaho Manufacturing Alliance (IMA): 10% discount
  • Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance (NIMA): 10% discount.

Multi-Participant Discount

  • 2 or more participants: 10% discount
  • 3 or more participants: 15% discount

Grant-Funded Discount (if available)

For more information or additional details, please contact

Luke Fuess: (208) 954-3563 lukefuess@techhelp.org 

Steven Russ: (986) 269-0140 steveruss@techhelp.org 

Complete the following form to participate in the Lean Manufacturing Academy.

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Upcoming Events

Virtual Shared Kitchen 101 Workshop

Live Online

Our Shared Kitchen 101 Workshop is a comprehensive educational program designed to provide individuals, community leaders, and organizations with essential knowledge and resources to explore the world of shared kitchens.
Who Should Attend:
– Entrepreneurs planning to start a shared kitchen.
– Community organizations and leaders considering shared kitchen projects.
– Current operators looking to strengthen their business model.
– Anyone passionate about fostering culinary innovation in their community.
Space is limited and is reserved on a first come, first served basis.
To register please RSVP by May 23rd.

IMA Site Tour | Advanced Welding & Steel Inc.

Advanced Welding & Steel

Join IMA on this tour in Grangeville of Advanced Welding & Steel which was founded in 1998 in the back of a pickup truck, with a welder and pop-up tent in North Central Idaho.

FREE – Zoom-Accessible Sessions – 2025 Robotics and AI Bootcamps

Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at the University of Idaho

Hosted by the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at the University of Idaho
Join select sessions via Zoom — no travel required!

Monday, June 9 – Data and Programming Intro Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – Introduction & Setting Up a Python Environment
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Basics of Data Manipulation with Python/Pandas
-1:20–3:10 PM – Data Visualization with Grafana
-3:10–5:00 PM – Time Series Data

Tuesday, June 10 – Electronics and Sensors Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – Design a Custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Thursday, June 12 – Machine Vision Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – OpenCV with Python
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Basic Neural Networks for Machine Vision
-1:20–5:00 PM – Object Detectors

Friday, June 13 – AI Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – AI Overview and Coding Environments
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Decision Trees
-1:20–3:10 PM – Neural Networks
-3:10–5:00 PM – Explainable AI, Large Models, and Beyond

FREE – Zoom-Accessible Sessions – 2025 Robotics and AI Bootcamps

Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at the University of Idaho

Hosted by the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at the University of Idaho
Join select sessions via Zoom — no travel required!

Monday, June 9 – Data and Programming Intro Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – Introduction & Setting Up a Python Environment
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Basics of Data Manipulation with Python/Pandas
-1:20–3:10 PM – Data Visualization with Grafana
-3:10–5:00 PM – Time Series Data

Tuesday, June 10 – Electronics and Sensors Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – Design a Custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Thursday, June 12 – Machine Vision Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – OpenCV with Python
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Basic Neural Networks for Machine Vision
-1:20–5:00 PM – Object Detectors

Friday, June 13 – AI Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – AI Overview and Coding Environments
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Decision Trees
-1:20–3:10 PM – Neural Networks
-3:10–5:00 PM – Explainable AI, Large Models, and Beyond

IMA Site Tour | Aviation Specialties Unlimited | Boise

Aviation Specialties Unlimited 4632 West Aeronca St., Boise, United States

Curious to learn more about a local pioneer in aviation safety? We are! Aviation Specialties Unlimited is the recognized leader in life-saving Night Vision Solutions for the past 30 years. Founded in Boise by former AH-64 Apache Pilot, Mike Atwood in 1995. Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) tactical night vision and aviation systems and services have helped save lives by helping reduce unnecessary risks and accidents. ASU pilots employ night vision in non-military operations across the United States, including law enforcement aviation operations for rotor-wing and fixed wing aircraft.Due to the small size of this tour, please ONLY ONE representative per company.

IMA Unlocking Hidden Savings: Cost Reduction Strategies for Manufacturers Workshop

Idaho Manufacturing Alliance 5465 E. Terra Linda Way, Nampa, ID, United States

Join IMA for an exclusive, manufacturers-only workshop focused on uncovering impactful savings strategies across key operational areas. During this interactive session, industry experts will explore real-world strategies that have helped manufacturers significantly boost their bottom line.

FSPCA Preventive Controls for Animal Food Course

Tri City Development Council 7130 West Grandridge Boulevard #Ste A Kennewick, WA 99336

Join Impact Washington for a comprehensive 2-day Preventive Controls for Animal Food workshop. This workshop will take place on June 12th and 13th, 8 AM to 5 PM, providing essential knowledge and training for Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQI).

$850

FREE – Zoom-Accessible Sessions – 2025 Robotics and AI Bootcamps

Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at the University of Idaho

Hosted by the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at the University of Idaho
Join select sessions via Zoom — no travel required!

Monday, June 9 – Data and Programming Intro Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – Introduction & Setting Up a Python Environment
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Basics of Data Manipulation with Python/Pandas
-1:20–3:10 PM – Data Visualization with Grafana
-3:10–5:00 PM – Time Series Data

Tuesday, June 10 – Electronics and Sensors Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – Design a Custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Thursday, June 12 – Machine Vision Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – OpenCV with Python
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Basic Neural Networks for Machine Vision
-1:20–5:00 PM – Object Detectors

Friday, June 13 – AI Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – AI Overview and Coding Environments
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Decision Trees
-1:20–3:10 PM – Neural Networks
-3:10–5:00 PM – Explainable AI, Large Models, and Beyond

FREE – Zoom-Accessible Sessions – 2025 Robotics and AI Bootcamps

Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at the University of Idaho

Hosted by the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at the University of Idaho
Join select sessions via Zoom — no travel required!

Monday, June 9 – Data and Programming Intro Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – Introduction & Setting Up a Python Environment
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Basics of Data Manipulation with Python/Pandas
-1:20–3:10 PM – Data Visualization with Grafana
-3:10–5:00 PM – Time Series Data

Tuesday, June 10 – Electronics and Sensors Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – Design a Custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Thursday, June 12 – Machine Vision Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – OpenCV with Python
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Basic Neural Networks for Machine Vision
-1:20–5:00 PM – Object Detectors

Friday, June 13 – AI Day
-9:00–10:50 AM – AI Overview and Coding Environments
-10:50 AM–12:45 PM – Decision Trees
-1:20–3:10 PM – Neural Networks
-3:10–5:00 PM – Explainable AI, Large Models, and Beyond

Commerce Connections

The Idaho Department of Commerce proudly launches its new event series, Commerce Connection: Bridging Resources, bringing our team statewide to connect with communities, businesses, and professionals.
June 24 – Blaine County
June 26 – Valley County

IMA Site Tour | Idaho Correctional Industries | Kuna

Idaho Correctional Industries 13500 S Pleasant Valley Rd. Kuna, ID 83634 United States, Kuna, ID, United States

Idaho Correctional Industries (ICI) programs benefit by providing better public safety in our prisons and communities. They improve prison security by keeping Residents active and engaged while incarcerated and provide Residents who will return to our communities with opportunities to learn life and job skills and develop a work ethic that enables them to become productive employees, good neighbors and law-abiding, tax-paying citizens. The Resident training program is closely modeled after the real world. Employability and technical skills are developed and applied daily both within and out of prison.

Toyota Kata Introduction – Coeur d’Alene

North Idaho College Hedlund Building Room 420 N College Dr, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Toyota Kata is a structured, scientific approach to continuous improvement, problem-solving. It helps organizations develop a culture of experimentation, learning, and adaptability—essential skills for today’s fast-changing business environment. This course includes two half-day training sessions designed for leaders who want to apply Kata thinking to drive performance, improve processes, and develop problem-solving skills at every level of their organization.

$300

Idaho Food Business Foundations

University of Idaho Food Technology Center 1908 E. Chicago Street, Caldwell, ID, United States

Turning Recipes into Revenue Starts Here!
Are you ready to launch your food business, grow your cottage food operation, or break into retail & wholesale? The Idaho Food Business Foundations workshop series is your step-by-step guide to success! 🙌
Led by Idaho food industry experts, this 8-part series covers everything from food safety to packaging, sourcing, and marketing—giving you the foundation to confidently produce, sell, and scale your product.
📅 Workshop Schedule:
🧼 7/7 – Foundations of Safe Food Handling
⚖️ 7/21 – Food Safety 2: Advanced Practices & Compliance
🥫 8/4 – Processing Methods: Small-Scale Food Manufacturing
🧽 8/18 – Sanitation 1: Cleaning & Sanitizing Basics
🔬 9/8 – Sanitation 2: Deep Cleaning & Microbial Control
🌾 9/22 – Sourcing Local: Regional Ingredients for Value-Added Foods
🏷️ 10/6 – Packaging & Labeling: Getting Retail Ready
📦 10/20 – Marketing & Distribution: Reaching Your Customer

💰 Cost: $50 per class
🎁 Special Offer: Sign up for the full series and get 50% off—just $200 for all 8 sessions!
🎓 Bonus: Attend 5 or more classes and receive 4 hours of consulting FREE to help grow your business.

2nd Annual Idaho Manufacturing Golf Tournament

Ridgecrest Golf Course 3730 Ridgecrest Drive, Nampa, Idaho

Join IMA for 2nd Annual IMA Golf Tournament, network with the manufacturing community on a beautiful golf course; enjoy food, drink, networking, and 18 holes of golf on Ridgecrest Golf Course!

Idaho Food Business Foundations

University of Idaho Food Technology Center 1908 E. Chicago Street, Caldwell, ID, United States

Turning Recipes into Revenue Starts Here!
Are you ready to launch your food business, grow your cottage food operation, or break into retail & wholesale? The Idaho Food Business Foundations workshop series is your step-by-step guide to success! 🙌
Led by Idaho food industry experts, this 8-part series covers everything from food safety to packaging, sourcing, and marketing—giving you the foundation to confidently produce, sell, and scale your product.
📅 Workshop Schedule:
🧼 7/7 – Foundations of Safe Food Handling
⚖️ 7/21 – Food Safety 2: Advanced Practices & Compliance
🥫 8/4 – Processing Methods: Small-Scale Food Manufacturing
🧽 8/18 – Sanitation 1: Cleaning & Sanitizing Basics
🔬 9/8 – Sanitation 2: Deep Cleaning & Microbial Control
🌾 9/22 – Sourcing Local: Regional Ingredients for Value-Added Foods
🏷️ 10/6 – Packaging & Labeling: Getting Retail Ready
📦 10/20 – Marketing & Distribution: Reaching Your Customer

💰 Cost: $50 per class
🎁 Special Offer: Sign up for the full series and get 50% off—just $200 for all 8 sessions!
🎓 Bonus: Attend 5 or more classes and receive 4 hours of consulting FREE to help grow your business.