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Mainframe Application Developer Bootcamp
Develop COBOL, JCL, DB2, and CICS expertise
Reskill your team or onboard new talent with LearnQuest’s structured, hands-on mainframe application developer bootcamp. Designed for lasting impact and aligned with your business goals.
Why Invest in Mainframe Application Developer Training?
Mainframe systems still run the critical infrastructure of industries like finance, healthcare, logistics, and government. But experienced developers are retiring quickly. To stay ahead, organizations need to develop internal talent quickly and with focus.
LearnQuest’s bootcamp prepares learners to write, maintain, and troubleshoot COBOL applications, JCL job streams, and DB2 integrations in a z/OS environment. Whether you’re onboarding new hires or transitioning experienced staff, this program delivers immediate impact.
Learn more about this program or explore related mainframe training paths.
Why Mainframe Training is Urgent
71%
of Fortune 500 companies still rely on IBM Z
92
of the top 100 banks and all top 10 global insurers run their core systems on mainframes
68%
of the world’s production IT workloads are processed on mainframes, yet they account for only 6% of IT spend
70%
of Mainframe professionals have over 20 years of experience, signaling a fast-approaching retirement wave
775–850
billion lines
of COBOL remain in active use worldwide, including in finance, government, and logistics
These statistics are compiled from leading industry research organizations including Open Mainframe Project, Micro Focus/Vanson Bourne global surveys, Forrester Research benchmarking studies, Deloitte workforce analysis, and IBM adoption metrics. This multi-source approach provides comprehensive validation of the mainframe skills urgency across different research methodologies and timeframes.
30+ Years Supporting Mainframe Teams Across Industries
LearnQuest has provided authorized mainframe training for more than 30 years, supporting over 100 enterprise clients across finance, insurance, healthcare, logistics, and government.
Curriculum Overview
Core Topics
ISPF
Navigate and manage data sets, edit code, and interact with z/OS systems using the Interactive System Productivity Facility.
COBOL
Learn the core language used in business and financial applications, focusing on structured programming and data handling.
VSAM
Work with Virtual Storage Access Method for organizing and accessing data efficiently in large-scale environments.
JCL
Understand Job Control Language to manage batch processing and run programs on IBM mainframes.
DB2
Gain skills in IBM’s relational database system, including data definition, queries, and program integration.
CICS Transaction Server
Explore how to develop and manage high-volume, secure online transaction applications using CICS.
Optional Modules
IMS
Work with IBM’s Information Management System to manage hierarchical databases and transaction processing.
PL/I
Learn the PL/I programming language, used in enterprise environments for systems and application development.
MQSeries
Understand IBM MQ for secure and reliable message-based communication between applications.
REXX
Automate tasks on z/OS using the Restructured Extended Executor scripting language.
Assembler
Develop low-level programs for z/Architecture systems and gain insight into system internals.
Rational Developer for z
Use IBM’s IDE to write, test, and debug mainframe applications more efficiently.
Debugging with Xpeditor
Learn to step through, analyze, and debug COBOL and other mainframe programs using Xpeditor.
Easytrieve Plus
Use this report generator to extract and format data quickly from mainframe files and databases.
CA-Endevor
Manage source code and automate software change control processes with this enterprise SCM tool.
COBOL with IMS DB and CICS
Combine COBOL skills with IMS database access and CICS transaction control for integrated applications.
Programming Fundamentals
Start from the basics if you have no prior experience, covering logic, syntax, and key concepts to build confidence.
Build. Apply. Advance.
Phase 1
Fundamentals
- Learn ISPF and submit JCL from day one
- Start COBOL programming on day two
- Use SQL and DB2, then integrate them into COBOL workflows
Phase 2
Advanced Logic and Maintenance
- Write structured COBOL with subroutines and file processing
- Build multi-step JCL jobs, including FTP and sorting
- Enhance earlier programs with DB2 and implement common maintenance tasks
Outcomes That Speak for Themselves
By the end of the program, each learner will have:
- Written 15 COBOL programs
- Created 12 JCL job streams
- Completed 108 SQL exercises
The program emphasizes 70% hands-on learning, supported by instructor-led sessions and structured feedback.
Learning Support Built In
- Project Work
Each learner builds a cumulative project based on real scenarios or your internal systems - Weekly Checkpoints
Progress is measured through regular hands-on assessments - One-on-One Support
Instructors are available for direct guidance throughout - Pre-Bootcamp Orientation
Optional sessions prepare learners before training begins
Curious how we support learners throughout the process?
Delivery Options
- On-Site Training
Delivered at your location. Use your infrastructure or let LearnQuest provide everything. - Virtual Training
Live instruction and labs delivered through our virtual platform. No travel or setup required.
More than 75% of organizations choose LearnQuest-hosted environments to minimize IT overhead and simplify setup.
Not sure which delivery model is right for your team?
Who Should Attend?
This bootcamp is ideal for professionals who need to work confidently in a mainframe environment, including:
- New hires without programming experience
- Business analysts or IT staff moving into mainframe roles
- Junior developers supporting legacy systems
Since its launch, this program has helped thousands of professionals transition into mainframe development with real-world skills and confidence.
Need help evaluating whether this program fits your team?
Benefits for Your Team and Business
Get Expert Help with Mainframe Upskilling
Planning to upskill your team or expand mainframe capabilities? Fill out the form below, and a LearnQuest advisor will get in touch to discuss your goals, recommend role-based training options, and help you choose the right approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this bootcamp be customized?
Yes. We tailor the curriculum to your team’s experience, tools, and priorities.
Do learners need a programming background?
No. We offer a programming fundamentals module for those without prior experience.
What are the delivery options?
Training is available on-site, virtually, or in a hybrid format. Most clients prefer our virtual delivery environment.
What’s included in the training?
Course materials, lab access, instructor mentoring, assessments, and optional pre-training seminars are all included.