TRAINING & EVENTS

Session Dates: January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 2026
Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm

SME Lean Bronze Exam Prep and Exam:
March 11 and 12, 2026
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm

15% early-bird discount available if registering by January 3, 2026
Also, 15% discount if registering 3 or more.

(Email rkeller@nwirc.org to arrange discount)

Are you ready to accelerate your company’s journey towards operational excellence? This workshop will elevate the professional skills of your team with the latest body of knowledge and test requirements for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Bronze Certificate.

Who should participate?

Manufacturers looking to transform their companies by investing in supervisors, managers, team leaders, engineers and other high potential and motivated individuals.

What will you learn?

During this intensive program, participants will learn and apply the essential elements of Lean, specifically how to implement them to initiate transformational change. The program combines interactive activities, real-world problem solving, classroom instruction, proven strategies that can be immediately applied, and solid preparation for SME Lean Bronze testing. Reading requirements include: Gemba Kaizen, Lean Production Simplified, and The Toyota Way (books included).

Learning points:

• gain hands-on experience, professional mentoring, and expanded portfolios.
• earn nationally recognized certificates and credentials:
  • SME LB Certificate (with passing score on exam)
  • SME LB Certification (with portfolio completion)

Manufacturing Firms will:

• accelerate their progress toward implementation of operational excellence, regardless of starting point
• engage more employees in improving company performance
• bolster reputation as an employer of choice for top talent
• benefit from ROI from projects implemented by employees trained in OpEx tools (typical results = $10k+ per project)

 Email rkeller@nwirc.org for additional information or questions.

About the Presenter:

Shane Cantrell, NWIRC’s Operational Excellence Specialist. has 15+ years of experience in manufacturing operations management, leadership, and lean transformation. He earned his BS in Industrial & Management Engineering from Montana State University – Bozeman in 2002. In 2006, he earned his Master’s in Industrial & Management Engineering from Montana State University – Bozeman.