Lean & Continuous Improvement
Practical Lean tools, workplace problem‑solving, and continuous improvement methods that transform teams and operations.
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What Lean & CI Delivers
Reduce Waste
Identify inefficiencies, eliminate recurring issues, and remove the 8 wastes (TIMWOODS) from daily operations.
Improve Flow
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Design processes that move smoothly, reduce delays, and increase productivity across teams and departments.
Build Capability
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Equip teams with practical Lean tools, problem‑solving methods, and continuous improvement skills they can apply immediately.
Green Circular Economy
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Connect Lean efficiency with environmental impact — reduce waste, lower carbon output, and support circular economy practices.
Lean Academy — Professional Lean & CI Training Modules
Practical Lean tools, workplace problem‑solving, and continuous improvement methods that transform teams and operations.
5S Workplace Organisation
Create a clean, efficient, and well‑structured workspace that supports productivity and safety.
Half-day - From £95pp
Visual Workplace
Improve clarity, reduce errors, and make processes easier to follow with strong visual controls.
Half-day - From £95pp.
Problem Solving
Equip teams with structured tools to identify root causes and eliminate recurring issues.
Half-day - From £95pp
Kaizen Rapid Improvement
Deliver fast, team‑led improvements using proven Kaizen principles and facilitation techniques.
Half-day/Full-day - From £95pp
Process Mapping & Flow Process Analysis
Map processes, identify bottlenecks, and uncover waste to improve flow and efficiency.
Half-day - From £95pp
Set-Up Reduction SMED)
Reduce changeover time and increase throughput with structured SMED methodology.
Full-day - From £175pp
Standardisation/SOPs
Create clear, consistent standards and visual SOPs that support quality and repeatability.
Half-day - From £95pp
Value Stream Mapping
Map end‑to‑end processes and design future‑state workflows that deliver measurable improvement.
Half-day - From £95pp
Making Materials Flow
Improve layout, reduce motion waste, and streamline material movement across the workplace.
Full-day - From £175pp
Engaging Leadership & Coaching for Performance
Develop leaders who can coach, motivate, and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
Full-day - From £175pp
Lean Culture & Behaviours
Build the mindset, habits, and behaviours needed to sustain Lean thinking across teams.
Half-day - From £95pp
Continuous Improvement Foundations
A practical introduction to CI tools, techniques, and daily improvement routines.
Half-day - From £95 pp
Warehousing & Logistics Training & Development
Funded Level 2 qualifications, pre-employment pathways, supply chain bootcamps, commercial efficiency modules, and accredited online courses — built around your warehouse, your fleet, your standards, and your people.
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Funded Workforce Training
Funded Level 2 qualifications, pre-employment pathways, supply chain bootcamps, commercial efficiency modules, and accredited online courses — built around your warehouse, your fleet, your standards, and your people.
Funded Workforce Training
Accredited, workplace-based qualifications that develop your employees while delivering real improvements on your shop floor. These NVQ programmes are assessed in the workplace — learners build a portfolio of evidence around live improvement activities, so your business sees results from day one. All programmes embed Green Circular Economy principles by default, helping you reduce waste and improve sustainability alongside performance.
Course #01
EAL / Pearson
Level 2
Level 2 Certificate in Warehousing and Storage
Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Warehousing and Storage
A practical, competence-based qualification covering receipt, storage, order processing, dispatch, stock control, and health & safety in a warehouse environment. Assessed entirely in your workplace — no off-site classroom days. Learners gather evidence from real warehouse tasks while achieving a nationally recognised qualification that boosts productivity and compliance.
Outcomes:
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Receive, store, and despatch goods following organisational procedures
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Maintain stock accuracy and update inventory records
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Operate warehouse equipment safely and legally
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Apply health, safety, and security standards in logistics operations
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Process orders and prepare goods for distribution
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Deliver improved warehouse efficiency and reduced shrinkage
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Gain a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification
Duration: Typically 3–6 months
Funding: Funded (subject to eligibility)
Course #02
Highfield
Level 2
Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Warehousing and Storage Principles
Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Warehousing and Storage Principles (RQF)
A knowledge-based qualification covering core warehousing principles: receiving goods, storage, order processing, stock checking, customer service, and workplace safety. Designed to prepare learners for entry-level warehouse and supply chain roles. Nationally recognised and ideal for those new to the sector.
Outcomes:
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Understand warehouse processes: inwards, storage, picking, packing, dispatch
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Apply health, safety, and security standards in logistics environments
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Maintain stock integrity and rotation (FIFO/LIFO)
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Deliver effective customer service in supply chain contexts
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Solve routine workplace problems in warehousing
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Gain a Highfield-accredited Level 2 qualification
Duration: 4-6 weeks (part-time)
Funding: Funded (subject to eligibility)
Funded Pre-Employment Training
Short, focused qualifications preparing individuals for roles in warehousing, distribution, and supply chain operations. Ideal for jobseekers, career changers, and employers running onboarding programmes. Delivered face-to-face with practical, supportive delivery.
Course #03
Highfield
Level 2
Highfield Level 2 Certificate for Supply Chain Warehouse Operatives
Highfield Level 2 Certificate for Supply Chain Warehouse Operatives (RQF)
Combined knowledge-and-competence qualification designed for active warehouse roles. Covers the full operative workflow — handling goods, equipment use, stock control, and teamwork. Aligns with the Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship standard.
Outcomes:
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Combined knowledge-and-competence qualification designed for active warehouse roles. Covers the full operative workflow — handling goods, equipment use, stock control, and teamwork. Aligns with the Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship standard.
Duration: 6-8 Weeks
Funding: Funded (subject to eligibility)
Course #04
Highfield
Level 1
Highfield Level 1 Certificate in an Introduction to Warehousing
Highfield Level 1 Certificate in an Introduction to Warehousing (RQF)
An entry-level introduction to the warehousing and distribution sector. Covers basic operations, safety awareness, and workplace expectations — perfect for candidates with no prior experience building toward Level 2 roles.
Outcomes:
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Understand the structure and purpose of warehousing and logistics
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Follow basic health and safety practices in a warehouse setting
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Recognise common equipment and terminology
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Demonstrate effective workplace communication
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Prepare for progression to Level 2 qualifications
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Gain a nationally recognised Level 1 qualification
Duration: 2–3 weeks
Funding: Funded (subject to eligibility)
Funded Pre-Employment Training
Short, focused qualifications that prepare individuals for work in Lean and continuous improvement environments. Ideal for unemployed adults, career changers, and employers running pre-employment programmes. These courses introduce Lean principles, waste reduction, and practical improvement skills that learners can apply from their first day on the job. Delivered 100% face-to-face with a practical, supportive approach.
Course #03
Highfield
Level 2
Highfield Level 2 Lean Organisation Management Techniques
Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Lean Organisation Management Techniques
A nationally recognised qualification introducing the principles of Lean, waste reduction, and organisational efficiency. Learners explore how Lean thinking applies to real workplaces, identify the eight wastes, and understand how continuous improvement drives better performance. A strong foundation for anyone entering a manufacturing, processing, or operational environment.
Outcomes:
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Understand core Lean principles and their workplace application
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Identify and categorise the eight wastes (DOWNTIME)
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Explore how Lean techniques improve quality, cost, and delivery
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Build confidence to contribute to improvement activities in a new role
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Gain a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification
Pathway: N/A
Duration: 1 week (typically 5 days)
Funding: Funded (subject to eligibility)
Course #04
EAL
Level 2
EAL Level 2 Applying Business Improvement Techniques
EAL Level 2 Award in Applying Business Improvement Techniques
A hands-on introduction to continuous improvement tools that learners can use immediately. Covers 5S, problem solving, and process mapping through practical exercises that mirror real workplace scenarios. Perfect for pre-employment programmes where learners need to demonstrate practical CI skills to prospective employers.
Outcomes:
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Apply 5S to organise and standardise a workspace
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Use basic problem-solving frameworks (5 Whys, Fishbone)
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Create simple process maps to identify improvement opportunities
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Demonstrate practical CI skills to employers
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Gain an EAL-accredited Level 2 qualification
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Gain a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification (101 credits)
Pathway: N/A
Duration: 3–5 days
Funding: Funded (subject to eligibility)
Bootcamps (Employer-Focused)
Intensive programmes combining learning with live workplace projects — building internal capability to streamline operations, cut costs, and improve supply chain resilience. Delivered in partnership with your warehouse team.
Bootcamp #01
CILT Aligned
Intermediate
Lean Logistics & Warehouse Efficiency Bootcamp
Apply Lean principles specifically to warehousing and distribution — reducing waste, optimising layout, and accelerating order fulfilment. Learners redesign pick paths, implement 5S, and map material flow — delivering measurable efficiency gains before completion.
Outcomes:
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Apply Lean tools (5S, Kaizen, flow mapping) to warehouse operations
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Optimise storage layout and picking routes
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Reduce order turnaround time and improve accuracy
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Implement visual management and stock control systems
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Build a culture of continuous improvement across shifts
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Deliver a live warehouse efficiency project with measurable ROI
Cost: £3,500 per learner (10% employer contribution)
Duration: 3 months
Funding: Employer-funded
Bootcamp#02
Green Logistics
Intermediate
Sustainable Logistics & Supply Chain Resilience Bootcamp
Integrate sustainability, carbon reduction, and circular economy thinking into logistics operations — packaging waste reduction, fleet efficiency, route optimisation, and responsible procurement. Build resilience alongside environmental improvement
Outcomes:
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Identify and reduce waste across packaging, transport, and storage
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Implement sustainable packaging and return/reuse systems
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Optimise transport routing for lower carbon and cost
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Build supply chain resilience and contingency planning
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Meet customer and regulatory sustainability reporting requirements
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Deliver a live green logistics improvement project
Cost: £3,500 per learner (10% employer contribution)
Duration: 3 months
Funding: Employer-funded
Green Logistics — Built In By Default
Every UTraining warehousing and logistics programme embeds sustainable logistics and circular economy principles by default — packaging waste reduction, energy efficiency, route optimisation, and responsible resource use are woven into every module. If you would prefer a programme without this focus, just let us know. We will tailor delivery to your requirements.
Commercial Short Courses
Focused warehousing and logistics modules — book individually or combine into a tailored programme. All delivered by experienced logistics practitioners and contextualised to your operation.
Modules:
Warehouse 5S & Workplace Organisation
Sort, set in order, shine, standardise, sustain — the foundation of an efficient, safe distribution centre.
Duration: half day
Order Picking Efficiency & Accuracy
Optimise pick routes, batch picking, zone picking, and error-reduction strategies to cut lead times.
Duration: 1 day
Stock Control & Inventory Management
Accurate counting, rotation (FIFO/LIFO), reconciliation, and minimising shrinkage.
Duration: 1-day
Safe Use of Warehouse Equipment
Best practice for pallet trucks, stackers, and reach trucks — legal compliance and safe operation.
Duration: 1 day
Manual Handling & Load Safety
Risk assessment, lifting techniques, load stability, and injury prevention in warehouse environments.
Duration: half day
Packaging & Dispatch Standards
Protective packing, load securing, labelling accuracy, and dispatch documentation.
Duration: half day
Transport Logistics & Route Planning
Load scheduling, vehicle capacity, routing principles, and on-time delivery optimisation.
Duration: 1 day
Supply Chain Customer Service
Internal/external communication, delivery updates, complaints, and service standards.
Duration: half day
Warehouse Health & Safety Compliance
Risk assessment, fire safety, hazardous goods awareness, and statutory compliance.
Duration: 1 day
Introduction to Sustainable Logistics
Packaging waste reduction, energy efficiency, and carbon-aware operations.
Duration: half day
Delivery option
Open Courses
Scheduled dates, ideal for individuals/small teams.
Employer Sessions
Group rates, tailored to your site.
In-House Workshops
Delivered at your warehouse, fully contextualised
Online courses (Highfield referral)
Warehousing & Logistics Online Courses
Prefer self-paced learning? We partner with Highfield Qualifications to offer accredited e-learning relevant to warehousing, distribution, and supply chain roles. Flexible delivery fits around shift patterns and operational schedules.
Available Highfield online courses include:
Level 1 Introduction to Warehousing
Level 2 Warehousing and Storage Principles
Level 2 Health & Safety
Level 2 Manual Handling
Level 2 Fire Safety
Level 2 COSHH
Level 2 Customer Service for Logistics
Level 2 Equality & Diversity
First Aid at Work
GDPR & Data Protection
Online course
Regulated / must-have employer compliance
Essential training that keeps your warehouse safe, legal, and fully operational. Delivered face-to-face or online — bundle with any development programme.
Mandatory / Regulated
Required by law or industry standards for most warehousing and distribution operations
compliance pills:
Health & Safety Level 2
Manual Handling
Fire Safety
Transport Safety & Load Securement
Working at Height
Counterbalance / Reach Forklift — Licenced (site-specific)
COSHH
ADR / Dangerous Goods Awareness (where applicable)
Strongly Recommended
Not legally required but essential for efficiency, retention, and customer readiness.
compliance pills:
Conflict Management & De-escalation
Customer Service in Logistic
Environmental & Sustainability Awareness
Fleet Driver Safety Awareness
Inventory & Stock Accuracy Best Practice
Why Choose UTraining
North East logistics training built for real distribution centres, not classrooms. Practical, site-based delivery that improves your warehouse from day one.
Accredited Qualifications
Highfield, EAL, and NCFE recognised standards valued across the supply chain sector.
Warehouse-First Delivery
Training happens on-site, using your actual processes, layout, and stock — no generic theory.
Supply Chain Specialists
From small local distribution to large-scale fulfilment, we tailor content to your operation.
Flexible Scheduling
Shifts, evenings, weekends — we work around your picking and dispatch schedules.
Newcastle-Based, Nationally Reaching
Serving Tyne & Wear, Durham, Northumberland, and beyond.
Trusted & Quality-Assured
Matrix accredited, Cyber Essentials Plus certified, Disability Confident.
Ready to Develop Your Logistics Workforce?
Tell us about your warehouse, your fleet, your staffing needs, and your goals. We will design a programme that fits your operation — and help you access funding where available.