Building a Strong Future: Mainframe Skills and Innovation with IBM Z®
IBM Launches Mainframe Skills Council to Build Future Talent
In a world where 70% of global transactions run through IBM Z mainframes, the need for skilled professionals in this field is more critical than ever. To address this demand, IBM, in collaboration with Broadcom and 21CS, commissioned a survey to understand the current landscape of mainframe skills and talent acquisition.
The survey revealed that 60% of organizations work closely with industry vendors to connect with skilled applicants, and 91% anticipate hiring mainframe system administrators or developers in the next 1 to 2 years. To further support the development of mainframe skills, IBM has announced the launch of the Mainframe Skills Council.
This council will bring together global organizations, academia, user groups, and nonprofits to create a forum for sharing experiences and implementing solutions to build a strong workforce for the mainframe platform. The council will focus on career awareness, competency frameworks, learning paths, and talent growth.
In addition to traditional academic curriculum, IBM has also introduced nontraditional paths to inspire and train new mainframe talent. Programs like IBM Z Student Ambassadors, IBM Z Career Connection Events, and IBM Z Virtual Career Fairs aim to connect students with employers and provide hands-on training opportunities.
Furthermore, IBM has introduced the Mainframe Skills Depot, offering over 1,000 hours of self-paced training courses, and the IBM Z Global Skills Accelerator and Apprenticeship program, which provides holistic training for new or existing employees.
With a focus on simplification, standardization, and leveraging AI and automation, IBM is committed to providing opportunities for individuals at all skill levels to succeed in the mainframe industry. Whether you are a beginner looking to expand your capabilities or an expert wanting to share your knowledge, IBM’s mainframe skills programs offer a pathway to success.
The full report on the global mainframe skills landscape will be released on May 6, 2024. For more information on IBM’s mainframe skills programs, visit the IBM Z Skills website.