In recent years, the tech industry has witnessed a peculiar paradox: while companies lament a shortage of mainframe talent, job opportunities, particularly remote positions for those with less than ten years of experience, remain scarce. This situation is compounded by the trend of offshoring. This paradox not only raises concerns about the future of mainframe technology but also affects the morale of young professionals and recent graduates entering this field.

The Mainframe Talent Shortage: A Real Concern

Mainframe systems are the backbone of many critical business operations, from banking and finance to healthcare and logistics. These systems require skilled professionals to maintain, update, and innovate. Despite the high demand for mainframe expertise, companies often struggle to find qualified talent. This shortage is attributed to the aging workforce, with many experienced professionals nearing retirement, and a gap in younger talent entering the field.

The Reality of Job Availability

Despite the recognized shortage, job availability, particularly remote opportunities, remains limited for those with less than a decade of experience. This scarcity is frustrating for new graduates and young professionals who are eager to build their careers in mainframe technology. Additionally, the offshoring trend, driven by cost-saving measures, exacerbates the problem, creating a disconnect between the perceived demand for talent and the actual hiring practices.

The Motivation Challenge for New Talent

For young people and recent graduates, the current job market for mainframe roles can be demotivating. They hear about the high demand for their skills but find few opportunities available, especially in remote work which has become increasingly important in today's job market. This dissonance can lead to disillusionment and a reluctance to pursue a career in mainframe technology.

Encouraging Young Professionals: A Call to Action for Industry Leaders

As industry leaders, it is crucial to address these challenges head-on to ensure the future stability and growth of mainframe technology. Here are some steps we can take:

1. Transparent Communication: Companies need to be transparent about their hiring needs and practices. If there is indeed a shortage of talent, this should be reflected in their hiring strategies, including offering more remote positions also to entry-level opportunities.

2. Investment in Training: Investing in comprehensive training programs for young professionals and recent graduates can bridge the skills gap. Partnering with educational institutions to create tailored curricula that meet industry needs can also be beneficial.

3. Mentorship and Support: Establishing mentorship programs can provide new professionals with the guidance and support they need to navigate the early stages of their careers. Experienced mainframe professionals can play a critical role in this process.

4. Highlighting Career Stability: Emphasize the long-term stability and growth potential of a career in mainframe technology. While initial job hunting may be challenging, the skills gained in this field are highly valuable and in demand.

5. Advocacy for Remote Work: Advocate for more remote job opportunities within the mainframe sector. The flexibility of remote work can attract a wider pool of talent and address geographical limitations.

Conclusion

The mainframe industry faces a unique challenge in balancing the demand for skilled professionals with the reality of current hiring practices. By addressing these issues and taking proactive steps to support and motivate young talent, we can ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for mainframe technology. It is up to industry leaders to bridge the gap between talent shortages and employment opportunities, creating a more welcoming and encouraging environment for the next generation of mainframe professionals.  What are some of your thoughts & solutions to address some of these challenges?

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Hasnain Attarwala
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Very valid points from Hasnain! 

I wrote some articles about this topic throughout July 2024 which I will link below, in case anyone is interested in further reading :)

• Reflecting on the Mainframe skills shortage
• Optimism for the new wave of Mainframe talent
• Suggestions on retaining your talent

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Niall Ashley (he/him)
Consultant in Mainframe Security (RACF)
Vertali Ltd
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Original Message:
Sent: Tue July 23, 2024 04:05 PM
From: Hasnain Attarwala
Subject: Let's address the Paradox of Mainframe Talent Shortage and Employment Challenges

In recent years, the tech industry has witnessed a peculiar paradox: while companies lament a shortage of mainframe talent, job opportunities, particularly remote positions for those with less than ten years of experience, remain scarce. This situation is compounded by the trend of offshoring. This paradox not only raises concerns about the future of mainframe technology but also affects the morale of young professionals and recent graduates entering this field.

The Mainframe Talent Shortage: A Real Concern

Mainframe systems are the backbone of many critical business operations, from banking and finance to healthcare and logistics. These systems require skilled professionals to maintain, update, and innovate. Despite the high demand for mainframe expertise, companies often struggle to find qualified talent. This shortage is attributed to the aging workforce, with many experienced professionals nearing retirement, and a gap in younger talent entering the field.

The Reality of Job Availability

Despite the recognized shortage, job availability, particularly remote opportunities, remains limited for those with less than a decade of experience. This scarcity is frustrating for new graduates and young professionals who are eager to build their careers in mainframe technology. Additionally, the offshoring trend, driven by cost-saving measures, exacerbates the problem, creating a disconnect between the perceived demand for talent and the actual hiring practices.

The Motivation Challenge for New Talent

For young people and recent graduates, the current job market for mainframe roles can be demotivating. They hear about the high demand for their skills but find few opportunities available, especially in remote work which has become increasingly important in today's job market. This dissonance can lead to disillusionment and a reluctance to pursue a career in mainframe technology.

Encouraging Young Professionals: A Call to Action for Industry Leaders

As industry leaders, it is crucial to address these challenges head-on to ensure the future stability and growth of mainframe technology. Here are some steps we can take:

1. Transparent Communication: Companies need to be transparent about their hiring needs and practices. If there is indeed a shortage of talent, this should be reflected in their hiring strategies, including offering more remote positions also to entry-level opportunities.

2. Investment in Training: Investing in comprehensive training programs for young professionals and recent graduates can bridge the skills gap. Partnering with educational institutions to create tailored curricula that meet industry needs can also be beneficial.

3. Mentorship and Support: Establishing mentorship programs can provide new professionals with the guidance and support they need to navigate the early stages of their careers. Experienced mainframe professionals can play a critical role in this process.

4. Highlighting Career Stability: Emphasize the long-term stability and growth potential of a career in mainframe technology. While initial job hunting may be challenging, the skills gained in this field are highly valuable and in demand.

5. Advocacy for Remote Work: Advocate for more remote job opportunities within the mainframe sector. The flexibility of remote work can attract a wider pool of talent and address geographical limitations.

Conclusion

The mainframe industry faces a unique challenge in balancing the demand for skilled professionals with the reality of current hiring practices. By addressing these issues and taking proactive steps to support and motivate young talent, we can ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for mainframe technology. It is up to industry leaders to bridge the gap between talent shortages and employment opportunities, creating a more welcoming and encouraging environment for the next generation of mainframe professionals.  What are some of your thoughts & solutions to address some of these challenges?

------------------------------
Hasnain Attarwala
------------------------------