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Mainframe System Programmer Bootcamp
Train your system programmers to manage, configure, and support IBM Z environments
LearnQuest’s structured bootcamp equips your team with the foundational and advanced skills needed to install and maintain z/OS, configure Sysplex environments, tune performance, and manage systems-level operations.
Why Train Mainframe System Programmers?
System programmers play a critical role in maintaining the integrity, performance, and security of your IBM Z infrastructure. But as experienced staff retire, many organizations are left with knowledge gaps that affect resilience and modernization efforts.
This bootcamp builds the skills your team needs to support system software, manage hardware interfaces, apply maintenance, and troubleshoot complex z/OS environments with confidence.
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
z/OS Facilities
Understand the core structure of z/OS, including address spaces, storage management, and workload control.
z/OS System Services Structure
Explore how z/OS components interact through services, control blocks, and internal structures.
SMP/E for z/OS Workshop
Learn how to use IBM’s System Modification Program/Extended (SMP/E) to install and maintain z/OS software.
REXX Programming Workshop
Automate system tasks and scripting processes with the REXX language in a mainframe environment.
Hardware Management Console (HMC) Operations
Manage system partitions and control IPL and shutdown processes using the HMC interface.
Parallel Sysplex Implementation
Learn how to configure and implement Parallel Sysplex for workload balancing and high availability.
Sysplex Operations
Gain operational experience managing Sysplex environments, including messaging, logging, and recovery.
Basic z/OS Tuning with Workload Manager
Learn the fundamentals of system performance tuning using IBM’s Workload Manager (WLM).
Optional Modules
Advanced Performance and Tuning
Dive deeper into performance metrics, tuning strategies, and workload optimization in production environments.
Additional HMC Operations
Extend your knowledge of HMC tasks, including enhanced system configuration and resource management.
z/OS Management Facility (z/OSMF) Use
Use the z/OSMF interface to manage software, workflows, and system operations through a web-based portal.
Assembler Language Coding Workshop
Learn to write basic Assembler programs, understand z/Architecture fundamentals, and interact with system-level functions.
Advanced Assembler Language Coding Workshop
Build on foundational skills to write more complex Assembler code, implement system exits, and explore performance-critical routines.
Full Immersion. Systems-Ready.
Phase 1
Foundations of z/OS
- ISPF navigation and system structure
- JCL and job execution
- Introduction to SMP/E and system customization
Phase 2
Maintenance and Operations
- Command usage for system-level activities
- HMC interface training
- JCL utilities and recovery basics
phase 3
Sysplex Configuration and Performance
- Implementing and operating Parallel Sysplex environments
- Performance tuning using WLM
- Troubleshooting and recovery scenarios
Outcomes That Speak for Themselves
By the end of the program, each learner will have:
- Apply maintenance using SMP/E
- Configure system resources and monitor status
- Operate and manage Sysplex environments
- Perform hands-on tuning for z/OS performance
Learning Support Throughout
- Cumulative Project Work
Learners document configuration tasks and test them in lab environments - Weekly Assessments
Track mastery of topics and technical readiness - Mentoring and Coaching
Ongoing access to expert instructors - Pre-Bootcamp Orientation
Optional overview sessions for context and confidence
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 program is designed for:
- New hires joining system programming teams
- Internal staff transitioning into infrastructure roles
- Junior sysadmins ready for advanced responsibilities
Whether learners are experienced in mainframe support or new to z/OS, this bootcamp builds technical depth and operational readiness.
Need help evaluating whether this program fits your team?
Benefits for Your Team and Business
Get Expert Help with Mainframe Upskilling
Tell us what your team needs. We’ll help you define a training path, align it with your architecture, and prepare your next generation of system programmers. Start by completing the form below. A LearnQuest advisor will follow up with a personalized training plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it be customized to our environment?
Yes. We regularly tailor content to customer tooling, automation, and policies.
Is prior mainframe experience required?
No, but a technical background is recommended. We support both new and growing system programmers.
What delivery formats are available?
Instructor-led training is available on-site or virtually. Most clients use LearnQuest-hosted systems for convenience.
What’s included?
Course materials, lab access, mentoring, assessments, and optional pre-training preparation.