Each month, z/Action! meets some of the world's most innovative companies as they share how they're expanding horizons and driving success with IBM Z. This month we welcome Systemware, a leader in mainframe enterprise content services. Joining us are Systemware president and CEO Frankie Basso, and VP of support Steve Carrillo. They’re here to talk about how Systemware is helping to develop and train new mainframe talent for the IBM Z platform.
First Steps: Systemware Trains Next-Generation Mainframe Talent
“We've always believed that if you find the smartest people, you can find a place for them,” says Systemware CEO Frankie Basso. Systemware has spent four decades developing content-management services for the IBM Z platform. Today, they’re working just as hard at developing new mainframe talent. “It's critical,” Basso continues. “There is a need to bring in the next group of folks that will take over and lead the charge.” Listen to learn how Systemware orients recruits on the mainframe’s potential, what skills they master first, and how they progress – including the one thing that always shocks new mainframe professionals.
Building the skills of the future
IBM®, Broadcom, and 21CS commissioned The Futurum Group to survey businesses, university leaders, and students on mainframe trends. The survey covered talent acquisition, curriculum, and skill development. Findings revealed 60% of organizations partner with industry vendors offering bootcamps, trainings, or apprenticeships to connect with skilled applicants. Additionally, 91% anticipate hiring mainframe professionals in the next 1-2 years. The full report can be found here.
IBM is simplifying hardware/software processes, adopting open standards, and using AI and automation to reduce specialized skills needed. In addition, IBM is also using nontraditional paths beyond the classroom to inspire, connect, and develop new mainframe talent through various programs. These programs include:
- IBM Z Student Ambassadors: At close to 100 universities, these on-campus ambassadors inspire students by hosting events and establishing and leading mainframe student clubs.
- Mainframe Skills Depot: This new comprehensive platform offers over 1,000 hours of hands-on, self-paced mainframe training courses organized by job roles. Whether you are new to system administration or app development or you want to deepen your skills, this platform has something to offer. There is also content for modernization architects wanting to explore capabilities to integrate and modernize applications.
- IBM Z Global Skills Accelerator and Apprenticeship: This program is available to mainframe employers for new or existing employees and is a holistic approach to build skills without requiring employees to have any IT background or education. With over 300 hours of learning, success coaching, on-the-job training and mentorship, this program enabled 83 global employers to skill up over 440 new mainframe system administrators and application developers.
Lastly the Mainframe Skills Council was created to nurture a skilled and sustainable new generation of mainframe professionals that represents today’s diverse and dynamic workforce.
Where to listen
• Apple Podcasts
• IBM TechXchange Podcast
Resources
Visit the ISV Ecosystem User Group on the IBM Z and LinuxONE Community for more updates on how ISVs and partners are innovating the IBM Z platform: blogs, events, videos, discussions, and more.
Join here.