Hands-On Manufacturing Black Belt
Enhance your manufacturing
skills with the Hands-On Manufacturing Excellence Course (MEC), presented by ASML, DAF and Fontys. This immersive 9-day program combines theory and practical application in a competitive, team-based environment. Participants will gain essential tools and techniques, visit real factories, and build a valuable professional network.
About this course
Hands-On Manufacturing Excellence Course (MEC), a handson training program designed to enhance your skills in manufacturing. This immersive 9-day program will equip you with the essential tools and techniques required to excel in the
manufacturing industry. Over the course of the program, you will work in team-settings in a simulated Learning Factory, building and optimizing manufacturing lines in a competitive and collaborative environment. You will also visit real factories, meet
industry experts, and build a valuable professional network.
Key benefits
- Hands-On Learning: Practical challenges and real-world simulations
- Collaborative Environment: Team-based problem solving.
- Industry-Recognized Certifications: Enhance your professional qualifications.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and industry experts.
Facts
> Duration: 9 days (divided into modules)
> Timing: June 2026
> Participants: 70
> Equipment: personal laptop required
> Language: English
> Entry Level: NLQF Level 5 and higher
> Certification: Microcredential Black belt
> Learning Environment: Simulated Learning Factory and Factory Visit
Key Dates
> Kick-Off Event: June 8, 2026 (9.00-17.00)
> Precision Manufacturing Session: June 15-18, 2026 (9.00-17.00); closure on June 18 is until 20.00
> Operational Excellence Session: June 22-25, 2026 (9.00-17.00)
> Final Event: June 25, 2026 (17.00-20.00)
> Factory Visit: June 2026 (9.00-13.30)
"The small scale of the course fosters a close bond right from the start."Stijn Vaasen, alumnus
Learning Objectives
The Hands-On MEC provides hands-on training in four interconnected toolkits, ensuring participants learn both the theory and practical application, driving organizational success and personal development.
Building on strengths in tangible tasks and tools, the Process and Process Control Toolkits invite participants to think on the next higher, more abstract level. These toolkits provide process-oriented thinking and tools to design, manage, and improve manufacturing processes, control, and quality systems.
To identify areas where innovation and optimization are most beneficial, building confidence in the practical application of math is key. The Data Analysis and Statistics Toolkits teach participants to use crucial data analysis and statistical tools to uncover inefficiencies.
Identifying problems problems and opportunities is just the first step; turning them into actionable solutions is crucial. The Engineering Toolkits empower participants to utilize systematic problem-solving and design methods to transform insights into solutions.
Since implementing solutions cannot be achieved in isolation and always involves multiple stakeholders, the Collaborative Skills Toolkitsenhance participants’ abilities to effectively communicate and execute improvement initiatives, fostering a cohesive and efficient work environment. Together, these toolkits provide a comprehensive skill set aligned with both organizational goals and individual learning needs.
Building on strengths in tangible tasks and tools, the Process and Process Control Toolkits invite participants to think on the next higher, more abstract level. These toolkits provide process-oriented thinking and tools to design, manage, and improve manufacturing processes, control, and quality systems.
To identify areas where innovation and optimization are most beneficial, building confidence in the practical application of math is key. The Data Analysis and Statistics Toolkits teach participants to use crucial data analysis and statistical tools to uncover inefficiencies.
Identifying problems problems and opportunities is just the first step; turning them into actionable solutions is crucial. The Engineering Toolkits empower participants to utilize systematic problem-solving and design methods to transform insights into solutions.
Since implementing solutions cannot be achieved in isolation and always involves multiple stakeholders, the Collaborative Skills Toolkitsenhance participants’ abilities to effectively communicate and execute improvement initiatives, fostering a cohesive and efficient work environment. Together, these toolkits provide a comprehensive skill set aligned with both organizational goals and individual learning needs.
Learning outcomes
The Hands-On Manufacturing Excellence Course offers two certification tracks: Green Belt (NLQF level 5) and Black Belt (NLQF level 7). Both tracks follow the same core programme, the Black Belt track is including an additional oral examination.
The Black Belt track is intended for professionals who want to fulfil an expert role in manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement. Participants are expected to work at a strategic and analytical level, independently diagnosing complex manufacturing challenges, leading improvement initiatives and substantiating decisions with solid technical and methodological reasoning.
To demonstrate this expert level, Black Belt participants complete a mandatory oral exam at the end of the programme. This exam assesses the participant’s ability to:
- apply manufacturing excellence principles in complex, real-world contexts,
- critically analyse and justify improvement choices,
- and operate at NLQF level 7.
If the Black Belt exam is not passed, a resit is always possible. If the exam is ultimately not passed, or if the participant chooses not to resit, the participant will receive the Microcredential Green Belt (NLQF level 5) instead.
Black Belt experience in practice
“I experienced the training as a hyper-realistic representation of
real-world practice, where you learn a lot in different team roles under high pressure! It’s not just nodding along and clicking through
slides but truly applying theory in practical simulations, continuously improving, and iterating over a major production process
within your own factory. I highly recommend it because it’s incredibly interesting and educational!”
— Ron Visser, Skillslab Manager at MTA BV, MEC NLQF 7
Practical information
- For Whom: Minimal technical and mathematical bachelor work and thinking level, reached by education and/or work experience and training. Possibly LSS Green Belt certified.
- Program: 9 days in modules plus an oral exam; approximately 2 to 5 days preparation for exam
- Certification: Microcredential Black Belt in Manufacturing (NLQF7 Track)
By registering, you agree to the course fee of €3,500
Register
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