IBM Z Educator Hub Live Chat  - October 11, 2023

The purpose of this discussion post is to facilitate questions, comments, requests for technical assistance, proposed topics for future IBM Z Educator Hub AMA series.

My objective is to make the willing capable or to be a bit more verbose - make the college educators willing to expose students to IBM Z technology and z/OS flagship operating system, capable of teaching students about IBM Z and z/OS technology as a critical tool of business and governments.  My approach - the learning journey for educators, students, and early career professional hires needs to start with exposure to fundamentals and basics, then followed up with quick success labs to develop confidence fueling desire to want know more.

How I can help you based upon my experience:

• 20+ years applying mainframe IT hardware, software, and services to large enterprises from 1975-1998 with significant industry first accomplishments.
• 25 years with IBM supporting independent software vendors, ISV's, with all aspects of IBM mainframe technology applied to ISV software portfolio.
• Master the Mainframe, 2004-2018 --- addressing IBM Z skills issues reported by IBM Customers --- behind the scenes Chief Chef and Janitor --- filling a skills pipeline for the IBM Customers reporting a serious IBM Z and z/OS skills gap.
• Developed and semi-annually deliver a no-cost 4.5 day class created for IT professionals needing a crash course on z/OS environment z/OS Introduction and Modernization --- outcome - anyone that attends all 4.5 days is equipped to pass extensive quiz located at the site
• Created content for one the most popular IBM Redbook downloads  z/OS Introduction | IBM Redbooks
• Assisted many universities start and grow curriculum to include hands-on experience with IBM Z and z/OS resulting in many job offers and careers.
• IBM SME mentor to many IBM customer apprentices and early career hires.
• Created Enterprise COBOL learning project, Linux Foundation, Open Mainframe Project, ... GitHub - openmainframeproject/cobol-programming-course: Training materials and labs for a "Getting Started" level course on COBOL
• Core team member of Linux Foundation, Mainframe Open Education, MOE, proposed project Mainframe Open Education - Open Mainframe Project
• Numerous IBM special assignments
  

Please reply to the discussion post with your questions, comments, etc.  I welcome all that want to help develop IBM Z and z/OS skills needed to fill the pipeline being vacated by retiring technicians ressponsible for business critical IBM Z hardware, software, applications, and consulting services.

Paul

------------------------------
Paul Newton
Consulting IT Specialist
IBM
Coppell TX
------------------------------