Course Overview

    Overview

    Course Highlights

    Eligibility Criteria

    Benefits

    What Is Lean Fundamentals Training?Your Practical Start in Continuous Improvement

    Lean Fundamentals training in New Zealand gives you a practical, hands-on introduction to Lean management, the proven approach to delivering more value to customers with less waste. In one focused day you learn the five Lean principles, how to recognise the eight wastes, and how to apply core Lean tools such as 5S, value stream mapping, Kanban, standard work and Kaizen to almost any process. Lean grew out of the Toyota Production System developed by Taiichi Ohno and Shigeo Shingo, and was codified as the five Lean principles (Identify Value, Map the Value Stream, Create Flow, Establish Pull, Seek Perfection) by James Womack and Daniel Jones in Lean Thinking (1996). This course grounds you in that thinking and shows how it works across manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and IT. It suits every employee, team leader, manager and professional, with no prior Lean knowledge needed. Whether you are joining a continuous improvement programme or building a foundation for further Lean and Six Sigma learning, this is a confident first step. Start your Lean journey with Invensis Learning.

    What Is Lean Fundamentals Training?Your Practical Start in Continuous Improvement

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    Key Highlightsof the Lean Fundamentals Training Course

    Lean Fundamentals Training Eligibility in the New ZealandWho Can Enroll?

    What You Gain from Lean Fundamentals TrainingSkills You Can Apply Immediately

    How Lean Boosts Careers in New ZealandIn-Demand Roles Across Sectors

    The Lean capability built through Lean Fundamentals training is in steady demand across New Zealand as employers work to close the country's long-standing productivity gap with the rest of the OECD. Food and dairy processors, medical-device makers, logistics operators, banks and public agencies all run continuous improvement programmes and value people who can find and remove waste. Demand spans the ladder from Process Improvement Analyst to Continuous Improvement Manager and Lean Consultant, and here is what the New Zealand market looks like right now.

    Industry Pressures Fuelling New Zealand's Demand for Lean

    Lean is a practical skill every organisation needs. Build the foundation to spot waste, improve flow and drive continuous improvement in your workplace. Start your Lean journey today.

    Your New Zealand Lean Journey

    The Transformation Lean Training Delivers,

    Spot Waste and Drive Real Improvement

    New Zealand employers are under real pressure to lift productivity and cut waste, and they increasingly separate people who can drive improvement from those who cannot. Here is the shift Lean Fundamentals training makes for you.

    Sources: PayScale, SalaryExpert, Seek, BusinessNZ (New Zealand) 2026.

    Module 1: Introduction

    • Exploring the foundational principles and purpose of Lean as a methodology for eliminating waste and improving operational efficiency across manufacturing and service environments
    • Understanding the origins of Lean thinking and how Lean principles were developed and refined through the Toyota Production System and subsequent global applications
    • Examining the linkage between Lean and Six Sigma and how the two disciplines complement each other within broader operational excellence and continuous improvement programs
    • Reviewing the structure and objectives of the Lean Fundamentals course and establishing a framework for understanding how each module connects within the overall Lean methodology

    Module 2: Lean Mentality / Muda (Waste) Elimination

    • Understanding the concept of the hidden factory and the hidden office, and how non-value-adding activities consume resources without contributing to customer value in both manufacturing and administrative environments
    • Exploring the seven types of waste in Lean, including overproduction, waiting, transportation, over-processing, inventory, motion, and defects, and how each type manifests across different operational contexts
    • Developing the skills to identify waste within processes through systematic observation, process analysis, and the application of Lean waste identification tools
    • Learning the strategies and principles used to eliminate or reduce waste once identified, and the role of cultural and behavioral change in sustaining waste reduction over time

    Module 3: Mapping the Value Stream

    • Understanding the purpose and methodology of value stream mapping as a tool for visualizing the complete flow of materials and information required to deliver a product or service to the customer
    • Exploring different types of value stream maps, including current-state maps that document existing processes and future-state maps that define the improved process design
    • Learning how to create and interpret value stream maps to identify areas of waste, delay, and inefficiency within a process and to prioritize improvement actions
    • Understanding how value stream mapping provides the analytical foundation for planning and executing Lean improvement events and targeted process changes

    Module 4: Lean Events

    • Exploring the Kaizen event as a focused, team-based improvement activity designed to achieve significant process change within a short and defined timeframe
    • Understanding the structure and stages of a standard five-day Kaizen event, from preparation and scoping through to execution, solution testing, and results presentation
    • Learning how to plan and run shorter Lean events when the scope or available time requires a condensed improvement activity without sacrificing rigor or impact
    • Developing the facilitation and team management skills needed to lead Lean events effectively and ensure that improvement gains are sustained after the event concludes

    Module 5: Constraints

    • Understanding the concept of process constraints and how bottlenecks in process flow limit the throughput, efficiency, and capacity of the entire value stream
    • Learning systematic approaches for identifying constraints within a process, including observation-based methods, data analysis, and value stream review techniques
    • Exploring strategies for addressing bottlenecks, including process redesign, resource reallocation, workload balancing, and targeted improvement activities
    • Understanding the relationship between constraint management and broader Lean improvement efforts, and how resolving bottlenecks contributes to overall flow and value stream performance

    Module 6: Flow and Takt Time

    • Exploring the principle of flow in Lean and how continuous, uninterrupted movement of work through the value stream minimizes waiting, batching, and inventory accumulation
    • Understanding Takt time as the rate at which products or services must be produced to match customer demand, and how Takt time is calculated and applied in process design
    • Learning how to use Takt time as a planning tool to set the rhythm of production flow and ensure that process capacity is aligned to actual customer demand
    • Examining the relationship between flow, Takt time, and the broader Lean goal of delivering value to the customer efficiently, consistently, and without waste

    Module 7: Pull Systems and Kanban

    • Understanding the principles of pull-based production, in which work is initiated by actual customer demand rather than forecast-driven schedules or upstream production push
    • Exploring the Kanban system as a simple and visual method for signaling demand and controlling the flow of work, materials, and information through a process
    • Learning how to design and implement a basic Kanban system, including the selection of signal types, determination of replenishment quantities, and establishment of workflow rules
    • Understanding how pull systems and Kanban reduce overproduction, excess inventory, and lead time while improving process responsiveness to changing customer demand

    Module 8: 5S Implementation

    • Exploring the five elements of 5S, including Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain, and how each element contributes to a safe, organized, and efficient workplace
    • Learning the systematic approach to implementing 5S across a work area or department, from initial assessment and Sort activities through to the development of standardized procedures and audit routines
    • Understanding how 5S creates the physical and organizational foundation that Lean tools and improvement activities require to function effectively and sustainably
    • Developing the skills to sustain 5S gains over time through visual management, regular audits, team accountability, and the integration of 5S standards into daily work habits

    Module 9: Lean Management Principles

    • Understanding the key principles of Lean management and how they guide the implementation and ongoing operation of Lean systems within organizations
    • Exploring the leadership behaviors, management practices, and organizational structures that enable Lean to move from a set of tools to a sustained operational discipline
    • Learning how to develop and communicate a Lean implementation strategy that aligns improvement activities with organizational goals, resource availability, and process maturity
    • Understanding the role of performance measurement, visual management, and continuous review in sustaining Lean improvements and building a long-term culture of operational excellence

    Course Curriculumof the Lean Fundamentals Training

    This online Lean Fundamentals training course is structured across nine modules that progress from the foundational principles and mentality of Lean through to the full suite of practical tools and management principles that enable organizations to implement and sustain operational excellence. Each module builds on the previous one to ensure participants develop a coherent and comprehensive understanding of Lean as both a philosophy and a practical improvement discipline. The curriculum is suitable for professionals across operations, quality, manufacturing, and process improvement roles, and is designed to connect directly to the Lean implementation challenges faced by organizations across the New Zealand.

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    The Practical Lean Skills You Will BuildTools You Can Use from Day One

    This section answers what you will learn in Lean Fundamentals training. By the end of the one-day programme you can identify waste, apply core Lean tools, and contribute to improvement activity straight away, whatever your industry or role.

    Apply the Five Lean Principles

    Work through Identify Value, Map the Value Stream, Create Flow, Establish Pull and Seek Perfection, and use them as a structured way to improve any process from the customer's point of view.

    Identify the Eight Wastes (DOWNTIME)

    Recognise Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Non-utilised talent, Transportation, Inventory, Motion and Extra processing, and classify real activities so you can target waste with confidence.

    Organise Any Workplace with 5S

    Apply Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise and Sustain to create a clean, visual and efficient workspace that reveals problems and supports safe, consistent work.

    Read and Use Value Stream Maps

    Understand how a value stream map makes flow visible, separates value-adding from wasteful steps, and highlights where lead time is lost across an end-to-end process.

    Create Pull with Kanban

    Understand the difference between push and pull, how a Kanban signal triggers replenishment, and how capping work in progress reduces overproduction and improves flow.

    Standardise Work for Consistent Quality

    Learn how takt time, work sequence and standard work in progress create a reliable baseline for quality, and why standard work is the starting point for every improvement.

    Drive Improvement with Kaizen and PDCA

    Use the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, daily Kaizen and the Gemba walk to make small, steady improvements and build a genuine continuous improvement habit in your team.

    Apply Lean Across Any Industry

    See how the same principles and tools work in manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and IT, and leave with practical next steps to apply Lean in your own work.

    Who Should TakeLean Fundamentals Training in New Zealand?

    Team Leaders

    Business Analysts

    Operations Managers

    Project Managers

    Manufacturing Engineers

    Production Supervisors

    Process Improvement Managers

    Quality Assurance Specialists

    Who Can Take This Certification Training

    Lean Fundamentals Training Modesfor Professionals and Teams

    We offer flexible training formats designed to suit different learning preferences, schedules, and professional goals. Whether you prefer self-paced learning or a structured, corporate, instructor-led experience, choose the option that best supports your skill development journey through the best Lean Fundamentals online training options available.

    Lean Fundamentals Live Virtual Training

    • Live online instructor-led sessions

    • Interactive discussions and virtual activities

    • Expert guidance from experienced trainers

    • Practice assessments and revision support

    • Dedicated Q&A sessions for concept clarification

    • Fixed schedules for accountability and momentum

    • Small batch sizes for personalized attention

    • Access from any location with internet connectivity

    NZD 740

    Attend fully interactive weekend Lean Fundamentals training sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences.

    Best For: Professionals seeking the flexibility of online learning without compromising on live instructor interaction.

    Lean Fundamentals Classroom Training

    • Instructor-led classroom sessions

    • Interactive discussions and group activities

    • Real-world examples and practical exercises

    • Structured learning with fixed schedules

    • Opportunities for peer networking and collaboration

    • Practice assessments and knowledge checks

    • Dedicated Q&A and concept clarification

    • Immediate trainer feedback and support

    Learn through face-to-face sessions led by experienced instructors in a collaborative classroom environment. This classroom Lean Fundamentals training format combines expert guidance, peer interaction, and hands-on activities to create an engaging learning experience.

    Best For: Learners who prefer in-person interaction, structured schedules, and collaborative learning experiences.

    Lean Fundamentals Corporate Group Training

    • Customized training aligned to organizational goals

    • Flexible delivery: onsite, virtual, hybrid, or blended

    • Scheduling tailored to business availability

    • Role-based examples and industry-relevant discussions

    • Progress tracking and learner assessments where applicable

    • Dedicated coordination and administrative support

    • Consistent learning experiences across teams

    • Scalable delivery for local, regional, or global workforces

    Designed for organizations that want to build capabilities at scale, standardize knowledge, and support workforce development through customized team learning initiatives and Lean Fundamentals training for companies.

    Best For: Organizations looking to upskill employees, address capability gaps, and deliver consistent training across teams.

    Lean Fundamentals Focused 1-to-1 Training

    • One-to-one instructor attention

    • Customized learning plans and objectives

    • Flexible scheduling based on availability

    • Personalized feedback and coaching

    • Additional focus on challenging topics

    • Targeted practice and revision support

    • Faster clarification of questions and concepts

    • Learning pace is adapted to individual needs

    Receive personalized instruction tailored to your goals, pace, and learning requirements through dedicated sessions delivered by the Lean Fundamentals training company.

    Best For: Professionals seeking personalized guidance, accelerated learning, or focused support to achieve specific outcomes.

    Lean Fundamentals Live Virtual Training

    Lean Fundamentals Live Virtual Training

    Live online instructor-led sessions

    Interactive discussions and virtual activities

    Expert guidance from experienced trainers

    Practice assessments and revision support

    Dedicated Q&A sessions for concept clarification

    Fixed schedules for accountability and momentum

    Small batch sizes for personalized attention

    Access from any location with internet connectivity

    Starts from

    NZD 740

    Please Note: Attend fully interactive weekend Lean Fundamentals training sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences.

    Best For: Professionals seeking the flexibility of online learning without compromising on live instructor interaction.

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    Why Choose Invensis Learning for Lean Fundamentals Training in New ZealandPractical, Expert-Led Training

    As a trusted Lean Fundamentals training company in New Zealand, Invensis Learning delivers structured, practical Lean training for individual professionals and organisations across New Zealand that want to build real continuous improvement capability. Our programmes combine experienced trainers, hands-on exercises, organised courseware and flexible delivery. Whether you enrol as an individual learner or arrange corporate training for your team, you get a professional learning experience focused on practical understanding, real-world application and skills you can use the very next day.

    • Experienced trainers with real Lean and operational excellence practice
    • Flexible formats: live online, classroom and onsite for teams
    • Practical, exercise-led sessions with real-world case studies
    • ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality management
    • ISO 27001:2022 certified for information security
    • Course completion certificate from Invensis Learning
    • Dedicated learner support before, during and after training
    • Trusted by professionals and organisations across 100+ countries

    60+

    Global Course Portfolio

    100+

    Countries Served

    ISO 9001

    Quality Management

    200K+

    Professionals Trained

    ISO 9001:2015 Certified

    ISO 9001:2015 Certified

    ISO 27001:2022 Certified

    ISO 27001:2022 Certified

    Secure SSL Encryption

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    Leaders in Training industry for 12+ years

    Leaders in Training industry for 12+ years

    Over 5000 five star reviews

    Over 5000 five star reviews

    Level AA conformance, W3C WCAG 2.2

    Level AA conformance, W3C WCAG 2.2

    Lean Fundamentals Locations in the New ZealandAll our classroom training is now available online at your convenience

    Lean Fundamentals in New Zealand

    Blanket Bay, 4191 Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand

    Lean Fundamentals in New Zealand

    Rosewood Matakauri, 569 Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Closeburn 9371, New Zealand

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    Corporate Lean Training for TeamsBuild a Lean Culture

    • Suitable for small, medium and large groups
    • Customised schedules based on team availability
    • Delivery through onsite, live virtual, hybrid or blended formats
    • Experienced trainers with relevant Lean and industry expertise
    • Role-based, industry-relevant examples for better workplace application
    • Dedicated coordination and learner support for group programmes
    • Scalable delivery for teams across New Zealand and global sites

    Leading Organisations

    FonterraFisher & Paykel HealthcareAir New ZealandMainfreightZespriSilver Fern Farms

    What Our Learners Say

    Waste Is Everywhere Once You Can See It

    "I came in knowing nothing about Lean and left able to spot waste all over my line. We applied 5S to our work area the next week and it already feels calmer and safer. The waste exercises made the eight wastes really stick."

    Liam Thompson

    Production Supervisor

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    Gave Me a Proper Improvement Toolkit

    "The value stream mapping and Kanban sessions gave me language I now use every day. As a process analyst it helped me explain flow problems to managers clearly, and PDCA has become my default way to test small changes."

    Aroha Ngata

    Process Improvement Analyst

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    Practical and Easy to Follow

    "A very practical day. The trainer used real examples from manufacturing and services, so it clicked for everyone regardless of background. I feel confident joining our continuous improvement group now."

    Ben Carter

    Operations Team Leader

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    A Strong Foundation for Our Whole Team

    "We ran this onsite for a mixed group across our plant and it gave everyone the same Lean vocabulary in a single day. The shared language has made our improvement huddles far more productive. Coordination with Invensis was smooth."

    Rachel Simmons

    L&D Manager, Medical Devices

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    The Right Start for Our Lean Rollout

    "As the first step in our operational excellence programme, this training got front-line staff engaged in identifying waste rather than resisting change. Practical, well-paced and tailored to our food manufacturing context."

    James Whitfield

    Operations Manager, Food Manufacturing

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    Frequently Asked QuestionsHere's everything you may ask...

    Lean Fundamentals is a one-day, non-certification course that gives you a practical introduction to Lean management. It covers the origins of Lean in the Toyota Production System, the five Lean principles, the eight wastes (DOWNTIME), and core tools such as 5S, value stream mapping, Kanban, standard work and Kaizen.

    General

    What is the Lean Fundamentals training course?

    Lean Fundamentals is a one-day, non-certification course that gives you a practical introduction to Lean management. It covers the origins of Lean in the Toyota Production System, the five Lean principles, the eight wastes (DOWNTIME), and core tools such as 5S, value stream mapping, Kanban, standard work and Kaizen.

    Who should attend Lean Fundamentals training in New Zealand?

    The course suits every employee, team leader, manager and professional across any industry or function. It is especially useful for teams starting a continuous improvement programme, and for anyone planning to progress to Lean Six Sigma or value stream mapping training later.

    Is Lean Fundamentals training worth it?

    Yes. You gain a practical, immediately usable skill: the ability to spot waste and improve everyday processes. Lean capability is valued by New Zealand employers in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and services, and it builds a strong foundation for further Lean and Six Sigma learning.

    Do I need any prior Lean experience or prerequisites?

    No. There are no prerequisites and no prior Lean knowledge is needed. The course introduces every principle and tool from first principles, so complete beginners and experienced professionals alike can follow it and apply it at work.

    What framework is the Lean Fundamentals training based on?

    The training is grounded in the Toyota Production System and the five Lean principles codified by James Womack and Daniel Jones in Lean Thinking (1996): Identify Value, Map the Value Stream, Create Flow, Establish Pull and Seek Perfection. It also covers the eight wastes known by the DOWNTIME acronym.

    Pricing

    How much does Lean Fundamentals training cost in New Zealand?

    Pricing depends on the delivery format (live online, classroom or corporate onsite) and group size, so exact fees are available on request. Contact a learning advisor for current New Zealand pricing and upcoming schedules, or ask about a group quote for your team.

    What is included in the course fee?

    The fee typically includes instructor-led training across all six Lean modules, structured courseware and case studies, hands-on waste-identification and 5S exercises, learner support, and a course completion certificate from Invensis Learning.

    Do you offer group or corporate discounts?

    Yes. Corporate and group training is available with customised schedules and volume-based pricing, which is ideal when you want to train a whole site, department or team at once. Contact us for a tailored quote for your organisation.

    What payment options are available?

    We accept major credit and debit cards and bank transfers, and offer instalment options on selected plans. Speak with a learning advisor to choose the option that best suits you or your organisation.

    Is corporate onsite training good value compared with public sessions?

    For teams, onsite delivery is often better value because everyone builds the same Lean foundation in a single session tailored to your processes. It also removes travel and scheduling friction. Ask about corporate pricing for your team size.

    Certification

    Will I receive a certificate after the training?

    Yes. On completing the one-day programme you receive a course completion certificate from Invensis Learning, recognising the Lean knowledge and skills you have built.

    Is Lean Fundamentals a certification course?

    No. This is a non-certification skills course with no external awarding body and no examination. It focuses on building practical Lean knowledge and tools you can apply straight away, and you receive a completion certificate from Invensis Learning.

    How is my learning assessed during the course?

    There is no formal assessment. Learning is reinforced through waste-identification exercises, a value stream mapping activity, a 5S assessment and case-study discussions, so you practise applying Lean concepts to realistic scenarios throughout the day.

    How long is the Lean Fundamentals training?

    The programme runs for one day, a total of eight hours. It can also be delivered as two half-day sessions of four hours each. Both formats cover all six modules with exercises throughout.

    Does the completion certificate expire?

    No. The Lean knowledge and skills you gain do not expire, and there is no renewal to maintain. You can build on this foundation at any time with further Lean or Lean Six Sigma training.

    Course Content

    What topics does Lean Fundamentals training cover?

    The course covers the origins and philosophy of Lean, the five Lean principles, the eight wastes (DOWNTIME), foundational tools (5S, value stream mapping, Kanban, standard work and visual management), Kaizen and the PDCA cycle, and how Lean applies across different industries.

    What Lean tools will I learn to use?

    You will learn to apply 5S workplace organisation, read a value stream map, use Kanban for pull, apply standard work, use visual management, and run improvement through Kaizen and the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle.

    Can a complete beginner take this course?

    Absolutely. The course is designed for people with no prior Lean background. Concepts are introduced step by step with plenty of examples and hands-on exercises, so beginners finish confident and able to contribute to improvement work.

    Are there hands-on exercises in the training?

    Yes. The day includes a waste-identification exercise that classifies activities into the eight DOWNTIME categories, a value stream mapping data activity, and a 5S workplace assessment, alongside case-study discussions and team activities.

    What materials are provided with the course?

    You receive structured courseware covering all six modules, real-world case studies, and the exercise templates used during the sessions. These support both your learning on the day and your ability to apply Lean at work afterwards.

    Enrollment

    How do I enrol in Lean Fundamentals training in New Zealand?

    You can enrol through the Invensis Learning website. Choose your preferred format, complete payment, and you will receive access to schedules, courseware and learning resources. Talk to a learning advisor if you would like help choosing dates.

    What training formats are available?

    The course is available as online (live virtual) instructor-led training, classroom training, and corporate onsite training for teams. You can pick the format that best fits your schedule and learning preference.

    How soon can I start and where do I see upcoming batches?

    New sessions are scheduled regularly across New Zealand time zones. View upcoming schedules on the course page or ask a learning advisor about the next available batch and any dates that suit your team.

    Can I book this training for my whole team?

    Yes. Corporate onsite or live virtual delivery lets you train an entire team, site or department together, with content tailored to your context. This is the most common way organisations start a Lean programme. Contact us for a group quote.

    What is the reschedule or refund policy?

    Rescheduling and refunds are handled per our published policy, and selected plans include flexible reschedule options. Reach out to our support team for the details that apply to your enrolment.