Lean 1A – Foundations of Lean Thinking

 As of 2026, UCAS has replaced the old personal statement with short, skills-based questions. One of these is “What else have you done to prepare, and why are these experiences useful?” — which requires clear, specific examples. Completing Lean 1A gives you exactly that: a Cardiff University–accredited certificate you can cite directly in your UCAS answer. It shows universities tangible evidence of problem-solving and continuous improvement skills. 

 Lean 1A also strengthens your CV and career prospects. The certificate is recognised under Cardiff University’s Lean Competency System (LCS) and demonstrates practical improvement methods valued by employers, making you stand out for degree apprenticeships and entry-level jobs. 

• Origins and principles of Lean
   
• Value vs. waste
   
• Simple process mapping
   
• Teamwork and problem-solving basics
   
• Understanding culture and continuous improvement

Our Lean 1A course is designed to fit seamlessly around busy schedules while keeping students fully engaged from start to finish.
The course can be completed entirely online or taught in person for schools, colleges or groups — whichever suits your learners best.

Online students access interactive video lessons, real examples and quick self-assessments, completing the full qualification in just four hours. Every concept is brought to life through relatable activities and guided reflection, ensuring lasting understanding — not just memorisation.

For schools and organisations, in-person delivery by a leading expert in Lean methodology creates an energising, workshop-style experience that sparks 

teamwork and problem-solving in real time.

Both delivery routes lead to the same Cardiff University–accredited certificate, recognised nationally for its credibility and practical value. 

Students not only gain a respected qualification — they gain the mindset of improvement that universities and employers actively look for.

 Lean 1B gives you the practical tools to analyse and improve real processes, whether or not you’ve completed Lean 1A. It’s ideal for students, apprentices and professionals who want to move straight into applying Lean methods. Completing Lean 1B adds a Cardiff University–accredited certificate to your CV, demonstrating analytical ability, data-driven decision-making and measurable impact on processes — attributes highly valued by universities, apprenticeship providers and employers. 

• Identifying customer and stakeholder value
   
• Current and future state process / value-stream mapping
   
• Problem-solving frameworks (5 Whys, A3)
   
• Quality tools (Pareto, fishbone, poka-yoke)
   
• Basic data gathering and variation analysis
   
• Planning and communicating improvements

 A focused programme of around 20–30 guided hours delivered live online or in-organisation. Includes interactive teaching sessions, practice exercises and a mini-project where you apply the tools to a real or case-study process. Assessment is by a short project report or portfolio to demonstrate your application of the methods. 

 Lean 1B is available to individual learners or as an organisation package. Join our scheduled online cohorts, or we can deliver a bespoke programme to your group or workplace. 

 Lean 1C develops your ability to plan, implement and embed change with teams, whether or not you’ve completed the earlier levels. It’s ideal for graduates, supervisors, team leaders, change agents and professionals who need to lead improvement projects rather than just participate in them. Completing Lean 1C adds an advanced Cardiff University–accredited certificate to your CV, signalling leadership, project-management and continuous improvement capability — qualities valued in degree apprenticeships, graduate schemes and management roles. 

• Project scoping, stakeholder engagement and implementation planning
   
• Visual management and performance tracking
   
• Standard work and process design
   
• 5S and workplace organisation
   
• Capacity and demand management
   
• Sustaining change and benefits tracking

 A project-based programme of around 30–40 guided hours delivered live online or in-organisation. Combines interactive teaching with coaching on a capstone project where you plan and lead a real or case-study improvement initiative. Assessment is by your project report/presentation showing measurable outcomes.