Mainframe Infrastructure 001-260105-MF-Infra
12 weeks
·Live Course
System Programming Foundations for Enterprise Mainframes
Your Instructors
Kamal Iyer
Course Overview
The Mainframe Infrastructure Cohort Training Program is a comprehensive, hands-on training experience designed to prepare learners for operational and support roles within modern enterprise mainframe environments. This program focuses on building strong foundational and practical skills across core mainframe technologies, with an emphasis on real-world system operations rather than application development.
Throughout the program, learners gain practical experience working with IBM z/OS, including system navigation, dataset management, job execution, storage concepts, and core subsystem interactions. The curriculum covers essential mainframe components such as JCL, TSO/ISPF, DASD and storage administration concepts, DB2, CICS, and mainframe networking, enabling learners to understand how these technologies work together to support large-scale, mission-critical business systems.
The program emphasizes operational readiness, troubleshooting, and disciplined system practices commonly required in enterprise environments. Learners are introduced to industry-standard workflows, documentation practices, system monitoring concepts, and the responsibilities associated with maintaining secure, stable, and high-performing mainframe systems. Hands-on labs and guided exercises reinforce core concepts and build confidence in navigating and supporting production-like environments.
By the end of the program, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and practical experience needed to contribute effectively in mainframe infrastructure, operations, and support roles. Graduates will be prepared to onboard into enterprise teams, support day-to-day mainframe operations, and continue progressing toward advanced responsibilities or formal mainframe certifications with a strong operational foundation.
What you'll get out of this course
Develop a solid understanding of IBM z/OS architecture and the role of mainframes in large-scale, mission-critical enterprise systems.
Gain hands-on proficiency with TSO/ISPF, including system navigation, dataset management, job submission, and output analysis.
Learn to write, execute, and troubleshoot Job Control Language (JCL) used for batch processing and system operations.
Understand core storage and DASD concepts, including datasets, catalogs, space allocation, and performance considerations.
Build working knowledge of key mainframe subsystems such as DB2, CICS, and z/OS communications and networking.
Apply structured operational and troubleshooting frameworks to analyze system issues, interpret system messages, and follow escalation procedures.
Adopt industry-standard documentation, change management awareness, and operational best practices used in regulated enterprise environments.
Prepare for entry-level to junior mainframe infrastructure, operations, and support roles, with a foundation that supports continued learning and certification pathways.
Course content
Course Syllabus
3 items
Technical Interview Preparation
5 items
Week 1: JCL Introduction
24 items
Week 2: TSO/ISPF, RACF & Utilities
23 items
Week 3: JCL & Batch Scheduling
27 items
Week 4: z/OS Customization & Maintenance
18 items
Week 5: VSAM, REXX & Compilation Workflows
18 items
Week 6: CICS Concepts & Programming
4 items
Week 7: CICS Installation & RCA
4 items
Week 8: DB2 & MQ Fundamentals
26 items
Week 9: DB2 System Administration, Performance, and IMS Architectural Concepts
11 items
Week 10: Storage Systems
20 items
Week 11: SMS Constructs and Storage Admin
17 items
Week 12: Networking Fundamentals & Final Review
2 items
Your Instructors
Kamal Iyer
With over 30 years of experience in the technology industry, Kamal brings deep expertise in IBM Mainframe technologies. Over the course of his career, he has held diverse roles spanning Operations, Application Development, Technical Management, and Architecture, working with leading global organizations including Citibank and HSBC Global Technology.
For the past five years, Kamal has focused on his passion for teaching as a Corporate Trainer and Mentor, specializing in Mainframes, Mainframe Modernization, and Cloud Technologies. He is an AWS Certified Solutions Architect and is well-versed in open-source tools and modern DevOps practices.
Based in Mumbai, India, Kamal is deeply passionate about knowledge sharing, mentoring professionals at different stages of their careers, and is an avid reader with a lifelong love for learning
Lindsay Ingram
Hi there! I’m Lindsay Ingram, your Soft Skills Trainer for this course. As you move through these self-paced modules, I’ll be here behind the scenes offering encouragement, answering questions, and helping you get the most out of the learning experience. Soft skills are powerful tools for both your personal and professional life—and this course is designed to help you develop them in ways that feel authentic and actionable.
Feel free to reach out anytime. I’m excited to support your journey!
Kelley Scharf
Training Operations Manager
I’m the Training Operations Manager at GenSpark, where I coordinate large-scale training initiatives and serve as a liaison between clients, consultants, and internal teams. I manage everything from onboarding and upskilling to consultant performance tracking and client relationship development to ensure our programs deliver impact at every level.
For every cohort, I focus on keeping the program moving forward, from managing logistics and tracking outcomes to supporting trainers and ensuring you have the resources you need to succeed.
Outside of work, I’m usually organizing something in a spreadsheet or spending time with my wife and 6-year-old Siberian Husky, Ace.
Adam Ingram
Director of Technical Training & Development | Building Tomorrow’s Tech Workforce
I’m the Director of Technical Training & Development at GenSpark, where I design and lead large-scale training programs that connect academic learning with real-world industry needs.
I’m passionate about building talent and driving workforce innovation. Over the years, I’ve developed and deployed nationwide programs across technologies like Mainframe, RPG, Oracle EBS, Guidewire, Cybersecurity, and Generative AI.
My focus is on creating immersive “Hire-Train-Deploy” models that help entry- and mid-level professionals accelerate into meaningful roles with top enterprise clients. I combine technical training, leadership development, and hands-on learning design to prepare learners for long-term success in the tech industry.
When I’m not building the next generation of tech talent, you’ll usually find me traveling with my family, exploring the outdoors in our Grand Design Momentum RV, or creating new and engaging educational content.
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