APQP training is designed for automotive suppliers who want to manage new product and process launches in a structured way.
APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) is a framework that ensures customer expectations are planned from the very start of product development and launch risks are detected early. It is published by AIAG and its application is expected under IATF 16949.
What changed in 2024?
This is the most important Core Tools update of the last fifteen years. The 3rd edition of APQP was published in March 2024 and replaced the 2nd edition dated July 2008.
The Control Plan was moved into a separate manual. In the previous edition, APQP and the Control Plan were in a single manual. The two were separated and the Control Plan was published independently as a 1st edition. The rationale was allowing the two documents to be updated independently and faster.
A change management section was added. Every change affecting the form, fit or function of the part or material is expected to pass through a defined change management process across the APQP phases up to PPAP approval.
A gate review system arrived. A step-by-step verification and review structure was defined for the transitions between phases. The most frequent problem in launch projects was moving to the next phase with a phase’s deliverables incomplete; the gate structure aims to prevent this.
Continuous use of lessons learned. Regularly reviewing and using the lessons learned throughout the programme was emphasized.
Agile product development, sourcing and programme management. New sections were added; the content was updated for the expectations brought by automation, electrification and the expanding definition of mobility.
New forms. The form sets for both APQP and the Control Plan were renewed.
The obligation to apply it
The new manuals have replaced the 2nd edition since 1 March 2024, unless your customer specifies otherwise. OEMs have announced application dates: GM and Stellantis 1 September 2024, Ford 31 December 2024.
So this is not a “we’ll look at it when its turn comes” update; it is already in force through customer-specific requirements. Your teams are expected to be trained on the new structure.
Who should attend?
- Project and launch managers
- Product and process development engineers
- Quality engineers and quality managers
- Production and industrial engineers
- Purchasing and supplier quality teams
- IATF 16949 internal auditors
There are no prerequisites.
Training Content
The APQP framework
- The purpose of product quality planning and its effect on business results
- The structure of the five phases, their inputs and deliverables
- Team set-up, roles and responsibilities
- Timing plan and resource management
The phases
- Plan and define programme
- Product design and development
- Process design and development
- Product and process validation
- Feedback, assessment and corrective action
What the 3rd edition brings
The change management process, the gate review system, the use of lessons learned, and the sourcing and programme management sections are addressed one by one. The use of the new forms is demonstrated.
Core Tools integration
APQP is the umbrella of the other tools. Where the outputs of FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC and PPAP are produced within the phases and how they feed each other is traced.
Practical exercises
Participants build a phase plan, gate criteria and a change management flow around a sample launch project. In in-house programmes the work is done on your own projects.
Learning Outcomes
- Planning the APQP phases and their deliverables
- Applying the change management process introduced by the 3rd edition
- Defining gate review criteria
- Connecting APQP outputs to the PFMEA and the Control Plan
- Detecting launch risks early
- Justifying the APQP application in customer audits
Duration and Participation Options
Duration: 2 days in open-enrolment programmes. In in-house programmes, planned as 1–3 days depending on the scope and depth of the practical work.
Participation type: Open enrolment or in-house.
Training method: In person (at your organization or in our training room), live online, on-demand recording.
Obtaining the manuals: AIAG and VDA publications are copyright-protected and are not provided as part of the training. Participants need access to the current edition.
Dates: Set according to demand.
Certificate of Attendance
Participants who complete the training receive a certificate of attendance. The certificate includes the participant’s name, training scope, date and duration. It can be used as evidence of competence in your competence records and in customer audits.
- Automotive Core Tools — all six tools
- Control Plan Training
- AIAG-VDA FMEA Training
- PPAP Training
- IATF 16949 Training
Beyond Training: Implementation Support
- Setting up the APQP process and preparing the phase templates
- Designing the change management and gate review structure
- On-site support in launch projects
- APQP conformity assessment at suppliers
- Preparation before the customer audit
You can make use of our consulting services in every area where support is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About APQP Training
Which is the current edition of APQP?
The 3rd edition is in force. It was published in March 2024 and replaced the 2nd edition dated July 2008.
Why was the Control Plan separated?
APQP and the Control Plan were in a single manual in the 2nd edition. The two were separated and the Control Plan was published independently as a 1st edition. The rationale is allowing the documents to be updated independently and faster.
From when do I have to apply the new edition?
The new manuals have replaced the 2nd edition since 1 March 2024, unless your customer specifies otherwise. GM and Stellantis announced an application date of 1 September 2024, Ford 31 December 2024.
What is the most important change in the 3rd edition?
Apart from the separation of the Control Plan, the most notable ones are the addition of the change management section and the introduction of the gate review system. Sections on agile product development, sourcing and programme management were also added.
What exactly does change management cover?
Every change affecting the form, fit or function of the part or material is expected to pass through a defined process across the APQP phases up to PPAP approval.
Are there prerequisites for APQP training?
There are no prerequisites. General knowledge of automotive product development processes makes participation easier.
Do you provide the manual?
No. AIAG publications are copyright-protected and are not provided as part of the training. Participants need access to the current edition.
How long does APQP training take?
Open-enrolment programmes take 2 days. In-house programmes are planned as 1-3 days depending on content density.