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

2025 Idaho Rural Success Summit

Coeur d’ Alene Resort 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d' Alene, ID, United States

The summit highlights successful rural development through lightning talks, panels, keynotes, networking, and a resource fair.

IMA Site Tour | JST Manufacturing | Meridian

JS Manufacturing

For the past 40 years, JST has been designing and building innovative and efficient wet benches and semiconductor processing equipment for cleanroom applications.

I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference

Coeur d’ Alene Resort 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d' Alene, ID, United States

Save the date- the I90 Corridor conference is happening May 27-28. Sign up now to attend or exhibit. Sponsorship opportunities are also available!

IMA Site Tour | ALK Source Materials | Post Falls

ALK Source Materials 448 South Lochsa, Post Falls, Idaho

ALK (Allergy Labs of Kopenhagen) headquartered in Denmark, manufactures allergy products sold throughout the world. The facility in Post Falls, ID is responsible for sourcing, processing, and supplying source materials and some API materials to all ALK sites.

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.

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

IMA Site Tour – Idaho Correctional Industries – Kuna

Idaho Correctional Industries

A few areas of focused hands-on production/manufacturing training: Carpentry, Cabinetry, Drafting, Graphics (Print, Sign & Decal), License Plates Manufacturing, Metal Fabrication, Production Office, and Upholstery. ICI trains using real world applications and implementation of office, home and industrial work as well as many of the less tangible but very important relationship skills necessary to navigate today’s job market.

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

Lean Six Sigma White Belt Course – Coeur d’Alene

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

The Lean Six Sigma White Belt (LSSWB) is a 1-day introductory course that provides a basic understanding of Lean and Six Sigma principles. It equips participants with the knowledge to support projects, understand the terminology and concepts used in Lean Six Sigma initiatives, and serves as a foundation for pursuing further training towards a Yellow Belt, which allows for more advanced roles in Lean Six Sigma projects.

$300

Field to Fork Festival 2025 – Celebrate Idaho Food & Drink with FARE

University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center 10881 N Boyer Rd, Sandpoint, ID, United States

Join FARE on Thursday, August 7 for the FARE Idaho Field to Fork Festival, Sandpoint, a full day dedicated to celebrating and strengthening North Idaho’s local food economy. Hosted by FARE Idaho, this gathering brings together farmers, ranchers, food producers, retailers, chefs, and community members to connect, collaborate, and explore how we can build a more resilient regional food system—together. The daytime festival is free and open to the public, with special access for buyers beginning at noon.

Free

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) IHA Certified – Online or In-Person

Live Online +1 more

Our class is accredited by the International HACCP Alliance and meets the requirements of NCIMS, FSIS, and GFSI (e.g. SQF, BRC, FSSC22000, etc.) certification requirements. In class, you will understand the 5 pre-steps and 7 principles in creating a facility-wide food safety plan. You will get templates and example food safety plans to build or revitalize your current HACCP plan. The curriculum is designed with practical advice from industry experts. If you haven’t taken a HACCP class in a while, it is a good idea to have a refresher course. If you are new to HACCP or food safety plans, this class will give you the basics you need to know to get started. This class does require a project to fulfill the course requirements. This class fulfills the training requirements for SQF, BRC, or other GFSI-approved certifications.

$600

Implementing Safe Quality Foods (SQF) Systems

Live Online

The first step in achieving and maintaining SQF Certification is to understand the SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing. This class is designed to fulfill the training requirements to prepare individuals to take the SQF Practitioner test. All SQF-certified sites must have at least two SQF Practitioners overseeing the SQF Food Safety System. However, industry best practice is to have several Practitioners to ensure management commitment and coverage of the entire SQF System. This hands-on workshop uses the official SQF training material but adds real-life practical advice to fulfill the requirements of the code. Students will get a manual with the slides, a practice test, and an attendance certificate with the SQF Institute logo, our logo, and license number. This course is recommended for sites seeking certification, maintaining certification, or anyone interested in learning more about the SQF program and certification. To attend the training students must have had previous HACCP training approved by International HACCP Alliance or equivalent.

$600