IBM launched Mainframe Skills Council with SHARE and Other Key Organizations

66 percent of organizations use third-party learning programs or platforms

During this week's SHARE conference in Orlando, IBM (NYSE: IBM) unveiled the Mainframe Skills Council, aiming to facilitate a skilled and diverse workforce for the mainframe platform in collaboration with global organizations. Alongside IBM, the council comprises various entities, including IBM clients, partners, academia, user groups, non-profits, and open communities, pooling efforts to implement mainframe skills development solutions. Initial members include Academic Mainframe Consortium, Albany State University, Broadcom, DNB Bank, HOGENT, M&T Bank, Northern Illinois University, Rocket Software, SHARE, and 21CS. Commissioned by IBM, Broadcom, and 21CS, the Futurum Group's 2024 Global Mainframe Skills Report reaffirms the demand for mainframe talent and progress in workforce development efforts within the mainframe community.

The survey identifies a generational gap in mainframe skills, with a surge in early career talent and a continued demand for experienced professionals. Notably, 91 percent of employer respondents plan to hire talent for new mainframe positions in the next 1-2 years. To support skills growth, IBM collaborates with universities, mainframe employers, online learning platforms, training providers, and community organizations, offering diverse learning opportunities. The Mainframe Skills Council, in conjunction with IBM's initiatives, aims to inspire, connect, train, and grow mainframe talent globally. Beyond traditional education, IBM offers non-traditional skills programs such as the IBM Z Global Skills Accelerator and Apprenticeship program, facilitating skill development for mainframe system administrators and application developers worldwide.