Foreword
Developing from a newbie to an expert is always daunting, but it can seem especially so within the Mainframe ecosystem.
Many people who are “New to IBM Z” may find it painful and tedious when attempting to find free and/or accessible resources that can ease them into this platform.
For some, when they ask their peers for support they will be met with a response akin to "Go read the manual, but don't ask me which one or where it is..."
That simply isn't good enough, but as a wise man once said "Lamentation will only get us so far... let's steer towards solutions."
This article is going to be my attempt at a solution.
New → Familiar
I recently ready a comment that stuck with me:
"While it is understandable to take a certain pride in having mastered a difficult skill, it is important not to make the mistake of conflating difficulty with necessity."
This is, of course, absolutely true.
There is great achievement in overcoming the (seemingly) insurmountable, but that doesn't mean that any obstacle needed to exist in the first place.
Even since 2021, when I started my career on the Mainframe, there has been real and tangible change with regards to education and training in this space.
Knowing that many people might struggle to find all of the resources that I have found over the years, I have collated a number of web-links into this article.
These should (hopefully) help newbies of all ilk to incrementally build both knowledge and confidence in the Mainframe platform and its related software / technologies, whether they are Sysprogs, Application Developers, Auditors, Salespeople or even HR.
But before reading on, I just want to remind all readers that we all learn and grow at different rates, so please don't compare your progression to those around you 😊
Simple “Intro to…” Resources
Upon delving into the Z Platform, users should take time to read through the "What is a Mainframe" topic on the IBM website, helping to provide a foundation of knowledge about the platform they will work upon.
This also aligns with the "Get Started with IBM zSystems" learning path which continues with explaining what IBM zSystems is, and the opportunities for zSystems developers.
There is also an "IBM Demos" website that provides 3D visuals for the z15 and z16 mainframe hardware, allowing viewers to remove specific drawers or chips.
In my experience, these resources would be best utilised prior to (or coinciding with) a full-length training course, such as the "IBM z Systems Environment - Introduced & Explained" course from RSM Technology.
Further ‘entry-level’ training is freely available from the IBM SkillsBuild website, including User Experience Design Fundamentals, Customer Service Skills and Mindfulness.
Becoming a certified Mainframe Practitioner
IBM Z System Administrator is a free training collection comprised of three modules which each yield individual accreditation:
1) The first of these modules is "Introduction to IBM z/OS", providing its own badge.
2) The second module is "Introduction to z/OS Commands and Panels on IBM Z", also providing its own badge.
3) The third and final module is "Introduction to System Programming on IBM Z", also providing its own badge.
Completion of all three modules will culminate in the user being awarded with the IBM z/OS Mainframe Practitioner badge.
These badges can accumulate into a portfolio of credentials using websites like Credly which can help to set you apart from your peers.
Additionally, the three modules mentioned above also fall under the "IBM Z 101" learning track from IBM's Mainframe Skills Depot website (alongside some Z Xplore modules).
Courses specific to Security
Your intrepid writer is known for working primarily in the field of (Cyber) Security
As someone who is invested in this area, I wanted to outline a few resources below that I know would be particularly valuable to anyone else who is similarly interest in this field...
Before looking into Mainframe-specific security education, it's important to know the essentials of this field, which is where the Cybersecurity Fundamentals course on IBM SkillsBuild comes in very handy!
Following this, there is an "IBM zSystems Cybersecurity Insight" course that is located within the Enterprise Knights community group which will reward anyone who completes this with another Credly badge!
You could even look into completing the Fortinet FCF and FCA education channel, which combines the "Fortinet Certified Fundamentals" and the "Fortinet Certified Associate" learning plans.
Now that you have a reasonable insight into security from a more holistic sense, you can look into the "RACF Foundations 2.5" course and the "Mainframe RACF Security Administrator" learning plans from Interskill Learning.
You could also see if your employer / university might be willing to support you with undertaking any of the Security Courses from RSM Technology, including the likes of "Understanding RACF" and "RACF Administration and Auditing"
With these courses under your belt, you could even look at expanding your knowledge into Security-aligned products like zSecure Suite, or other ESMs such as ACF2!
Interskill Learning
A particular mention needs to be made to Interskill Learning which undoubtedly offers the widest range of mainframe-affiliated training courses and therefore also provides the most opportunities for credentials as mentioned above.
The number of individual modules, courses and learning plans they offer is basically incalculable! Not least because the range of content is ever-expanding!
However this comes with the cost of a licence that many individuals and employers may not be able to afford, especially for students.
Thankfully, a limited number of Interskill courses do become available free-of-charge to those who enrol in the IBM Skills Depot!
Annual Conferences
Numerous conferences take place every year, with each event allowing you to learn from industry experts, meet other like-minded individuals and to collaborate on projects.
These are absolutely worth attending if you have the availability!
Many companies have proven willing to send trainees, and many of the events also offer discounts or scholarships to students!
GSE UK Region (🔗website) hosted in-person during November and also hosted online during May.
IDUG: International Db2 Users Group (🔗website) hosted in India during February and also hosted in Europe during October.
IBM TechXchange (🔗website) hosted in EMEA during Q1 (every other year) and also hosted in the USA during Q4.
SHARE (🔗website) hosted in the USA during February.
Mighty Mainframe (🔗website) hosted in Croatia during May.
Broadcom Mainframe Technical Exchange (🔗website) hosted in Europe during March, hosted virtually during June, and also hosted in the USA during October.
Smaller Events
Additional virtual opportunities may arise for development throughout the year, being far smaller in scale than the events listed above.
These mini-events generally come at no cost, but unfortunately aren’t always well publicised.
I have included some examples below from 2024, so you can keep an eye out for similar events across 2025 and beyond:
➡️ IBM Tech Bytes
➡️ IBM Z Day - October
➡️ IBM Z Skills Fest - July to August
For events such as these, there are sometimes even Certificates and/or Credly Badges that can also be earned, which will help to further boost your portfolio, and act as content to post on your LinkedIn account.
Mainframe Community Groups
What is knowledge, without those to share it with?
There are various groups and societies existing across the world which connect mainframe enthusiasts despite international borders and travel budgets:
This allows us to share perspectives, provide insights and to discuss new trends.
If you join these communities, you can connect with peers across the world. meet people to learn from and collaborate with!
A few notable groups have been listed below:
➡️ WAVEZ
➡️ Mainframe Society
➡️ System Z Enthusiasts
➡️ Mainframerz
➡️ Open Mainframe Project
➡️ Your Big Year® (IBM Z Student Ambassador)
Final words
As this article's author, I am heartened to see how intuitive most modern training content is, and how widely-available educational opportunities are becoming.
I firmly believe that the wider mainframe community should continue to:
- Denounce the gatekeeping of information
- Work together to create new training materials
- Collaborate on projects like Dinoframe
- Publicise existing training opportunities (e.g. The Open Mainframe Project's Cobol Course)
- Make resources as accessible as possible (free, intuitive, visual, etc...)
Together, we can make this space more open than ever before 🙌